5 Pain Management Techniques for Osteoarthritis

Affecting approximately 27 million people, Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The condition which is characterized by debilitating joint inflammation and pain can be treated clinically using treatments such as arthroplasty. However, while these treatments help, it’s also essential you do your part to manage the pain. From swimming, salt baths to dietary changes, below, we assess five pain management techniques for Osteoarthritis that you can try.

1.   Take a Swim

The chronic pain brought about by Osteoarthritis may discourage you from using specific joints as a way to cope. However, while failing to move these joints offers relief for a while, the pain eventually comes back. What’s worse is that your lack of movement might lead to loss of muscle strength and joint mobility.

To prevent this from happening,  exercise at least once a day. If you do not fancy the idea of running or any other physical activity, then consider swimming. It’s not only a fun way to exercise, but the water buoyancy also helps relieve joint pressure and, consequently, offers relief to arthritis pain.

2.  Sign Up for Yoga

As noted, failure to exercise only worsens the problem. Being inactive or too much rest increases stiffness and pain tenfold. If swimming doesn't sound like something you would do and you hate anything to do with the gym, consider signing up for a yoga class. Note, joint injuries can worsen Osteoarthritis. That is why we suggest you sign up for a gentle yoga class. The one that involves stretching the muscles and joints to the extent that you can tolerate.

3.   Make Dietary Changes

A proper diet enriches the body with the nutrients it needs to not only reduce inflammation but also prevent further damage to the affected joints. For instance, antioxidants boast anti-inflammatory properties, hence go a long way in reducing inflammation and pain.

 Also note, being overweight worsens osteoarthritis pain. The extra kilos exert pressure on the already weak joints. Through dietary changes, you'll not only reduce weight but also maintain a healthy weight, which further reduces pain and inflammation.

Therefore, consider making dietary changes for pain management. Include healthier anti-inflammatory foods in your diet such as dark leafy greens, nuts, and oily fish.

4.  Have Regular Epsom Salt Baths

Epson salt contains magnesium, which is effective in reducing inflammation and consequently, pain. Incorporate Epsom baths into your schedule. Have them at least two or three times a week. You can get the salt from any drug store. Add 2 cups of the salt in your Jacuzzi and soak in it for at least 30 minutes.

5.   Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves inserting needles into specific pressure points of the body to offer pain relief. While research is still ongoing, the National Institute of Arthritis reports that acupuncture can help with arthritis pain, especially in the knee area. 

Osteoarthritis pain can significantly affect your day to day life. At times, the pain can be so debilitating you find even moving difficult. But with the above pain management tips and non-invasive treatment from Maryland Pain & Wellness, you can get the much-needed relief.