Experiencing Arthritis Pain? Here’s How to Find Comfort

Introduction

Despite being thought of as a condition only affecting the elderly, arthritis can actually occur at any age, even in children. This is a condition that is characterized by inflammation in one or more joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. There are several types of arthritis, although osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common.

As this condition can cause pain, it can begin to impact your life in a number of ways. You might experience a decline in your mental wellbeing, physical activity, and sleep. How severe arthritis changes your daily life will depend on the symptoms, but you must know how to ease the pain when you experience it.

Thankfully, this post outlines three of the best ways to find comfort when suffering from arthritis pain.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Although it can be tough when you have formed habits over a lifestyle, managing arthritis pain will often require lifestyle adjustments. This is due to the chronic condition causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. These issues will require modifications to help manage systems, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life.

One of the key changes to make when you have arthritis is related to your weight. If necessary, losing even a small amount of weight can reduce the pressure on weight-bearing joints, including knees and hips. This weight loss can alleviate some of the pain experienced and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

Similarly, eating a balanced diet should also be prioritized. This will help with weight management as well as reducing joint inflammation, which is a key factor in arthritis pain. You should aim to eat a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, including fatty fish, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, and low in processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat.

Find Ways to Manage Your Pain

Arthritis pain can vary depending on the affected joint, but it generally includes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. For some, it can be described as a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing, and it might worsen with activity or after periods of inactivity. In some cases, you might experience a grating sensation in the joint, a limited range of motion, or tenderness.

Due to the pain you might experience, it is normal – and advised – to seek out pain management. A variety of medications can be used to ease arthritis pain, including over the counter (OTC) and prescription options. Many people will use ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs to reduce both pain and inflammation.

However, there are other ways to manage arthritis pain. With its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, medicinal cannabis is a promising option for those seeking relief from this pain. A study featured in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants preferred the cannabis indica strains for pain management.

If you choose to manage pain with cannabis, you must find suitable strains from a reputable dispensary. For example, NYCBUD, which delivers to several areas, including Roosevelt Island, NY, stocks a range of products that can ease pain, including The Green Lady Painkiller 10mg Gummies.

Seek Professional Support

While it is possible to DIY pain management when suffering from arthritis, it can be useful to contact a healthcare professional. They might suggest lifestyle adjustments or painkillers, as previously discussed, but they could also tailor a treatment plan that includes physical or occupational therapy. This should be done early on to slow down or even prevent joint damage and maintain mobility.

There are different healthcare professionals you can speak with, but it is best to consult with your general practitioner (GP) first. They can assess your condition and refer you to a specialist if needed. The specialists you see might include an occupational therapist, orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist, or rheumatologist. To conclude, living with arthritis can be challenging at times, but you do not have to accept the pain as inevitable. Instead, you can adjust your lifestyle, try pain management options, or speak to a healthcare professional to find comfort.