Dos and Don'ts after an osteoarthritis diagnosis
As previously said, it mostly affects your knees and feet, which bear the majority of your body weight, as well as your hands, hips, and spine, which all involve repeated motions that raise the risk of premature cartilage degradation.
Do’s and Don’ts
Obesity, age, traumas, and even a hereditary trait that prevents the body from producing cartilage are just a few of the things that increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
There are several strategies to stop or lessen these effects before they cause you to experience excruciating pain or inflammation. Let's examine some dos and don'ts that may be beneficial for those with osteoarthritis.
Do’s
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Try some joint-friendly exercises
Your body experiences less stress from the joint-friendly activities, which lowers your chance of injury. It increases energy and flexibility, lowers fatigue, and eases joint stiffness and discomfort.
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Maintain healthy body weight
Being overweight puts more strain or pressure on your already injured joints, which is one of the main causes of osteoarthritis. Losing weight can ease joint discomfort and delay cartilage deterioration.
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Have a good sleep schedule
Following excellent sleep hygiene will assist to relax your hurting joints. A good night's sleep helps you manage with the pain and tension caused by osteoarthritis. Additionally, it supports your mental wellness, which osteoarthritis can negatively impact.
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Use assistive equipment for walking
In severe circumstances, splints, braces, and canes can help you relieve your agony and prevent injury brought on by your aching joints. You can also try using tools that lessen daily tasks, which incidentally increase strain on your joints.
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Use NSAIDs to ease the symptoms of pain and stiffness
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are often more potent analgesics. Ibuprofen, the most popular NSAID, is a pain reliever that is sold over-the-counter at pharmacies.
Don’ts
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Don’t try high-intensity exercises
High-intensity exercise can aggravate osteoarthritis patients' cartilage deterioration and raise their risk of future injury.
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Don’t ignore the worsening symptoms
If joint pain is not treated, it gets worse; if you notice symptoms early on, get it checked out so you can take precautions. It will obstruct your daily activities, raising the possibility of fall injuries and robbing you of your mental and physical well-being.
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Avoid smoking
In the long run, smoking can make your pain worse. It has a connection to weariness and sluggish healing, which accentuates and exasperates the illness.
You should be aware of the symptoms and take precautions to lower your risk as much as you can because osteoarthritis can have an impact on a variety of aspects of your life.
Please get in touch with your doctor if your conditions don't improve after self-care so they can direct you to more effective treatment alternatives. To learn more on the services provided for this conditions schedule an appointment at Eastside Family Health Center clinic.