Managing osteoarthritis symptoms and pain requires patients to follow a comprehensive approach for treatment.

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How to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
Managing osteoarthritis symptoms and pain requires
patients to follow a comprehensive approach for treatment.
Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as “degenerative joint
disease” is one of the most common
types of arthritis that is associated
with the breakdown of the cartilage
in the joints. This condition affects
the capability of the joint to move
smoothly. Also, it causes the bones
to rub against each other thereby
causing acute arthritis pain, swelling,
stiffness and loss of joint movement.
A person diagnosed with arthritis needs to take a long term
review of their current health status. It is important to
understand the fact that this joint condition can’t be treated
in a single day or by consuming a single pill. It requires
people to follow comprehensive strategies for effective
management. This may require them to make significant
changes in their routine and follow a healthy lifestyle.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
Several factors can contribute to the development of OA
such as obesity, joint overuse and injury. It can also
develop due to hereditary factors or old age. This disease
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affects different people in different ways. Generally, it
affects middle-aged and older people. However, it can
develop in younger people as well. The symptoms of this
disease may vary from one person to another and it may
also depend on which joints are affected. Some of the
common symptoms of osteoarthritis include –
• Acute pain
• Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the
fingers
• Joint aching and soreness (especially with movement)
• Sore or stiff joints (particularly the hips, knees, and
lower back due to inactivity or overuse)
Strategies to Manage Osteoarthritis
Early diagnosis of disease symptoms is an important step in
managing osteoarthritis. Normally, joint pain is one of the
most common symptoms of this disease and if the pain lasts
for more than 2 weeks it is better to consult a physician.
Reliable healthcare centers offer innovative treatment
programs that involve a combination of treatments
matching specific patient requirements, lifestyle and health.
These are mainly focused on effective pain management
and functional improvement. Some of the main alternative
treatments for arthritis include dietary supplements,
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hyaluronic acid joint injections, physical therapy, anti-
inflammatory diet, exercise, pain medications, massage,
weight loss programs and electrotherapies.
The different strategies for effective management of joint
disease are mentioned below –
• Physical activity – Research suggests that people who
involve in good physical activity can better manage
the disease. Regular exercises can reduce joint pain,
improve blood flow, increase flexibility, control
weight and promote general physical fitness. The type
of exercises to be done will depend upon the joints
that are involved and how stable the joints are.
Walking, swimming, agility exercises, strengthening
exercises and water aerobics are a few popular types
of exercises recommended for people suffering from
this chronic joint condition.
• Weight control – Excess weight may cause problems
to the affected joints such as the hips, feet, back and
knees thereby increasing pain. Obese people can
consult their physician to devise a weight management
plan and seek advice regarding healthy food choices.
Weight reduction can help people with OA to reduce
their pain and joint damage.
• Pain medications – Physicians prescribe different
medicines to eliminate or reduce pain thereby
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improving the total functioning. They consider several
factors such as the intensity of pain, current medical
history of patients and potential side effects of the
medicine when choosing medicines.
• Rest and relief from stress on joints – Generally, the
treatment plans include regularly scheduled rest.
Patients should not exert extra pressure on joints.
Patients need to recognize the body’s signals and
know when to stop or slow down. This will prevent
the pain caused by overexertion.
Managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis is a long term
task. Patients need to focus on their goals and have a
positive approach towards the treatment.
Posted by HealthQuest
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