Osteoarthritis (OA) affects nearly 27 million Americans, making it the most wide-spread type of arthritis. Arthritis pain is a primary reason behind work disability and decreased quality of life and health. Yet, managing osteoarthritis doesn’t mean only popping pills to reduce the pain. There are various alternative techniques to control osteoarthritis pain. Here are five that we recommend for your aging family members in Roseville.
After being correctly diagnosed, there are many methods to deal with the pain of osteoarthritis. Some ways are more conventional than others, but given that not everyone responds to various therapies in a similar manner, it is a good idea for each person to try a few methods (with the approval of a health care provider) to find out what works best.
Controlling Weight
One of the primary ways to help with the aches of arthritis is weight control. For every pound lost, there is a four-pound reduction in the weight placed on the knee for each step taken during daily activities; and losing as little as 11 pounds can reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50% for some people.
Exercise
Daily physical exercise helps keep joints active, decreases pain and strengthens muscles around the joints. Swimming is particularly suited for people with osteoarthritis because the water’s buoyancy provides for exercise with very little impact stress to the joints while developing strength and increasing range of motion.
Warm and Cold Therapy
Warm and cold therapy can also provide beneficial pain management treatments. Heat therapy, such as a warm shower, heating pad or hot pack can loosen rigid and uncomfortable muscle tissue. Cold therapy, including cold compresses and frozen gel packs, helps by numbing nerve endings in afflicted spots. Note that those who have Reynaud’s phenomenon should not use cold therapies.
Relaxation
When you are treating the body for osteoarthritis pain, do not neglect the power of your mind. The mind is critical in determining how you feel pain and respond to illness. Controlling stress through relaxation practices can give a sense of control and well-being that makes it simpler to handle pain and may also relieve anxiety, depression and sleeping troubles.
Occupational Therapy
A physician might recommend occupational therapy for someone with osteoarthritis. Occupational therapists can help with body mechanics (discovering how to move the body in ways that do not escalate pain), joint protection practices and adapting daily activities to preserve energy.
Live Well at Home serving Roseville and the surrounding area, can assist seniors with arthritis pain and help your aging loved one remain independent and in control of his or her own life. Live Well at Home understands the needs of those with arthritis and provides a wide array of in-home care solutions based on each individual’s needs. Contact Live Well at Home online or call us at 916-459-3220 for additional information on our home care Roseville, CA services and to get a partner in care who can provide support when a helping hand is needed.