Top 5 Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and disability worldwide. If you feel pain and stiffness in your joints, along with inflammation, it is most likely the result of arthritis. You can find plenty of advice on how to reduce pain from arthritis through exercise, medication, and stress reduction, but how do you know what treatment will work for you? Here are some things to do to help you figure it out. You can make it easier to stay ahead of the pain by learning what type of arthritis you have and determining whether or not any of your joints are already damaged. Always consult your doctor about any increases or changes in pain.

Daily Activities

Pay attention to your joints while sitting, standing, or engaging in physical activity while dealing with arthritis. Keeping your joints moving by doing daily stretches that put them through their full range of motion is vital. In addition, know your limits, do not overdo it, balance activity and rest properly. Lifestyle changes can also be necessary for easing pain. For example, managing weight is essential because being overweight can increase complications and contribute to arthritis pain. Quitting smoking is also beneficial as it causes stress on connective tissues and worsens pain.

Exercise

When suffering from arthritis, movement can help to decrease pain, improve range of motion and endurance, and strengthen your muscles. That said, you must choose appropriate activities that build up the muscles around your joints without damaging them. A physical therapist can help you build an exercise program that is right for you. Focus on strengthening and range of motion exercises. You should avoid high-impact and repetitive motion activities, such as jumping and high-impact aerobics. For example, repeating the same motion repeatedly, like a serve in tennis, can be detrimental.

Medication

Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or Naproxen (Aleve) can help to relieve pain in your joints. Topical creams can also be applied over the skin of a painful joint to reduce pain. However, if over-the-counter medications do not provide relief, contact your doctor. Never ignore severe or prolonged arthritis pain. You may have joint inflammation or damage needing daily medication.

Body and Mind Integration

It is not a surprise that pain from arthritis also harms your mood. If activities of everyday life cause you pain, you are bound to feel discouraged. But when these feelings turn into constant fear and hopelessness, your pain can worsen and become more challenging to manage. Relaxation therapy through meditation, yoga, listening to music, being in nature, or whatever helps you relax can ease the pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also known to help acknowledge and break cycles of self-defeating thoughts and actions. Avoiding negative thoughts and attitudes can help tremendously with arthritis pain.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and disability worldwide. It makes everyday tasks a bear to deal with and, at times, can leave you feeling hopeless. However, you can significantly promote pain relief by identifying the type of arthritis and working diligently to reduce pain through safe exercise, medication, and relaxation. Always contact a medical professional if the pain is prolonged or worsens.