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“I Can Feel It in My Bones”- Part Two: Managing Arthritis Pain

While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure for arthritis, there are many effective strategies to alleviate pain and keep you moving that Serving Hands Senior Care can help with.
Serving Hands Senior Care

In Part One, we explored how weather changes can affect joint pain, particularly for those with arthritis. Now that we’ve established this connection, let’s shift our focus to practical ways you can manage arthritis pain and enhance your quality of life—no matter the weather.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure for arthritis, there are many effective strategies to alleviate pain and keep you moving. Arthritis often causes sore, stiff joints, and it’s easy to picture yourself as the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, creaking and groaning with every step-down life’s road. But unlike the Tin Man, you don’t need oil to move freely again—consider your synovial fluid as your joints’ “oil” that helps keep you moving smoothly. In this section, we’ll explore proven methods to ensure your joints function properly and, with a little effort, reduce pain and stiffness, whether the sun is shining, or the rain is pouring down.

What treatments work best for managing arthritis pain?

  1. Stay Active : Don’t rust up and stiffen like the Tin Man! Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining joint flexibility and reducing stiffness. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and cycling can strengthen muscles around the joints without adding strain. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.
  2. Healthy Diet: Certain foods can trigger inflammation in the body. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, many commonly consumed foods in North America can increase joint inflammation, including refined carbs, trans fats, processed meats, fried foods, and those high in added sugar. While this is just a short list, consulting a dietitian can help you find the best anti-inflammatory diet for your needs.
  3. Medications: There are various options for managing arthritis pain. Doctors often begin with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs for mild to moderate pain, along with topical creams for localized relief. For more severe pain, corticosteroids or steroid injections may be prescribed, sometimes requiring referral to an orthopedic specialist. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best medication for your specific situation.
  4. Weight Management: The skeletal system is designed to support a healthy body weight, but excess weight increases pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce this pressure and provide relief from arthritis pain.
  5. Adequate Rest: Resting your joints, especially after physical activity, is important to reduce inflammation and manage pain. Balancing activity with rest is key to managing arthritis symptoms effectively.

 

Managing chronic conditions like arthritis often requires a combination of methods tailored to individual needs. Regular check-ups with your healthcare professional are essential for finding the most effective plan for you.

Like the Tin Man, living with arthritis can feel like a constant battle with pain and stiffness, but there are many strategies to help you manage your symptoms and maintain mobility. While arthritis can be unpredictable—much like the weather’s effect on your body—using the right mix of self-care, medical support, and a positive mindset, you can reduce discomfort and live a more active, fulfilling life, even when the skies are grey.

At Serving Hands Senior Care, we specialize in providing compassionate care for individuals struggling with chronic pain. To learn more about our services, please contact our main office at 780-963-1516. We’d be happy to assist you.

For additional information about arthritic pain and its treatment, visit our Facebook page to read an info graph filled with helpful tips.

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