How to relieve osteoarthritis can be done through a physician’s care and following an exercise regime. Osteoarthritis in the knees can be painful to anyone who experiences it.
The day-to-day stress of dealing with aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis can be taxing mentally as well as physically. But there are steps to remove joint pain.
In this age of advanced medicines and treatments, there are quite a few ways to alleviate the pain; anyone can get relief with these methods.
1. Over The Counter Pain Relievers
Most health practitioners recommend Tylenol or acetaminophen to deal with osteoarthritis pain.
The local pharmacy can provide quite a few pain relievers, no prescription needed.
The medication you choose need not be expensive; pick one that works for you and is within your budget.
2. Topical Arthritis Creams
Topical arthritis creams provide instant relief for arthritis pain.
Apply the cream directly to the affected areas of the joints. You may notice a slight discomfort before it starts to relieve the pain.
This relief is mainly as long as over-the-counter pain relief pills. On the product label, the active ingredients in over-the-counter arthritis creams may contain capsaicin.
It is also found in cayenne pepper.
Many Capsaicin creams are recommended, but cayenne pepper spice can be mixed with foods for flavor and health benefits.
3. Prescribed Medication To Remove Joint Pain
Physicians can write prescriptions for pain that can’t be alleviated by over-the-counter medications. Opioids are prescription pain relievers, but there is a risk of addiction or problems from improper use.
There is an epidemic of opioid overdoses currently in this country.
Hydrocodone, or oxycodone may be prescribed if your doctor or physician determines you to be a low-risk taker.
4. Remove Joint Pain With Heat
Heat, applied in several ways, provides some relief from arthritis pain.
Fill a bathtub with warm water, use a warm washcloth, or buy a heating pad. Whatever method is used, be sure not to burn the skin.
Cold applications can also be beneficial to some people. Some professionals in the medical field will be recommended alternating between hot and cold.
5. Exercise To Help Remove Joint Pain
Strong muscle strength is needed to help reduce joint pain. With strong muscles, you can rely on them which helps put less pressure on aching knees.
Strong muscles give the joints extra protection and cushion. Exercise is advised to further strengthen the joints and muscles.
Start with slow with low-impact exercises if it becomes painful to exercise. Stretching and light walking is enough to start at first.
If still too painful, consider low-impact water exercises.
6. Physical Therapy
Some osteoarthritis patients may find it too painful to exercise. Exercise has long-term health benefits because not only does it promote an overall healthy body, but it does provides joint protection through increased muscle strength.
You can exercise at home, but engaging in physical therapy is more beneficial. In some cases, this gives you easy access to water exercises. You can also learn safe low-impact exercises to do at home.
7. Weight Loss
Not all patients suffering from osteoarthritis are overweight, but those who are increase the risk of pain.
The more weight one carries around, the more pressure there is applied to the knees. If you can lose weight without risking your health in the process, do so.
The best way to lose weight is to combine exercise with healthy eating.
8. Knee Braces
Those who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees are more likely to experience difficulty walking. It can be painful to walk from one room to another, let alone leave the house.
A knee brace can provide support and stability. A properly fitting knee brace not only makes it easier to walk but less painful too!
Knee braces are available for sale at most health and drugstores but talk to your physician first.
9. Walking Aids
Those with mild osteoarthritis in the knees can benefit from a cane.
Those with severe osteoarthritis in the knees may need crutches. As previously stated, walking is difficult with arthritis in the knees.
It is painful and there is an increased risk of falls, due to instability. Cane or crutches can provide support.
10. A Strong Support System
When the pain is so unbearable it seems as if nothing will work, some individuals lose hope. Those individuals are more likely to suffer in silence than seek treatment.
If you are one of those individuals or if you just need a boost to lose weight or exercise, a strong support system is vital. Many individuals find that talking about their pain helps to ease it.
So be sure you have someone at home to discuss your arthritis with or find local support groups.