As a Physical Therapist, helping patients heal is what I love to do on a daily basis. Dealing with pain is huge component. While this article is geared to knee pain and arthritis, the sensible, easy to follow suggestions are applicable for the whole body. Nutrition, movement and appropriate strengthening help all bodies function better. Check it out!
What to do for Arthritis in the Knee
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Many times as we age arthritis can build up in certain joints. The knee is one of the joints that is more susceptible to arthritis. The thing is what to do for Arthritis in the Kneecan be as simple as making some simple changes. To make the simple changes you must understand some of the things that can make arthritis worse. Everyday habits such as gradual weight gain and lack of exercise. can actually make arthritis pain worse. Lifestyle choices could potentially do more harm to your aching knees and other painful joints than most realize.
What to do for arthritis in the knee can start with these few pain control habits that can help bring arthritis pain relief.
WHAT TO DO FOR ARTHRITIS IN THE KNEE
Control Weight Gain
When you are wondering what to do for arthritis in the knee, weight should be the first thing that comes to mind. Look at whether or not you have gained weight or are carrying more weight than your body was meant to handle. Aching knees are typically a direct response to weight gain. When you are overweight or obese, your joints are carrying that greater load, and this causes the wear and tear that characterizes osteoarthritis. To decrease pain, start with your weight.
Get Up and Get Moving
If your daily habit is to lounge around, you may be adding to your arthritis pain. Though this may sound counterintuitive to many, activity actually does the body some good. Don’t make aching knees or other joint pain an excuse for inactivity.
Though arthritis may make it a bit more difficult to get started on an exercise plan, it is so important. Starting out with non-impact type exercises can really make the difference. Some highly recommended programs for at home use are PiYo, Tai Cheng, and any of the P90X SeriesYoga Programs. Once your pain begins to subside you want increase strength around the joint.
Don’t Pass Up Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are important for everyone’s nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids are very important when it comes to arthritis pain relief. This is definitely an important factor for what to do for arthritis in the knee.
WHAT TO DO FOR ARTHRITIS IN THE KNEE
It is recommended that your daily doses for Omega-3 fatty acids should be between 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams. Taking a high quality Omega supplement and eating foods such as salmon can help you achieve the recommended levels needed for arthritis pain relief.
Get Good Sleep
Sleep is important for overall health. Studies show that people who lack proper sleep report more pain and types of pain, including joint pain. 7-8 hours of sleep is optimal for overall health and to help alleviate pain.
Stamp Out Stress
Stress can play havoc on all areas of the body. The problem is, high levels of stress can actually make arthritis pain worse. If you are stressed, your overall physical tension can be greater, magnifying joint and muscle pain. So take a deep breath, and try to let all that stress go. Meditation, massage, and acupuncture are all good options to help relieve the pain and open up the joints and their range of motion.
Now that you know what to do for arthritis in the knee, you can start utilizing these suggestions and finding relief.
