This post was last updated on October 17th, 2022 at 10:38 am
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis affecting millions worldwide. You get a variety of symptoms like loss of flexibility, joint pain and tenderness, stiffness, a grating sensation when the joint moves, swelling at the joints, etc., due to wearing away of the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones rubbing against each other. Fortunately, the symptoms develop slowly, and you can take preventive steps to arrest its progression with simple tactics right at home. Some tips:
Follow an Active Lifestyle
You may not want to exercise when your joints are hurting; however, research reveals that maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the best ways of keeping osteoarthritis at bay. While exercise is an energy booster, it also keeps your joints flexible while making your muscles and bones stronger. Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, etc., can burn excess calories, while resistance training can strengthen your muscles. According to Medical News Today, you should engage in 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
Adopt a Healthy Diet
You can ease your symptoms of osteoarthritis by eating a balanced diet. According to studies, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and fish and fish oil containing Omega-3 fatty acids is especially helpful in relieving pain. A balanced diet with fresh produce, whole grains, fish, lean meats, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, and oils can boost your overall health and relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, says a pain consultant at QC Kinetix (Augusta) near Augusta. To visit this reputed pain clinic, follow the map.
Lose Weight
If you are overweight, you will increase strain on your joints in the knees, hips, spine, and feet, causing them to wear out prematurely. By losing weight, you can reduce the strain on your joints and keep them in better shape. However, losing weight by making lifestyle changes is not easy, which is why you must never make drastic changes and instead follow a schedule that allows you to make incremental changes to burn more calories by exercising more and eating less.
Get Adequate and Restful Sleep
By sleeping well, you will put less strain on your joints and cope better with the stress and pain of osteoarthritis. You should go to bed early and at the same time every night. Avoid distractions like TV, mobiles, computers, etc., in the bedroom, and rely on soothing music or light reading to encourage sleep. You can use pillows to take the pressure off painful joints
Use Hot or Cold Packs
If your joints are inflamed, stiff, and painful, you may consider using hot or cold packs. Cold packs can help to reduce the swelling, while hot packs can ease the stiffness and pain. You may need to experiment to find out what works better for you.
Conclusion
Living with osteoarthritis can be difficult due to the pain, discomfort, and lack of mobility. In case of severe pain, try some over-the-counter medications but be wary of side effects like stomach irritation. If the pain persists, consult your doctor, especially about complementary and regenerative medicine that has shown immense promise in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
