Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind of arthritis, which normally occurs in the hips, hands, and knees. It’s estimated that OA affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States. If you fall into this statistic, your condition and symptoms may hinder your day-to-day life. Thankfully, there are lots of tips that can help you manage osteoarthritis and potentially ease symptoms.
Keep Active
When your arthritis hurts, the last thing on your mind will be to exercise. However, staying active is one of the best things you can do to boost your quality of life. Whatever physical activity you do, you’ll notice an increase in energy levels. What’s more, exercise can strengthen your bones and muscles, and keep your joints flexible. If you’re not sure what activities to try out, it’s always best to talk to your doctor first.
Watch What You Eat
What you put on your plate could have a significant impact on your osteoarthritis. This is because research indicates that some nutrients can help in easing arthritis symptoms. Eating fruits and vegetables can help, as well as fish, which is full of omega-3 fatty acids. Making simple changes to your diet can help in relieving pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis. Once you start eating healthier, you may notice weight loss. As you shift the pounds, this will put less strain on weight-bearing joints like your hips, knees, and feet. This can help in easing osteoarthritis symptoms.
Get Better Sleep
If you’re living with osteoarthritis, the pain and stress of the condition can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. This means if you’re constantly tossing and turning in agony, you won’t have much energy and drive for the day ahead. Whether you’ve got work in the morning or errands to run, you won’t want your condition to impact your professional and personal endeavors. Therefore, making minor changes can aid sleep and help you wake up feeling refreshed. This includes going to sleep at the same time each night and taking distractions like your smartphone out of the bedroom.
Use Hot or Cold Packs
For those who are suffering from pain and stiffness, you may wish to try a hot compress. This can increase blood flow. On the other hand, cold compresses can help in reducing swelling. It’s advised to try out the two to determine which works best for your needs.
See a Specialist
Living with osteoarthritis comes with its daily challenges. If you’re still struggling to manage symptoms and need help, it may be time to search for ‘knee therapy near me’ to find experts like Kneecare Clinics, who treat different kinds of arthritis. You should also make an appointment with your doctor if you’re struggling with your condition. A healthcare expert can offer additional tips and examinations and monitor your progress.
Combining the tips above and implementing them into your routine can do wonders for osteoarthritis. If you have any concerns about the condition, make sure to speak to your doctor.
