Living with stiff and aching arthritic joints can get in the way of enjoying your life. While you know that reaching for the Ibuprofen eases your pain, you don’t necessarily want to take painkillers every day.
Here at Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, our team of orthopedic surgeons can help you manage your arthritis pain so you can lead a healthy, active life. In addition to offering expert medical care, we also recommend lifestyle changes and natural approaches to relieving arthritis pain.
Regardless of the type of arthritis causing your pain, your joints are inflamed and swollen. You can incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, which can help reduce your stiffness and pain. You can’t look through a health magazine these days without seeing an article about the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric. Still, there are plenty of other foods with anti-inflammatory effects.
You could start your day with a cup of green tea, which is full of inflammation-reducing antioxidants. Cherries have anthocyanins, which not only reduce gout attacks but have an overall anti-inflammatory effect. And while you’re at it, make sure to add omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like salmon, mackerel, and soybeans. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for fighting inflammation.
Another benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is that they help keep your joints lubricated and supple. You can also consider adding a collagen supplement to your diet — try adding a scoop of collagen powder to your morning coffee. Once it dissolves, you can’t taste it. You can also try glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. If you’re not sure where to start when considering vitamins and supplements, our doctors can answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
Many of our patients find that massage eases their pain and reduces joint stiffness. Make sure to work with a massage therapist who has experience with people who have arthritis. They can work around your joints carefully and show you techniques to massage your painful joints at home.
Acupuncture is another popular alternative treatment for arthritis pain. Find a licensed acupuncture provider and make sure to explain your symptoms and condition. When they insert the thin, sterile needles into your skin, it can stimulate your nerve function and activate your body’s natural painkillers, leaving you relaxed and in less pain.
When your joints hurt, exercise might be the last thing you want to do. However, regular exercise helps keep your joints supple and mobile. Additionally, exercise can help you manage your weight, which reduces the stress you put on weight-bearing joints like your knees and hips.
Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program, and begin with low-impact exercises like swimming or water aerobics. You might also find that yoga, pilates, and tai chi help keep your muscles and joints healthy and flexible, which can reduce your pain in the long run.
You don’t need to accept arthritis pain as an inevitable part of aging. Our team of orthopedic experts here at Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic offers customized treatment plans to manage your pain, and when possible, heal your joints. Call us or make an appointment online today.
