Osteoarthritis is a chronic illness that primarily affects the elderly usually caused by deterioration of the cartilage around the bones in your joints. It is distinguished by discomfort in the fingers, knees, hips, and other joints in the body. Osteoarthritis affects almost everyone at some time in their lives. What differs is the depth of the injury and the obvious symptoms.
When your bones begin to grind against each other without proper cushioning, you may suffer discomfort, stiffness, and inflammation. When it comes to treating osteoarthritis, below are five different methods that work:
Physical Activity
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. This may be contradictory given that discomfort from this illness typically worsens when you utilize your joints, but it helps. Exercising on a regular basis might help ease pain and minimize joint deterioration.
If you have osteoarthritis, you can practice a variety of physical activities. Walking and water aerobics are the finest and least taxing workouts, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Both exercises are extremely beneficial to the joints and may be done by persons who have difficulties lifting weights. Non-swimmers can also participate in water aerobics. Both activities are also beneficial to one’s cardiovascular health.
Physical Therapy
Most physical treatments consist of a few exercises and other activities prescribed by a physiotherapist or doctor. These activities, which may be performed under the strict supervision of a physiotherapist, are intended to help relieve discomfort and increase the range of motion.
They may offer support items to assist you to do daily duties and relieve strain on your joints, depending on the severity of your ailment. Your physiotherapist may prescribe jar openers, scooters, joint braces, and steering wheel grips. These devices promote comfort while preventing future joint deterioration. Walking frames can help persons who find it difficult to walk on their own. If you require any of these items, your physiotherapist will assist you in becoming accustomed to them.
Conscious Weight Loss
For those overweight, weight loss and exercise are recommended by the Arthritis Foundation as the best therapy approaches for osteoarthritis. Being overweight might aggravate osteoarthritis as obesity is also recognized to be a risk factor for osteoarthritis. The additional fat frequently puts a lot of strain on their hips, knees, and waist joints. Make a concerted attempt to lose as many excess pounds as possible in order to reduce your osteoarthritis symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Many folk cures and supplements are reported to be beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms. These include anti-inflammatory drinks like green tea and pain relievers like ginger. Other natural therapies for osteoarthritis symptoms include massage, hot or cold compresses, and Epsom salt baths.
Medication
There are several medications available to treat osteoarthritis including Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Before taking tablets, the Arthritis Foundation suggests trying topical NSAIDs like Pennsaid and Flector. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are among the medications that can be taken. These medications are available without a prescription and can be acquired over the counter.
Surgery
Surgery may be the sole choice for severe osteoarthritis after trying previously mentioned treatments without improvements. This is frequently done on a severely damaged knee or hip joints.
Here at Morada Quintessence, our senior living programs include senior-specific health and wellness activities which include a fitness class for residents. Our everyday activities encourage residents to be more physically active and that may help to reduce symptoms of osteoporosis.
