15 things that can make an arthritic joint feel better

Your joints are responsible for connecting your bones to each other. This means that your joints work like a hinge for your bones, giving them the ability to bend and move in many different directions. Without joints, our bodies would become inflexible and rigid.

While there are joints located throughout the skeleton, they are classified into three different categories: immobile or fibrous, partially mobile or cartilaginous, and synovial or freely mobile joints.

Immovable fibrous joints lie between the edges of bony plates that can be found on the dome of the skull. These joints work to protect the brain from injury. The cartilaginous joints are located between the vertebrae and give the spine its flexibility. Lastly, the synovial joints are found in the hips, shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles, and they function to provide free movement in these areas.

The joints are responsible for the movement, flexibility and protection of the entire body. Because your joints play an important role in your daily movements and activities, these areas are also prone to injury and illness. Arthritis causes inflammation and pain around the joints. People with arthritis often experience swelling, warmth, pain, and decreased flexibility around their joints.

15 ways to relieve arthritic joint pain

Arthritis can be very debilitating for those who are constantly on the go. Because there is no cure for arthritis, only treatment options are available. Here are 15 things that can make an arthritic joint feel better:

1. Lose some weight. Being overweight tends to put extra strain and strain on your joints. A treatment option would be to have a healthy exercise and eating plan to reduce this stress.

2. Use ice. Try applying ice to your joints for 15 minutes and 15 minute breaks up to 2-3 times a day. This will help reduce swelling.

3. Give your joints a break. If you’re constantly on the go, try slowing down a bit and take time to rest during the day.

4. Get moving. It may seem counterintuitive considering the above recommendation, but for those addicted to television and addicted to the office, don’t forget to get up and move during the day. Sitting all day will make your joints stiff and restrict blood flow to these areas.

5. Stand up straight. Try to practice good posture during the day. Straightening your spine and sitting correctly may reduce stress on these joints.

6. Get a massage. Swollen and sore joints respond well to massage. This will help increase circulation and relax your muscles and joints.

7. Change your routine. Try different exercises to give your joints a break. Forget about your running routine this week and jump in the pool! Swimming and cycling can be exercises for people affected by arthritis.

8. Make time for weight-bearing activities. Changing your cardio can be a great way to reduce joint pain, but don’t forget to do manageable, low-impact weightlifting exercises as well.

9. Don’t underestimate the benefits of a good stretch. Stretching may also help your joints become more flexible and less painful. Allowing your body to relax and stretch might be the easiest way to reduce joint pain.

10. Focus on your diet and nutrition. Your diet is extremely important in treating arthritis pain. Try adding a new supplement like glucosamine. This helps keep joint cartilage healthy and strong.

11. Remember anti-inflammatory medications. You may want to consider adding over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications to your pillbox. Taking these medications will help reduce inflammation and pain throughout the day, especially when used intermittently.

12. Consider medical interventions. With these medications, you may consider medications that could be injected directly into the affected area, such as cortisone. These injections provide strong anti-inflammatory pain relief for 3-6 months. Also, you can try hyaluronic acid injections which can provide relief for up to a year.

13. Try to wrap or restrain the affected area. This can help support the joints during painful daily activities, while reducing swelling.

14. See a physical therapist. Physical therapy is always a possibility for those seeking pain relief in aching joints.

15. Explore surgery as an option. After these treatment options have failed, undergoing joint replacement surgery could be the next option for severe arthritis.

Don’t let arthritis keep you from participating in your favorite activities and living the life you love. There are always treatment options available to help reduce stress and inflammation in your joints. Some treatment options may be more successful than others, so stay positive as you explore different pain relief options for arthritic joints.