Arthritis pain is a common issue affecting many people. According to the CDC, 21.2% of American adults received an arthritis diagnosis between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, while many people associate arthritis with aging, anyone can have it at any stage of life.
Arthritis impacts your joints and surrounding tissues, making simple tasks like standing up or walking more difficult. While it is a typical part of aging, you don’t have to accept a life of pain and limited mobility. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage arthritis pain effectively.
Below, Premier Med Group describes its available treatment plans for arthritis pain relief in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. The tips include ways to manage arthritis pain with traditional treatments and make some lifestyle changes that could help you cope better.
Arthritis Can Affect Different Parts of Your Body and Life
Many people don’t realize that arthritis comes in over 100 different forms. Each variation impacts your body in a different way. According to the CDC, osteoarthritis is most common, affecting around 33 million people in the United States, but it is more common in adults 45 and up. Osteoarthritis tends to cause pain or discomfort in the knees, hips, hands, and back.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder and autoimmune disorder. It can impact more than just your joints by potentially damaging your blood vessels, skin, eyes, and lungs. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain
While you can’t cure arthritis, managing your arthritis pain and symptoms may make it easier to do certain activities. These pain management tips might improve your quality of life:
1. Stay active
Keeping up with regular exercise may be helpful in managing pain from arthritis. BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation published a report suggesting that aerobic exercises can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis improve mobility, reduce pain, and increase their aerobic capacity.
Similarly, the CDC recommends getting at least 150 minutes of exercise each week to help reduce pain and improve your physical function. Ideas for getting active include:
- “Motion is lotion”
- Take long walks in the evening.
- Go cycling a few times a week.
- Try group exercise programs.
2. Use over-the-counter medications
Some over-the-counter analgesics combine well with regular exercise to manage pain due to arthritis. If your doctor prescribes medication for the pain, follow their instructions closely to avoid side effects like an upset stomach.
When managing arthritis pain, it’s also important to be completely honest with your doctor about any issues you have with medications and the pain you’re experiencing.
3. Maintain a healthy diet
A balanced diet is key to any self-care routine, but especially for arthritis patients who need to be mindful of their weight. According to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, being just 10 pounds overweight can increase pressure on your knees by up to 60 pounds with every step! Pain should lessen if you can decrease this kind of pressure on your joints.
Keep up with regular exercise and talk with your doctor about your concerns. Establishing achievable goals to lose weight and eat healthier is good if you’re seeking a more natural approach to pain management in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
4. Take advantage of mobility aids
Using mobility aids like crutches, canes, or walkers can reduce the stress on your hip and knee joints while moving around. A cane or crutch should always go in the opposite hand. For example, if your right knee is the source of your discomfort, hold the aid with your left arm.
Since conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can lead to disability, aids and treatment are important. According to the John Hopkins Arthritis Center, 60% of people with rheumatoid arthritis are unable to work after 10 years following insufficient treatment. Your physician can help you weigh the type of treatment and suggest aids for your specific type of arthritis.
5. Don’t overdo It
While exercise is crucial for your health as someone with arthritis, you need to be careful. Repetitive motion and excessive bending or lifting can irritate your joints and cause more pain. A few too many simple tasks around the house might turn out to be a painful choice.
- Injections for arthritis pain
Injections for arthritis pain are commonly used to provide relief when other treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, are not enough. These injections can target inflammation, reduce pain, and improve mobility, offering both short-term and long-term relief. Joint Injections for Arthritis Pain
There are several types of injections used for arthritis pain management:
- Corticosteroid Injections: commonly used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions.
- Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections: HA injections are approved by the FDA for use in knees.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: most used for osteoarthritis and tendon or ligament injuries associated with arthritis.
- Stem Cell Injections: Stem cell injections are still being researched but are being used in clinical practice for osteoarthritis and other joint conditions.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: primarily used for muscle pain associated with arthritis, such as in the case of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) arthritis or neck pain related to osteoarthritis.
- Anesthetic Injections (Local Anesthetics): useful for diagnosing the cause of joint pain or for acute flare-ups of arthritis (gout).
- Prolotherapy: injecting an irritant solution (often a dextrose-based solution) into the affected joint, ligaments, or tendons. The irritant causes a mild inflammatory response that stimulates the body’s healing mechanisms, encouraging tissue repair, strengthening of ligaments and tendons, and ultimately reducing pain and inflammation.
