9 Ways For Management Of Arthritis: Treatment & Lifestyle Changes

Arthritis is a major cause of disability in the elderly population. It includes several types of disorders related to the pain and inflammation of the joints. It has a chronic nature and lasts for a long time or maybe a lifetime.

There is no cure for arthritis but there are a number of approaches that can help in the management of arthritis.  Medication, lifestyle changes, diet, joint protection, stress management, and physical and occupational therapy can contribute to the management of arthritis.

Depending on one’s condition one has to decide what all measures should be taken and the quality of life can be improved.

Management of Arthritis

The various management options for arthritis include:

1. Medication:

• Arthritis is dealt with a variety of medications depending upon the type of arthritis as well as the problems faced by the patient.
• The drug regimen may include Analgesics, NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, and joint support supplements.

2. Physical and Occupational Therapy:

• Physical exercises are added to one's daily routine to help maintain the gap of the joint, enhance mobility, flexibility and maintain strength of the joint.
• This also includes gait and posture training to relieve strain on affected joints.
• Success of these exercises depends in performing the exercises regularly to see improvement.
• Occupational therapy involves measures that will protect the joint, including alternate methods to perform tasks to reduce stress on the joints and cause less pain.
• The occupational therapist can suggest various assistive devices or provide an audit plan for your home to make the daily movements easier and perform day-to-day activities on their own.

3. Lifestyle Changes:

• Lifestyle changes may include losing weight to reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and the hips.
• Introducing light to moderate physical exercises can help improve blood flow, increase the heart rate, balance the mood, and strengthen the muscles.
• Adding low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling to one’s routine can help to a great extent.

4. Hot and Cold Therapy

• Hot and cold therapy can help in giving symptomatic relief and both are effective in their own way.
•  Hot therapy includes application of heat to the joints through heating pads or other ways, it helps improving the blood circulation of the joint and relaxation of the muscles
• A cold therapy such as application of cold rub gel and ice packs to the joints helps in reducing inflammation and numbs the area around the joint.

5. Assistive Devices:

• Assistive devices such as joint support splints and braces can help in protection of the joint or using a cane for walking can provide support to the joint as well as maintain mobility.
• Other assistive device may include walkers, reachers and grabbers, button hooks, jar openers, lever door handles, etc.
• These can play a crucial role in maintaining a person’s independence.

6. Balanced Diet:

• Eating a healthy and balanced diet that is full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables should be followed.
• Foods rich in omega -3-fatty acids help in fighting inflammation. 
• Proper nutrition and healthy balanced diet will help maintain vitamins and minerals, therefore, help prevent further deterioration of the joints.
• Limiting the amount of saturated or trans fat and lowering the sugar intake to maintain the overall health.

7. Stress management:

• As the time of the disease increases, it also contributes to building up frustration in the patient’s mind and hence, worsens the condition further.
• It is therefore important to perform activities that help maintain mental and emotional well-being. 
•  Such activities include yoga, meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness exercises.
• As stress and inflammation have a strong connection, management of stress can help in management of arthritis.

8. Joint Protection:

• As much as it is important to maintain the mobility of the joint, it is also important to manage the stress being put on the joint and protect it from unnecessary stress to prevent the condition from worsening.
• Addition of orthopedic soles that support the ankle and feet. 
• Alternating heavy tasks with light tasks to avoid having too much stress on the joint.
• Use of assistive devices.
• Avoiding high-risk tasks such as heavy lifting, hard labor, etc.
• Ensure the maintenance of proper posture while performing any task.

9. Regular check-ups:

• Regular check-ups should be an essential part of the arthritis patient’s life.
• One should regularly visit the physiotherapist, occupational therapist as well as the orthopedic specialist. 
• Regular monitoring of the joint health and changes being made to the exercise and drug regimen can be helpful in maintaining the health of the joint and prevent any further deterioration of the joint condition.

Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions affecting millions of individuals all over the world, most of all the elderly, and while there is no cure, effective management strategies can help improve quality of life. 

From medication to physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management, a positive approach is crucial. Introducing these methods can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, maintain joint function, and enhance overall well-being. 

Arthritis Overview & Treatment Management Guide

Check 5 step detailed guide on Arthritis Overview & Treatment Management.

Conclusion

Overall, Regular monitoring and adapting treatments as needed are key to managing arthritis effectively. By integrating these strategies into daily life, individuals can better manage symptoms and maintain independence for as long as possible.

 

Check Drlogy's Arthritis Overview & Treatment Management Guide for detailed arthritis treatment information and solution related to this diseases.

References

• A Guide to Arthritis: How To Manage Pain by Body Part > News > Yale Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/arthritis-treatments
• Ariana, M., Afrasiabifar, A., Najafi Doulatabad, S., Mosavi, A., & Behnammoghadam, M. (2022). The Effect of Local Heat Therapy versus Cold Rub Gel on Pain and Joint Functions in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Clinical Nursing Research, 31(6), 1014–1022. https://doi.org/10.1177/10547738211035502
• Clark, B. M. (2000). Clinical basics  : Rheumatology: 9. Physical and occupational therapy in the management of arthritis. CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 163(8), 999. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC80550/
• Liu, X., Machado, G. C., Eyles, J. P., Ravi, V., & Hunter, D. J. (2018). Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(3), 167–175. https://doi.org/10.1136/BJSPORTS-2016-097333
• Osteoarthritis Self-Management - Exercise, Diet, Pain Management | Arthritis Society Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/arthritis-types-(a-z)/types/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis-self-management
• Physical Therapy and Assistive Devices. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2024, from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/physical-therapies/physical-therapies-and-devices
• Arthritis and diet - Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2024, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/arthritis-and-diet