There is no joint pain cure except, in some cases, for time and exercise, and it can crop up at the most inconvenient of times. Certain daily activities, such as opening medicine bottles or turning doorknobs, can cause a flare of joint pain, resulting in discomfort for the rest of the day.
You can find joint pain relief in how you approach daily activities and in the joint pain treatment plan you devise with your physician.
Types of Joint Pain Treatment
Physicians treat joint pain in a variety of ways, from medication to exercise, to physical therapy. Some people also use over-the-counter supplements that are designed to help those dealing with joint pain, such as glucosamine and MSM.
Donna Rae Siegfried of “Arthritis Today” says that low-impact exercise is one of the best ways to obtain joint pain relief. It strengthens the muscles around your joints, which increases flexibility and improves overall function. However, joint pain relief is found only in constant, targeted exercise and physical therapy.
Household Assistance
Dealing with joint pain during daily activities can be frustrating, especially if you don’t have anyone to help you with the hard tasks. If you are having trouble with your joints, follow these tips to reduce pain and increase quality of life.
Empty Pill Bottles. It can be difficult to open a pill bottle if you are dealing with joint pain in your fingers and wrists. Rather than struggling with bottles, empty them as soon as you fill a prescription and put them in a baggie or plastic container. Just make sure to label the container you use.
Use Levers. Doorknobs are also difficult to navigate when dealing with joint pain. However, lever-action door handles are much easier to maneuver, and they can easily replace knobs on every door in your home.
Sit in Chairs with Arms. If you are dealing with joint pain in your knees or ankles, sit in chairs with arms. That way, you can grasp both arms as you lower yourself into the chair, reducing the strain on your legs and allowing you to sit more slowly.
Practice Stairs.One of the low-impact exercises that can provide joint pain relief is practicing on stairs. Climbing a few stairs every day will make them easier when you have to use them, and you’ll start to build up your leg muscles.
Find Products with Grips. Tooth brushes, remote controls, knives and other small objects can be difficult to grip when dealing with joint pain. To help with daily activities, try to purchase products with rubberized grips that will make grasping them easier.
Walk Often.Your knees, hips, ankles and other joints will benefit considerably from regular walking. Make a point to walk a few blocks every day, slowly increasing the distance, and make sure someone is with you at all times in case you require assistance.
Muscle Soreness from Joint Pain
It can be difficult to distinguish joint pain from muscle soreness. In some cases, muscles can cramp because they are trying to compensate for pain in the joints. If this happens, there are a few ways you can ease the discomfort.
Ice therapy, for example, will help control inflammation and will act as a natural pain reliever. You can also use heat before and after exercise or extensive movement to soothe the muscles and relax them.
Remember that when dealing with joint pain, you must move but keep it moderate. Pushing yourself too far during exercise can injure your muscles and joints, putting you back at square one.
Source:
“Arthritis Today”
