Did you know around 20% of Americans have some form of arthritis? It’s not just one condition. You may have heard of common forms of the disease, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but over 100 types can cause joint pain and other symptoms. Although arthritis affects people at all ages and stages of life, your risk of developing the condition increases with age, leading to one of the biggest misconceptions about this disease.
“Many people assume arthritis is a natural part of aging, and it is not,” says Sarah Blau, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant with Beaufort Memorial Orthopedic Specialists, who see patients in the Beaufort and Okatie locations. “If you’re experiencing joint pain and other symptoms related to your joints, I encourage you to talk with a health care provider. We now have many medications and other therapies that can help you find relief.”
Recognizing the Signs and Common Symptoms of Arthritis
If you’re worried your joint symptoms could be arthritis, it’s wise to consult a health care provider.
Arthritis can show up in many different ways, but common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness or stiffness in or around a joint. Other symptoms, depending on the arthritis type, might include skin changes (notably with psoriatic arthritis), fatigue, fever, hair loss or unexpected weight loss. Arthritis may limit movement and make daily tasks challenging, as stiffness and pain often reduce joint mobility.
There is no cure for arthritis, but you can manage symptoms effectively and find relief.
1. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Diet plays a crucial role in managing arthritis. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods such as fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Foods to avoid or limit include processed foods, dairy products and red meat, which can exacerbate inflammation.
Read More: The Best Foods for Arthritis
2. Aim For — and Maintain — a Healthy Weight
Talk with your primary care provider about what a healthy weight looks like for you. Excess weight can put additional pressure on your joints, particularly on your knees, hips, and feet, leading to increased pain. Losing even a few pounds can reduce joint stress, decrease pain and help prevent further joint damage.
3. Be Intentional About Moving Your Body
Exercise might be the last thing on your mind when your joints hurt, but it can do your body a world of good. Choose exercises that do not put undue stress on your joints. Low-impact, low-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking or water aerobics, may help slow the progression of certain types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis. Additionally, strength training exercises can help take pressure off your joints.
Regular physical activity can also help maintain joint flexibility and range of motion. Opt for low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming or cycling, which can decrease joint pain and stiffness. Start slow and gradually increase your activity level. Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
Read More: Exercise for Arthritis: Move More, Hurt Less
4. Stay Kind to Your Joints
Avoid activities that put repetitive strain or excess pressure on your joints. However, that may not be possible based on your job or daily routines. Use assistive devices if necessary to make tasks easier and less painful. For example, using a kitchen stool while cooking can help take the pressure off your knees and feet.
5. Use Complementary Treatments
Many people with arthritis find relief in acupuncture and massage. These alternative therapies can help reduce pain and improve function but should be used in conjunction with traditional medical care.
Even something as simple as heat therapy can relieve stiffness in the joints. Use a warm towel, hot pack or a warm bath to soothe joints if they feel stiff. Cold therapy is best for acute pain and swelling. Using an ice pack or a frozen vegetable pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
6. Rest, Relax, Repeat
Rest is just as important as activity for managing arthritis. It helps to repair your body naturally, reduce stress and prevent inflammation. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep — between seven and nine hours per night — and rest during the day as needed, especially during flare-ups.
7. Over-the-Counter Support
Over-the-counter medications, such as anti-inflammatory options, can help you control pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is a common form of OTC anti-inflammatory medication, and you can try topical anti-inflammatory products that can be rubbed directly into a painful joint. Be sure to adhere to the medication regimen that you and your provider establish to stay on track.
Read More: How Over-the-Counter Arthritis Medicine Can Help — and What to Do When It Doesn’t
Finding Relief for Arthritis Symptoms
If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, your provider can help you determine a treatment plan that will reduce pain, swelling and other uncomfortable symptoms. This may include a referral to certain specialists in the specific type of arthritis you have, such as a rheumatologist, or a specialist in certain arthritis treatments, such as an orthopedic surgeon for joint replacement surgery.
It may take some experimenting to determine how your body responds to certain at-home treatments but explore until you find the right mix. Your joints will thank you.
Sometimes at-home care isn’t enough to manage the symptoms of arthritis. Find an orthopedic specialist who can help.
