Five Tips to Relieve Your Osteoarthritis Pain

We’re going to come out and say it — there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Once your cartilage has worn down, it’s gone for good. You can have surgeries to replace or supplement it, but you can’t heal or regrow what you’ve lost. As a result of no cartilage, you will face swelling in your joints and knees, causing stiffness and chronic pain.

Although drugs and surgery can provide temporary pain relief for osteoarthritis patients, they can cause more problems. Plus, the pain never really goes away with these treatments — the majority of knee replacement patients say that surgery has done nothing to ease their suffering.

But, there are better methods out there to help with osteoarthritis pain. Here are five suggestions you can follow to help ease your symptoms without resorting to painkillers and surgery.

Tip 1 – Exercise

Chances are you’re not in the mood to exercise. However, research has shown that physical activity is the best medicine for osteoarthritis pain. It boosts your energy levels, strengthens your muscles and bones, and, most importantly, keeps your joints flexible.

Your muscles can help protect and support your joints, so try concentrating on resistance training. And, as an added benefit, you can lose weight, which reduces stress on your bones!

Low-impact exercises such as swimming, water aerobics, cycling, and walking can help relieve osteoarthritis pain. These activities can help improve joint mobility without putting excessive strain on them.

However, don’t forget to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist first. They can help you develop an exercise plan that suits your needs and abilities. Consistency is key to seeing improvements in your overall joint health. So, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

an added benefit, you can lose weight which reduces stress on your bones!

Tip 2 – Get a Good Night’s Sleep

In such a hectic world, it’s hard to get 40 winks. But sleep is the best therapy you can get. When you sleep, your body takes the time to repair and restore itself. Your blood pressure drops, your breathing slows down, and your blood flow moves to repair any tissue or muscle damage.

Creating a comfortable sleep environment is crucial for osteoarthritis pain relief. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. So, try to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.

Try to go to bed at the same time every night, and remember to remove those pesky distractions like television and your phone. If you’re uncomfortable because of arthritis, try using pills to take the pressure off your joints.

You can also invest in a supportive mattress and pillows that help reduce pressure on your joints. Another option is to create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath or practicing gentle stretching exercises. It can also help prepare your body and mind for sleep.

Tip 3 – Using Hot and Cold Packs

Hot and cold therapy is also recommended for osteoarthritis pain relief. A heating pad or a hot pack increases blood flow, which helps relieve pain and stiffness. Meanwhile, a cold compress can help alleviate the swelling in your joints. However, you’re going to want to experiment a little to see which works best for you.

When using hot packs, aim for a temperature that is comfortably warm, but not too hot to avoid burning your skin. Apply the heat pack to the affected area for around 15-20 minutes. You can do this several times a day to relieve osteoarthritis pain. Similarly, you can wrap cold packs in a towel and apply them to the swollen joints for 10-15 minutes. This will help reduce inflammation and numb the area.

Experiment with different temperatures and durations to find the combination that provides you with the most relief. Always use a cloth or towel between the hot or cold pack and your skin. It will help protect your skin from damage. It’s not recommended to use both at the same time, or one after the other. Pick certain times for each.

Tip 4 – Use Devices to Support the Joints

Medical devices such as splints, braces, and canes can provide osteoarthritis pain relief. They can also prevent any more injury to your joints. These devices can make your life a little bit easier and help support the joint.

Consult a healthcare professional when choosing a medical device to support your joints. They can help you find a device that fits perfectly. For example, splints and braces can provide stability and reduce strain on affected joints. They can be effective in osteoarthritis pain relief.

You can also use canes or walking sticks. These can help redistribute weight and improve your balance, which reduces the load on your painful joints. Additionally, ergonomic tools and aids can help relieve strain on your hands and wrists.

Tip 5 – Hyaluronic Acid Injections

This is a treatment we suggest everyone with osteoarthritis try. When your cartilage begins to deteriorate, it can affect the consistency of the synovial fluid surrounding the joint. It becomes watery and less effective in protecting the joint. The bones begin to shift and grow closer together, leading to bone-on-bone contact.

However, hyaluronic acid can act like a synovial fluid. We inject the gel-like substance into your joint to build up that protection once again. And with physical therapy and a proper diet, your pain will lessen over time.

Contact Northeast Knee & Joint Institute Today For Help

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, and no treatment or medicine can offer 100% pain relief. However, there are many ways to relieve or manage your pain. Hopefully, one of these methods, whether simple exercises like water aerobics or hyaluronic acid injections, can help you lead a better life.

While some people can find pain relief with just one treatment, others may need more. It all comes down to finding treatments that could help you. That’s what we do at Northeast Knee & Joint Institute.

If you’re interested in learning more about our osteoarthritis treatment, let’s talk. Contact Northeast Knee & Joint Institute today for a risk-free consultation.