Osteoarthritis and Self-Care

While there is still no cure for osteoarthritis, there are a few things you can do to make sure you have relief from the effects. Some of the relief might come from medication that your doctor has prescribed. In addition to the medication, you can find relief elsewhere. This article explores some self-care options that could work for you.

 

Lose Weight

If you are overweight, it’s likely that your additional weight is making your osteoarthritis worse. This is because the extra weight puts additional pressure on your joints.

If you’re unsure as to how you can lose weight safely, please speak to your doctor. They can help you to lose weight so that it stays off for good. As soon as you start to lose weight, chances are, you’ll be in less pain.

 

Exercise

Did you know that exercise is considered to be one of the most important treatments? This is because exercise helps to build muscle. When you have more muscle, your joints will be stronger, and this can help to improve some or all of your symptoms.

You don’t have to exercise a lot to feel the benefits. Just make sure you do enough to help you. Your physical therapist can talk you through a range of exercises that could help you. On occasion, they could be as simple as going for a walk. Please make sure that you don’t over-do things. It can be tempting to do a lot of exercise at first. However, you should build up slowly so your body gets used to it.

 

Use a TENS Machine

TENS is short for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and a TENS machine helps to ease pain by sending some electric impulses. These impulses are sent via electrodes that are attached to the skin. This type of treatment can be very effective, and it can help to control your pain.

Please make sure you know how to use a TENS machine before you switch it on. You need to make sure that the strength of the pulse is ideal. You will also need to be aware of how long you should use a TENS machine for.

 

Nutritional Supplements

There are some nutritional supplements available that can help you. Some nutritional supplements have actually been used to treat people with this condition. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin are thought to help. While a doctor might not be able to prescribe these supplements, there are trusted by many.

If you think you would like to take glucosamine or chondroitin, please speak to your doctor. They will want to make sure that the supplements aren’t interacting with any medication or treatments you’re receiving.

Use the above tips to help you deal with your osteoarthritis. While the tips might not be a cure, they can help to make your life easier. Sometimes just taking the edge off the pain can make a world of difference.

Please make sure you speak to your doctor if you’re struggling with your pain or you have any concerns. Your doctor might be able to help you.