If you are living with osteoarthritis, you must find ways to manage the pain to improve your mobility and prevent it from progressing. As you will know, there isn’t currently a cure for the condition, but you can alleviate symptoms with medication, lifestyle changes, and supportive treatments.
If you want to enjoy a fantastic quality of life throughout the years, read the following advice on how to manage osteoarthritis pain.
Book an Appointment with a Physiotherapist
Anyone living with osteoarthritis should book an initial appointment with a talented physiotherapist. After learning about your condition and how it affects your life, a skilled physiotherapist will create an exercise program for you to follow at home and during sessions.
It is wise to attend physiotherapy in Cheltenham, as an expert can determine the exercises you should follow to strengthen your muscles and manage the condition. With their help, you can avoid workouts that may cause further damage and pain to your joints.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
It is crucial to maintain a healthy weight when living with osteoarthritis, as carrying excess pounds will place pressure on your joints. If you are overweight or obese, you must make changes to your diet to lose weight, ease symptoms, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Of course, you must talk to a physiotherapist before undertaking any new exercise for weight loss to avoid pain or injury. They will then make necessary changes and adjustments to an exercise program to help you achieve your goals safely.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
A nutrient-rich diet could alleviate arthritis symptoms, which may make the condition feel much more manageable. Reduce pain and support your mobility by eating:
- Foods full of vitamin C
- Omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish or fish oil)
- Lean meats
- Low-fat dairy
- Fish
- Healthy fats (such as avocados and nuts)
A Good Night’s Rest
As you will know, sleep affects everything, from your mood and energy levels to your physical and mental health. A good night’s rest will make it much easier to deal with the stress and pain caused by arthritis, which will allow you to enjoy a better quality of life.
Fall and stay asleep with ease each night by:
- Turning off blue light emitting devices an hour before bed, such as the TV or your smartphone.
- Waking and going to bed at the same time each day.
- Using a pillow to take pressure off painful joints.
- Avoiding caffeine after 2 pm.
- Finding ways to relax before bedtime, such as meditation or reading.
Take Pain Relief
A physiotherapist or doctor may recommend taking paracetamol initially to manage any pain caused by osteoarthritis. The over-the-counter medication might prove effective alongside physiotherapy, rest, and cold therapy.
If the pain increases, they may recommend a stronger prescription medication to ease the symptoms and restore your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your doctor or physiotherapist if the pain increases or becomes unbearable.
By following the above top tips for managing osteoarthritis, you could lower your daily pain, support your mobility, and enjoy a better quality of life.
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