It’s important to consult with Premier Med Group doctor before considering injections to ensure you’re choosing the most appropriate treatment based on your specific type of arthritis and its severity.
By using a combination of medical treatments, exercise, diet, and mobility aids, you can better manage your arthritis pain and improve your overall quality of life with help of https://premiermedgroup.com/
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Arthritic Pain: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers a promising approach for arthritis pain management. Several studies have suggested it can offer benefits in managing arthritis symptoms: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis.
By reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting tissue repair, HBOT may help alleviate pain and improve mobility in those suffering from arthritis. If you’re considering HBOT as part of your arthritis treatment plan, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if this therapy is appropriate for you, and to discuss how it can fit into your overall pain management strategy.
Reach out to Premier Med Group for help with Pain Management in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Arthritis might be a part of aging that people often have to deal with, but keep your chin up – you have options for pain management in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Treatment for arthritis pain improves your quality of life and can delay deterioration. Why not ask Premier Med Group about pain management techniques?
To learn more about managing arthritis pain, or to discuss options, call Premier Med Group at (908) 904-1900 or get in touch online. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs
How many types of Arthritis are there?
There are over 100 official types of arthritis, including Osteoarthritis (OA) which is the most common type, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Psoriatic arthritis, Gout, Lupus, Ankylosing Spondylitis
What causes arthritis?
The exact cause depends on the type of arthritis. However, common causes include family history, increasing age, injury, infections, autoimmune disorders
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Common symptoms include joint pain and tenderness, joint swelling, joint stiffness especially in the morning, reduced range of motion, fatigue and overall discomfort
How is arthritis diagnosed?
You will need physical examination to check for joint swelling, redness, and tenderness. Your doctor might order X-rays, MRI scans to look at joint damage and blood tests to identify markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity (particularly for rheumatoid arthritis).
Is there a cure for arthritis?
No, there is currently no cure for arthritis. Pain and symptoms can be managed through:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement or other surgical options may be considered.
Can arthritis be prevented?
While arthritis cannot always be prevented, lifestyle choices may reduce your risk or delay the onset:
- Staying active: Regular exercise can strengthen muscles and protect joints.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Reduces the pressure on your joints, especially weight-bearing ones.
- Avoiding joint injuries: Wearing proper gear during sports and activities can help prevent injuries that may contribute to arthritis later in life.
How much weight should I lose to reduce arthritis pain?
According to the CDC, a person weighing 250 pounds may notice improvement in their arthritis pain by losing 12 pounds or more. Your doctor can tell you more.
What types of exercise are safe for arthritis?
Low-impact exercises are best for people with arthritis, such as: walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, stretching exercises
Can exercise help with arthritis pain?
Yes, regular exercise can help reduce arthritis pain by improving joint mobility, strengthening muscles around the joints, and promoting overall circulation. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, are particularly beneficial for arthritis patients.
Are over-the-counter medications effective for arthritis pain?
Yes, over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective for managing mild to moderate arthritis pain. However, always follow your doctor’s guidance on medication usage to avoid side effects and communicate openly about your pain levels for optimal management
Should I avoid activity if I have arthritis?
While you should avoid overexerting yourself, it’s important to remain active. Regular movement can help reduce stiffness and improve joint health. Try low-impact exercises and avoid repetitive motions that could irritate the joints further.
What is the role of diet in managing arthritis?
A balanced diet is important for arthritis management, particularly for those aiming to lose weight and reduce joint stress. Eating anti-inflammatory foods like fish (rich in omega-3s), fruits, vegetables, and certain whole grains can help reduce inflammation and pain.
How does mobility aids help with arthritis?
Mobility aids like canes, walkers, and crutches can help reduce stress on painful joints, especially in the hips, knees, and ankles. These aids can improve your ability to move safely and comfortably, allowing you to maintain mobility while reducing pain.
Are there any home remedies for arthritis?
Some people find relief from arthritis symptoms using natural remedies such as:
- Hot and cold therapy: Using heating pads or ice packs to soothe pain.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound.
- Epsom salt baths: May help relax muscles and reduce swelling.
- Massage: Can help alleviate pain and stiffness in the joints.
However, it’s important to discuss any home remedies with your doctor before trying them.
Can arthritis lead to disability?
Yes, in severe cases, arthritis can lead to disability, particularly if left untreated. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deformity and severe limitations in mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing such outcomes.
