Minimizing the
effects of arthritis
You don't have to allow arthritis to disrupt your daily life.
Arthritis occurs most often in the hips, knees, lower back
and neck.
"Joint pain and stiffness show up first thing in the
morning and get in the way of daily activities like
engaging in hobbies, working around the house or taking
a walk," said Richard Gilbert, MD, orthopedic surgeon at
Peconic Bay Medical Center. "The good news is patients
can take steps to prevent arthritis pain."
At-home methods include:
– Heat/cold — Whether you choose a heating pad or an
ice pack depends on what you need, as heat relaxes
muscles and cold reduces swelling and inflammation.
– Medication — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
reduce swelling and pain in joints. Talk with your
doctor before taking anything new.
Get moving
"One of the best things you can do for your joints is
exercise," Dr. Gilbert said. "It seems counterintuitive at
first — your joints hurt when you move them. You might
ask, won't being active make things worse? Lack of
physical activity actually worsens joint pain and stiffness,
but regular exercise can help."
Staying active strengthens the muscles around your
joints and gives them more support. Weight loss, another
benefit of regular exercise, also helps your joints — losing
one pound of body weight takes four pounds of pressure
off your knees.
A physical therapist can help you create the right exercise
program tailored to your needs. Low-impact exercises,
such as cycling, swimming or yoga, are often easier on the
joints than other forms. Be sure to listen to your body, and
don't push yourself too far. Sharp pain is a sign to stop or
lower the intensity of your workout.
Is joint pain disrupting your life? Visit pbmckmi.org or
call (631) 369-5000 to schedule a consultation with one
of our physicians.
Spot the signs
Early signs and symptoms of arthritis vary because not
everyone's joints are affected in the same way.
Common symptoms include:
– Joint stiffness or pain, especially in the morning
– Mild swelling
– Pain that worsens with activity, or as the day
wears on
– Popping, clicking or cracking sounds
– Decreased range of motion
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your
doctor. He or she can confirm whether you have arthritis
and work with you to find a solution.
Joint care
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