Chronic pain has a nasty way of interfering with our ability to perform the day-to-day activities we once took for granted. It can also keep us from truly enjoying the moments in life we cherish most. At Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management, we recognize the importance of providing our patients with the knowledge and resources they need to avoid taking unnecessary measures in their journey to wellness. Though osteoarthritis is a chronic condition with no known cure, you can make minor lifestyle changes to prevent further joint deterioration while significantly reducing pain!
Over time, cartilage on the ends of your bones wears away, leading to osteoarthritis, a joint disease. Cartilage is a tough, slick substance that allows nearly friction-free joint movement. When cartilage wears out and disappears, bone-on-bone friction is the inevitable outcome.
The joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine are the most commonly affected by this disease. Indeed, many people with osteoarthritis report chronic and extreme pain and stiffness in their knees, hips, and lower back. They commonly experience joint tenderness, inflammation, stiffness, or cracking, and need prolonged osteoarthritis treatment. Osteoarthritis usually begins in the knees and progresses to the hips, fingers, and toes, causing joint deformity and bone growth. Osteoarthritis symptoms are at their worst in the winter or when patients engage in physical activity.
Follow These Simple Steps to Naturally Fight Back Against Osteoarthritis Pain
Step One: Adjust Your Diet
Poor diet is often a major contributing factor to intense arthritic pain. Luckily, there are plenty of superfoods and supplements out there with the power to substantially reduce pain and inflammation.
Garlic, for instance, contains elements that counteract tissue damage. Antioxidants found within green tea have similar properties. Turmeric, a yellow spice commonly found in curry, contains a substance called curcumin. This substance is known to reduce symptoms of swelling in arthritis patients.
Some physicians also recommend consuming omega-3 fatty acids, which have the power to curb pain and inflammation. Omega-3 can usually be found in fish oil supplements.
Inversely, some foods can actually aggravate osteoarthritis symptoms. Try to avoid alcohol, salt, sugar, artificial sweeteners, white bread, and saturated and trans fats.
Step 2: Train Your Body
An active lifestyle promotes muscle growth and a bolstered immune system, both of which protect joints from deteriorating any further. The Arthritis Foundation even refers to exercise as the most effective non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in osteoarthritis.
It is best for those with pain syndromes to stick to low-impact, low-resistance training that is also aerobic and flexibility-oriented. Activities like walking, bike riding, swimming, yoga, and tai-chi are all considered excellent ways to combat arthritis pain.
Step 3: Reduce Your Stress Levels
Chemicals released during psychological stress have the potential to negatively impact the immune system and trigger joint inflammation. Adding easy stress relief techniques to your daily routine is a great way to significantly reduce pain. Spending extra time outdoors can be a wonderful way to clear the mind and heal the body.
Arthritis Care
Arthritis Care & Research studies show that people with hip and knee OA are using oral pain relievers more than non-drug alternatives. 70 to 82% of almost 1,200 patients in a study took pain relievers; less than half tried physical therapy or other options for non-drug therapy.
Doctors recommend that people with arthritis receive 150 minutes a week of brisk walking, cycling, and weight training. According to a study in 2017, even 45 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity could improve function.
What’s the Role of Chiropractors?
Osteoarthritis pain in the knees and hips can be alleviated by chiropractic care. Osteoarthritis will only get worse because there is currently no cure for it. Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition, but treatments are available to ease the pain.
Osteoarthritis patients can rely on the expertise of osteoarthritis treatment in Oklahoma City. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain in the knee, groin, and thigh area, as well as ultrasound healing techniques.
What To Do When All Else Fails
Again, osteoarthritis is classified as a chronic condition. This means there is no cure. Though it is possible to greatly improve your condition by implementing the lifestyle adjustments listed above, there is no surefire way to prevent pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis.
So, what does one do when all these natural remedies and preventative measures fail to stop a flare-up from occurring?
Visit your doctor or a pain management specialist if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Â Joints appear red and feel warm to the touch
- Intense pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Difficulty moving or performing daily tasks
- Symptoms lasting three days or longer
- Multiple flare-ups within one month
With nearly two decades of experience in treating pain syndromes, Dr. Robinson is recognized as one of the top physicians in the region. When all else fails, Dr. Robinson and the Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management team provide pain relief with state-of-the-art tools and treatment.
Call 405.703.4950 to schedule your evaluation in Oklahoma City today.
