Arthritis is a widespread diagnosis with more than 3 million cases reported in the United States every year. There are many different types of arthritis that one can suffer from, each with unique causes but all sharing the common characteristic of joint inflammation. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints which causes pain and stiffness in the body. This prognosis affects millions. While there is currently no single cure for all types of arthritis, effective treatments exist to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Here are five ways you can prevent and alleviate pain from arthritis. 

Reach a Healthy Weight

Having extra weight on the body can put pressure on the joints and increase the effects and the pain felt from arthritis. In many cases, arthritis that affects those under the age of 65 can be exacerbated by or linked to being overweight, which causes increased strain on the joints in the hips, knees, and feet. Maintaining a healthy weight can not only help decrease the symptoms of arthritis but can also improve your overall heart and lung health as well!

Exercise

Establishing an exercise routine and sticking to it can help alleviate arthritis pain and prevent it from occurring. The regular motions associated with exercise help maintain mobility in the joints. Stretching, walking, swimming, and other low impact exercises are great ways to increase your flexibility and joint strength.

Be careful though! High impact exercise like football, running, and lifting weights can be even more damaging to the joints- especially if performed incorrectly.

Diet Right

Reaching a healthy weight isn’t the only thing that helps alleviate arthritis pain- the foods you eat can help too! Foods that are high in omega-3 fats, fiber, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the joints. 

Omega-3 can be found in salmon, chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts. Foods that are high in sulfur contain methylsulfonylmethane, which is typically found in onions, garlic, asparagus, and cabbage. For antioxidants, try to look for fruits and vegetables that are colorful, like kale and blueberries.

Spices can help as well! Ginger and turmeric are two spices that have anti-inflammatory properties, which helps diminish joint pain.

Hot and Cold Therapy

It might not seem like it, but exposure to extreme temperatures can help relieve arthritis pain. Taking a warm shower or bath helps keep joints and muscles relaxed, lessening stiffness and pain.

Cold can help reduce inflammation and pain as well. Similar to how you put an ice pack on a bruise to minimize swelling, placing an ice pack on your inflamed joint can result in quick relief.

Chiropractic Care & Physical Therapy

Seeing a professional that specializes in physical rehabilitation and chiropractic care can help with arthritis symptoms as well. Those that are suffering from Osteoarthritis or types of arthritis that affect the back can benefit from visiting these specialists.

The doctors and trained staff will work to return movement to the patient and slowly build strength in the joint and muscle. The staff can also assist and provide someone who has arthritis with different stretches and exercises that will help keep their joints healthy.

Gonzaba Medical Group is here for you and we want to answer all of your questions regarding arthritis. We have doctors that specialize in physical therapy and chiropractic care, helping those that are suffering from joint damage and related ailments. If you or a loved one are experiencing pain or other arthritis symptoms or would like to find out more about how the Gonzaba Medical Group can help you, please schedule an appointment or give us a call at 210-921-3800.