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Treatment for osteoarthritis

Treatment for osteoarthritis


The focus of OA treatment is on symptom management. The degree and location of your symptoms will decide the sort of treatment that will be most beneficial to you. Pain, stiffness, and edema can often be relieved with simple lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and home treatments.

The following are examples of at-home therapies and lifestyle adjustments for OA:

Exercise


Physical activity can help reduce stiffness by strengthening the muscles around your joints. Every other day, aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity. Choose activities that are moderate and low-impact, such as walking or swimming. Tai chi and yoga can also aid with pain management and joint flexibility.

Loss of weight


Obesity can place a strain on your joints, causing pain. Excess weight loss aids in the relief of this pressure and pain. Other health concerns, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight.

Getting enough sleep


Swelling and inflammation can be reduced by resting your muscles. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t overdo it. Getting enough sleep at night might also aid in better pain management.

Thermotherapy with heat and cold


Heat or cold treatment can be used to reduce muscle pain and stiffness. Apply a cold or hot compress to aching joints several times a day for 15 to 20 minutes.

These techniques can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your overall quality of life.

Osteoarthritis exercises


Gentle stretching exercises, especially if you have stiffness or soreness in your knees, hips, or back, can be very beneficial for persons with OA. Stretching can help you enhance your range of motion and mobility.

Before commencing any workout program, see your doctor to ensure that it is the best course of action for you. Try these four osteoarthritis exercises if stretching activities are approved.

Diet for osteoarthritis


There are no negatives to eating well, but if you have OA, diet and nutrition are critical.

To begin, you should maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting undue strain on your joints.

Some varieties of OA, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, may benefit from a diet rich in flavonoids, which are minerals found in fruits and vegetables, according to study. Antioxidants found in a variety of fruits and vegetables may also aid in the fight against free radicals produced by inflammation. Free radicals are chemicals that have the potential to harm cells.

By lowering inflammation and swelling, a high-quality diet may assist provide relief from OA symptoms. Eating foods that are high in the following nutrients might be quite beneficial:

  • vitamin D and vitamin C

  • beta-carotene

  • fatty acids omega-3


It’ll also help if you eat more foods that have anti-inflammatory characteristics. More reasons and strategies for eating properly while living with OA can be found here.

Senior Citizen PH Web Team

SeniorCitizenPH.com web team.

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