If you suffer from arthritis, then you know how debilitating it can be. That pain and stiffness can make everyday activities difficult and even impossible. But there are things you can do to minimize your symptoms and maximize your mobility. In this blog post, Dr. Larson, an orthopaedic specialist and surgeon, will explain the causes of arthritis, offer tips on managing the condition effectively, and talk about specific treatments that could provide relief.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints in your body, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many different types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), lupus (SLE), gout, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Comprehensive diagnosis by a professional is essential for accurate treatment options.
The most common type of arthritis is OA which occurs when the cartilage surrounding a joint becomes worn down or damaged over time due to aging or repeated trauma or stress on the affected area. RA is an autoimmune disorder that results in swollen joints as well as fatigue and flu-like symptoms; PsA also affects both joints and skin; whilst SLE can impact major organs such as kidneys and lungs; finally AS causes spine stiffening leading to chronic pain in the back or neck if left untreated for long period of times. Symptoms vary depending on type so it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional who can offer tailored advice and treatment plans.
Lifestyle Modifications that are Recommended to Manage Pain Caused by Arthritis
There are several lifestyle changes you can make that could alleviate some of your symptoms. Eating healthy foods rich in antioxidants may help reduce inflammation; avoiding processed food like white bread and pastas made with refined grains helps keep weight off joints; regular exercise strengthens muscles around joints which helps support them better; getting enough rest gives your body time to recover after activity; using ergonomic devices like walking sticks or braces can provide stability where needed; applying cold compresses at night may help reduce morning stiffness; heating pads or warm baths during the day might increase flexibility; lastly consider obtaining physical therapy that includes microcurrent stimulation therapy which emits tiny electrical impulses into affected areas reducing inflammation instantly.
Potential Treatments for Arthritis
You should discuss all available treatments with an orthopaedic specialist before starting any new program so they can best advise you on what route to take based on your personal needs and your diagnosis. Depending on what kind of arthritis you have, this could include oral medications such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) which are taken daily to ease pain throughout the day/week.
Lasting solutions need other interventions such as corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint providing relief from an acute flare-up episode within a few hours all way up until a few weeks – another increasingly popular intervention being utilized now more than ever before, involves Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy whereby platelets from the patient’s blood are extracted, then injected back into the affected joint.
It may also be necessary to undergo surgery to help with the pain caused by arthritis. Conservative treatments will be recommended to begin with, Dr. Larson will guide you through these and will recommend surgery only when it’s found to be necessary.
Living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean living in constant discomfort—there are steps you can take to help manage your symptoms effectively! Discussing comprehensive treatment plans with qualified healthcare professionals along with taking proactive lifestyle measures can help minimize those painful nagging moments, ensuring a healthier and happier life, filled with movement.