15 things that can make an arthritic joint feel better

15 things that can make an arthritic joint feel better

Your joints are responsible for connecting your bones to each other. This means that your joints work like a hinge for your bones, giving them the ability to bend and move in many different directions. Without joints, our bodies would become inflexible and rigid.

While there are joints located throughout the skeleton, they fall into three different categories: immovable or fibrous, partially mobile or cartilaginous, and free-moving or synovial joints.

Immovable fibrous joints are found between the edges of the bony plates found in the dome of the skull. These joints work to protect the brain from injury. Cartilaginous joints are found between the vertebrae and give the spine flexibility. Lastly, synovial joints are found in the hip, shoulder, knees, wrists, and ankles, and function to provide free movement to these areas.

Joints are responsible for the movement, flexibility and protection of the entire body. Because joints play an important role in your daily movements and activities, these areas are also prone to injury and disease. Arthritis causes inflammation and pain around the joints. People with arthritis often experience swelling, warmth, pain, and decreased flexibility around the joints.

15 Ways to Ease Arthritic Joint Pain

Arthritis can be very debilitating for those who are constantly on the go. Since there is no cure for arthritis, there are only treatment options available. Here are 15 things that can make an arthritic joint feel better:

1. Lose some weight. Being overweight tends to put more stress and strain on the joints. One treatment option would be to follow a healthy eating and exercise plan to reduce this stress.

2. Use ice. Try putting ice on your joints for 15 minutes and 15 minutes up to 2-3 times a day. This will help reduce swelling.

3. Give your joints a break. If you’re constantly on the go, try slowing down a bit and taking time to rest during the day.

4. Get moving. It may sound counterintuitive considering the advice above, but for those couch potatoes and office addicts, don’t forget to get up and move during the day. Sitting all day will make your joints stiff and restrict blood flow to these areas.

5. Stand up straight. Try to practice good posture throughout the day. Straightening your spine and sitting properly may reduce stress on these joints.

6. Get a massage. Swollen and sore joints respond well to massage. This will help increase circulation and relax your muscles and joints.

7. Change your routine. Try different exercises to give your joints a break. Forget your running routine this week and jump in the pool! Swimming and cycling can be exercises for people affected by arthritis.

8. Take time for weight-bearing activities. Changing up your cardio can be a great way to reduce joint pain, but don’t forget to do low-impact, manageable weight-bearing exercises as well.

9. Don’t underestimate the benefits of a good stretch. Stretching may also help your joints become more flexible and less painful. Allowing your body to relax and stretch might be the easiest way to reduce joint pain.

10. Focus on your diet and nutrition. Your diet is extremely important in treating arthritis pain. Try adding a new supplement like glucosamine. This helps keep the joint cartilage healthy and strong.

11. Remember anti-inflammatory medications. You may want to consider adding prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to your pillbox. Taking these medications will help reduce swelling and pain throughout the day, especially when used intermittently.

12. Consider medical interventions. With these medications, you might consider medications that could be injected directly into the affected area, such as cortisone. These injections provide strong anti-inflammatory pain relief for 3 to 6 months. Also, you can try hyaluronic acid injections that can provide relief for up to a year.

13. Try wrapping or bracing the affected area. This can help support your joints during painful daily activities, while also reducing swelling.

14. See a physical therapist. Physiotherapy is always a possibility for those seeking relief from joint pain.

15. Explore surgery as an option. After these treatment options have failed, undergoing joint replacement surgery may be the next option for severe arthritis.

Don’t let arthritis keep you from participating in your favorite activities and living the life you love. There are always treatment options available to help reduce stress and inflammation in the joints. Some treatment options may be more successful than others, so stay positive as you explore different pain relief options for arthritic joints.