With numerous pain medications being taken of the market because they are too dangerous for your health, one wonders what to do about arthritis pain. Here is a summary of first-line therapies that can help to dull pain, improve mobility, and protect a sore joint from further impairment.
EXERCISE, if you have knee arthritis your doctor may recommend that you work to strengthen the thigh muscle by doing knee extensions. Building up the muscles around an arthritic joint helps to protect it. Other forms of exercise like stretching, swimming, riding a stationary bike, also help to keep joints flexible and that can lessen pain and stiffness.
EASING STRESS ON JOINTS. One way to lighten the load your joints have to bear is to lose weight, if you are overweight. Extra pounds put extra stress on weightbearing joints like those in hips, knees, feet and back. Certain devices can also shift the way force is exerted when you move about. Wedged shoe insoles can help an arthritic knee remain in a less painfull position ,for example.
PHYSICAL THERAPY. A physical therapist will asess your muscle strength, flexibility, and joint stability and recommend different moves or assistive devices for you. He or she can also instruct you on how to use heat to loosen muscles or relieve joint pain and soreness.
EDUCATION and group support. Discussing your arthritis concerns with others in the same situation and learning techniques to manage pain can help you cope with arthritis flares. The Arthritis Foundation offers self-help courses and organizes support groups nationwide. For more information call 1 800 283 7800.
