If you have been recently diagnosed with arthritis or have been trying to manage your arthritis pain, there are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to better pain control. You may have already visited with pain management doctors for some answers, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be new information and ways to help you deal with the years ahead. Innovative Pain Solutions in Orlando, Florida, has been specializing in pain management for a myriad array of medical concerns, including arthritis. We offer PRP and stem cell therapy to certain patients who may benefit from these regenerative medicines.
The Basics of Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide, and can affect millions of Americans. Trying to stay ahead of the pain caused by it can oftentimes be difficult, but knowing exactly which type of arthritis you have can help you better understand the symptoms and some relief options. Realizing and acknowledging when the pain differs can also be beneficial in alerting your pain management doctor, as this may give them a better clue into what pushes and potentially lessens your pain levels and experiences. Knowing if your joints are already damaged can better prepare you for everyday tasks that may become more cumbersome, or if that day trip you had planned may make things worse or not.
Managing Arthritis Pain
Paying attention to your joints whether you are sitting, standing, or engaging in activity can give you an overall better picture of how your joints are doing on a daily basis, and what may be aggravating them too much. You do want to keep them moving and limber everyday, but that doesn’t mean you have to run marathons; doing simple, gentle daily stretches that move your joints through their full range of motion can keep them from becoming too stiff and even more difficult to move, without putting unnecessary pressure on them. Knowing your limits, both on rest and activity, can help you better balance the usage of your joints so either one isn’t being overdone or underdone.
Exercising is oftentimes thought of as the ultimate chore when dealing with arthritis, as you know your body should get the exercise but it can be quite uncomfortable and painful to get started and maintain a routine. But getting daily exercise and movement can decrease your pain and stiffness, improve your range of motion, strengthen your muscles, and increase your endurance. It boils down to picking the right exercise routines that will build muscle around your joints without damaging the joints themselves is the key. A pain management doctor such as a physical or occupational therapist can better lead you to what works for your body’s needs and develop an exercise regimen that works for you. Avoiding high impact forms of exercise, such as running, jumping, tennis or other high-impact aerobics can help you stay active without causing any damage to your joints. Activities like walking, swimming, and even yoga can help strengthen your muscles without putting undue stress on the joints.
Mental Pain of Arthritis
It’s no surprise that dealing with arthritis can have a negative effect on your mood. When normal, day to day activities feel like a chore or bring high amounts of pain, they may be the last things you want to do, instead feeling discouraged and seeking comfort on the couch. But your feelings and emotions can have a direct correlation to how painful you feel in your body, thus it’s important to take care of your mental health as well, and to stay encouraged about the future. Negative thoughts are self-perpetuating, and can easily escalate when you allow them to stay in your mind. Keeping a positive attitude about your arthritis and working through the pain everyday can help you cope better, and have an overall better experience.
Contact Us
If you are seeking more medical treatment options for your arthritis pain, let Innovative Pain Solutions help. Located in Miami, we offer many different pain management options to help you successfully manage or eliminate your chronic pain. Call us today!
