15 Things That Can Make an Arthritic Joint Feel Better

15 Things That Can Make an Arthritic Joint Feel Better

15 Things That Can Make an Arthritic Joint Feel Better

Your joints are responsible for connecting your bones together. This means that your joints act as a hinge for your bones, giving them the ability to bend and move in many different directions. Without joints, our bodies would become inflexible and stiff.

While joints are found throughout the skeleton, they are divided into three different categories: immovable or fibrous, partially movable or cartilaginous, and freely movable or synovial joints.

Immovable fibrous joints are located between the edges of the bone plates located on the dome of the skull. These joints protect the brain from injury. Cartilage joints are located between the vertebrae and give your spine its flexibility. Finally, synovial joints are located on the hips, shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles and provide free movement in these areas.

Joints are responsible for movement, flexibility and protection throughout the body. Because joints play a large role in your daily movements and activities, these areas are also susceptible to injury and illness. Arthritis causes inflammation and joint pain. People with arthritis often experience swelling, warmth, pain, and reduced mobility in their joints.

15 Ways to Relieve Pain from an Arthritic Joint

Arthritis can be very debilitating for those who are constantly moving. Since there is no cure for arthritis, only treatment options are available. Here are 15 things that can make an arthritic joint feel better:

1. Lose weight.Being overweight can put additional stress and strain on your joints. One treatment option would be a healthy exercise and diet plan to reduce this stress.

2. Use ice.Try icing your joints for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes up to 2-3 times per day. This will help reduce swelling.

3. Give your joints a break.If you're constantly moving, try slowing down a bit and taking time throughout the day to rest.

4. Move.Given the previous recommendation, this may sound counterintuitive, but for couch potatoes and office junkies, don't forget to get up and move throughout the day. When you sit around all day, your joints become stiff and blood flow to those areas becomes restricted.

5. Stand up straight.Try to practice good posture throughout the day. Elongating your spine and sitting properly can reduce stress on these joints.

6. Get a massage.Inflamed, painful joints respond well to massage. This will help increase blood circulation and relax your muscles and joints.

7. Change your routine.Try different exercises to give your joints a break. This week, forget your running routine and jump in the pool! Swimming and cycling can be exercises for people affected by arthritis.

8. Make time for stressful activities.Switching up your cardio can be a great way to relieve joint pain. However, don't forget to also do low-impact exercises and manageable weight lifting.

9. Don't underestimate the benefits of a good stretch.Stretching can also make your joints more flexible and pain-free. Relaxing and stretching your body might be the easiest way to relieve your joint pain.

10. Focus on your diet.Your diet is extremely important for managing arthritis pain. Try adding a new supplement like glucosamine. This helps keep your joint cartilage healthy and strong.

11. Consider anti-inflammatory medications.You may want to consider adding over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications to your pillbox. Taking these medications helps reduce inflammation and pain throughout the day, especially when used intermittently.

12. Consider medical interventions.With these medications, you might consider medications that could be injected directly into the affected area, such as: B. Cortisone. These injections provide strong anti-inflammatory relief for 3-6 months. You can also try hyaluronic acid injections, which provide relief for up to a year.

13. Try wrapping or bracing the affected area.This can help support your joints during painful daily activities while reducing swelling.

14. See a physical therapist.Physiotherapy is always an option for those seeking pain relief from joint pain.

15. Explore surgery as an option.After these treatment options fail, joint replacement surgery could be the next option for severe arthritic cases.

Don't let it arthritis Stopping you from participating in the activities you love and living the life you love. There are always treatment options to reduce stress and inflammation in your joints. Some treatment options may be more successful than others. So stay positive as you explore different pain relief options for arthritic joints.

Inspired by Stacie L. Grossfeld, MD