7 Ways to Get Relief from Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. In the United States alone, arthritis affects 50 million adults and over 300,000 children. Arthritis is not a single diagnosis, but in fact a collection of conditions that causes pain and aches related to joint paint. 

Arthritis comes in various forms and affects people differently – but the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. And while over-the-counter medications and prescriptions can be effective, many patients do not want to take the risk of taking medication. There are many alternative methods for arthritis treatments that do not include taking pills or utilizing a prescription. 

Arthritis Treatments for Pain Relief

1. The Right Pair of Shoes

According to a study, researchers found that in people with osteoarthritis, flexible shoes like flip-flops and sneakers reduce the force exerted on knee joints by an average of 13% compared to clogs and specialty shoes. 

More force on joints equates more pain, so if by wearing flexible shoes there is less force, it should mean there is less pain. This is best to relieve pain in those who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. 

2. Aquatic Exercises

Water provides a resistance that increases the intensity of an exercise while also providing buoyancy that supports your body weight and relieves pressure on your joints. 

Water aerobics and exercises have been proven to help improve range of motion, coordination, and quality of life and reduce body fat. While it may not be a long-term solution, patients who participate in aquatic exercises find relief from arthritis pain. 

3. Yoga

Yoga, specifically Iyengar yoga which focuses on proper body alignment to support the body and relieve tension, is an excellent way to help relieve arthritis pain. Yoga is helpful in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in relieving pain, improving mood, and the ability to cope with their chronic arthritis pain. 

4. Supplements

Natural supplements are regularly being researched and approved for help in relieving pain associated with arthritis. Many supplements have properties that act as natural anti-inflammatories and the ability to stimulate neurotransmitters, like serotonin, which reduce pain receptors. Some supplements include: 

• Indian Frankincense
• Tumeric
• Fish Oil / Omega 3
• Ginger

5. Massage 

Regular massages help relieve tension and relax muscles and joints. Professional massages lower the body’s production of cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and the neurotransmitter substance P, which is associated with pain. Massages help improve patients’ moods by boosting serotonin levels. 

6. Therapy

Different kinds of therapy – exercise, physical, and cognitive behavioral therapies – benefit patients suffering from arthritis pain. It improves your body’s strength, posture, range of motion, and functionality. Exercise is known to improve your mood, and when used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it can be incredibly helpful in reducing pain. 

CBT, or talk therapy, helps you identify pain points and makes you more aware of the anxieties and stress that is often associated with types of chronic pain like arthritis. 

7. Sleep

Giving your body time to rest and relax at night is one of the most effective ways for it to heal and be free from pain. However, if you suffer from chronic pain, then you know that sleep is often disturbed and unachievable. Sleep deprivation can make pain worse and negatively affect your overall health. 

Developing a strict schedule, setting alarms when it’s time to wake up and go to bed, help your body’s internal clock and help “reset” your natural sleep cycle.  Napping disrupts the cycle, as well as trying to “catch up” on sleep on the weekends. 

Being more active during the day can help reduce pain and tire you out and make falling asleep easier. Studies have shown that patients who get seven or more hours of sleep a night are happier and healthier. 

Arthritis can affect people in many different ways. If you experience any problems or have concerns about using at-home arthritis treatments, talk to your doctor.  If you are currently taking medication for your arthritis pain, speak to your doctor before taking any supplements or undergoing any therapy for safety purposes. 

The team at AOA Ortho can help with all your arthritis pain needs. Fill out the form below to get in touch with our team.