How to Manage Arthritis and Joint Pain: Tips for Knee Pain
Arthritis is a type of musculoskeletal disease that hinders one’s quality of life. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis experienced by people, and its incidence increases due to wear and tear, injuries, work stress, and food allergies. Arthritis often causes joint pain, swelling, and soreness, affecting the patient’s mobility and agility. Although it is a degenerative disease, there are effective ways to manage arthritis and joint pain through lifestyle changes and the use of supplements that support joint and cartilage health.
Common Signs of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis often affects the hands, knees, hips and spine. Understanding the symptoms of arthritis-related knee pain is important for effective treatment. Some symptoms include:
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Pain and Stiffness
Arthritic knee pain is often characterised by discomfort and stiffness. People can feel pain while exercising or standing for long periods of time.
2. Swelling and Inflammation
Inflammation is a symptom of arthritis and can cause swelling in the knee joint. This can cause pain and reduce range of motion.
3. Grating Sensation
Cartilage loss in joints can cause friction. This can cause a tingling or crackling sensation called crepitus when the knee moves.
4. Weakness and Instability
Arthritis can weaken the muscles around the knee, causing instability. This will make it difficult to walk or the knee will feel like it’s about to give way.
What increases the risk factor of osteoarthritis?
There are some risk factors that cause arthritis, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Some include:
- Overuse of joints – The risk of arthritis will increase if the joints in the body are frequently exposed to stress or strain.
- Age – The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. Therefore, people can feel the wear and tear on their joints.
- Gender – Research shows that women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis around age 50.
- Weight – Being overweight can be a big problem because being overweight can put a lot of stress on the joints, especially the hips and knees.
- Genetics – If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, you may be more likely to have joint problems.
Managing Knee Pain Caused by Arthritis
Treating knee-related arthritis requires a combination of lifestyle changes, exercise, medical treatment, and consumption of healthy foods and supplements.
1. Maintaining healthy weight
Being overweight can put extra stress on the knee joint. Maintaining a healthy weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce knee pain.
2. Exercise at low intensity
Knee pain doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Incorporating low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or walking into your daily routine can help you improve coordination and strengthen the muscles that support your knee. Do not do strenuous activities that will make the pain worse.
3. Eating well
You can reduce arthritis pain by adding anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods to your diet. Make sure your plate includes green vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds. In addition to staying hydrated, aim for a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
4. Nutrition Supplements
The role of nutrition in arthritis cannot be ignored. Although they do not replace medication, they can play an additional role in treating arthritis.
5. Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to the affected knee can reduce pain and inflammation. Warm compresses can help relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold compresses can soothe the area and reduce swelling.
6. Seek Physical Therapy
The physical therapist can develop an exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and increase flexibility. Regular exercise can help treat arthritis-related knee pain.
7. Use assistive devices
Support devices such as knee braces or canes can provide stability and reduce stress on the knee joint. Talk to a doctor to determine which device is best for your specific situation.
Bottom Line
Treating knee arthritis requires a multi-step approach that includes lifestyle changes, exercise, and, in some cases, the decision to use supplements. By understanding the symptoms of knee-related arthritis and using the right strategies, you can improve your quality of life and protect your health.