Staying On Top of Arthritis Pain

Arthritis causes stiffness, pain, swelling and a decreased range of motion in the joints. Being a joint pain, arthritis can affect most regions of the body, and the intensity varies from person to person. Sometimes arthritis gets more severe over time. Staying aware of the level of pain or other symptoms you’re having will help you and your physician analyze the best treatments for your pain.

What Types of Arthritis Are There?

There are two common types of arthritis, but in total, there are over 100. Your physician and specialist will be able to help you figure out if you have arthritis, and which kind it is. Learning about the two most common will give you an idea of what to look for:

Rheumatoid arthritis causes the inflammation of joints and, if gone untreated, can damage the joints

It can spread to other parts of the body
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is currently unknown
Some symptoms include pain, swelling or stiffness in multiple joints, fatigue, weight loss, more swelling of joint over time, and the reduced ability to work or do daily activities due to the swelling

Osteoarthritis is the kind of arthritis that tend to come with age, or possibly injury. When the cushions between joints wears away, it causes stiffness and pain.

Any joint in your body can be affected
Spine, knees, hips and hands are most commonly affected
Some symptoms of osteoarthritis include swollen joints, a limited range of motion, difficulty gripping things, deep joint pain, difficulty squatting, stiffness in the morning that improves with activity and difficulty climbing stairs

What Treatments are there for Arthritis?

You should always speak to your medical care professional once you notice arthritis symptoms, as catching it early can slow down the progress of arthritis. There are quite a few treatments, all of which will be recommended according to your pain’s needs and your body’s ability to handle them:

Physical therapy
Inflammation and pain reducing drugs
Immunosuppressant drugs
Ointments
Topical creams
Surgery

How Can You Reduce Your Risk for Arthritis?

While age is sometimes a factor in arthritis, there are other lifestyle choices you can make in order to avoid arthritis for longer. Here are a few recommendations that might be within your control:

Controlling your blood sugar can help, as tissue can stiffen with higher blood sugar
Exercise (low-impact) five times a week for 30 minutes to help the body stay limber
Quitting smoking reduces the stress on other tissues in your body that are designed to protect the joints
Stretching can keep you limber and improve your range of motion
Eating fish two times a week will put more Omega-3s into your diet, which may reduce the inflammation that comes with arthritis

Summary

Arthritis is fairly common, and fortunately there are many effective ways to delay its onset or treat it. The pain caused by arthritis can be difficult to manage, but with the help of a physician or a specialist, you can find the right treatment sooner, rather than later.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Dealing with Unexpected Neck Pain

Neck pain can strike when we least expect it, disrupting our daily routines and limiting movement. From minor discomfort to intense muscle tightness, unexpected neck pain can arise from simple activities like sitting at a desk, sleeping in an awkward...

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments for CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition typically affecting the limbs after an injury. While medications can be part of managing CRPS, non-pharmaceutical treatments offer promising ways to reduce symptoms and...

Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain to Look Out For

Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic condition caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. Unlike pain that results from an injury or inflammation, neuropathic pain originates from the nerves themselves. It is often misunderstood and...

Stress Management and CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can significantly disrupt the lives of those affected. It involves intense, prolonged pain, often following an injury or trauma, though its exact cause remains unclear.

Stretches to Help with Strained Chest Muscles

Chest muscle strains are common, whether from intense workouts, poor posture, or sudden movements. When the pectoral muscles are strained, it can lead to discomfort and restrict your range of motion. Stretching is a simple yet effective way to alleviate...

Helpful Exercises to Help with Routine Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint in many people, often triggered by poor posture, prolonged sitting, or overexertion. While many people turn to standard exercises like yoga or stretching to alleviate discomfort, there are lesser-known techniques that can...