Whether you are one of the 21.2% of U.S. adults who already have an arthritis diagnosis or fear you might be one, learning about the early symptoms and preventive treatments for this condition is key for navigating it.
While arthritis is very difficult to completely prevent, there are several signs you can be aware of and techniques you can add to your everyday life and:
- Reduce your risk
- Delay its onset
- Manage your symptoms
- Maintain joint health despite a diagnosis
Early Arthritis Symptoms
If you are over 60 years old, suffered from significant joint trauma recently, or have arthritis history in your family, you should keep an eye for the following signs and consult a professional if they get chronic or difficult to manage:
- Joint pain and/or stiffness, especially during the mornings or after periods of inactivity
- Swelling, redness, and inflammation around the joints
- Reduced range of motion
- Clicking or popping sounds around the joint when moving them
- Fatigue and general discomfort
Preventive Treatments for Arthritis in Webster, Texas
Risk factors such as age or genetics could make your arthritis technically impossible to prevent. However, do not let this bring you down. There are a lot of activities and changes you can make to experience a more comfortable lifestyle and reduce the impact on your body.
Your arthritis doctor might recommend the following:
Lifestyle Modifications
Incorporating physical activity, managing your weight, and enhancing your posture when sitting or standing will help you reduce strain and prevent excessive wear on your joints. Keep in mind that any added pressure on your knees, hips, and lower back can increase your risk of joint degeneration over time.
Exercise & Physical Therapy
Depending on your age and overall physical condition, your specialist can recommend specific low-impact exercises to keep your body moving, like swimming, cycling, and certain types of yoga. Additionally, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding your joint and provide enhanced support during everyday movement.Ā
Enhanced Diet
Of course, every doctor will recommend maintaining a healthy diet, no matter your condition. Nonetheless, when talking about arthritis, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can make a world of difference for your joints and overall movement. Try adding berries, oranges, pineapples, leafy greens, healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and fatty salmon, nuts and seeds, herbal teas, and whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa. At the same time, watch your processed and sugary foods intake and try to reduce it.
Alternative Therapies
In some cases, alternative therapies can provide mental and physical relief for patients suffering from arthritis. You can explore some of the following, but check beforehand with your specialist:
- Acupuncture for relieving pain and improving joint function
- Massage therapy for reducing stiffness and recovering motion
- Heat and cold therapy for easing stiffness and reducing swelling and pain
- Herbal remedies for their anti-inflammatory properties
Early Medical Intervention
If you are worried about a possible arthritis diagnosis, the best advice we can give you is to visit a specialist as soon as possible. You will either rule out a significant worry, or embark on a path to manage your symptoms and restore comfort and movement.
At Space City Pain, we offer treatments and alternatives for patients suffering from arthritis in Webster, Texas. Our team will be glad to make a schedule for your regular check-ups and conduct comprehensive exams and tests for a diagnosis, if it were necessary.
Our Approach at Space City Pain
We know how frustrating living with chronic joint pain can be. If you seek professional care, you will learn about all the available possibilities to enjoy a happier and more comfortable life. We will make sure to take the best care of you so you can kiss your worries goodbye and re-find comfort in your own body!
Our board certified healthcare providers have made Space City Pain a pioneer in pain management in the community since 2004. Our friendly, bilingual, and highly specialized staff excels at providing pain relief to patients. If you are looking to get back to your old self and a pain-free life, book an appointment by calling 281-338-4443 or send us a message online today.
We donāt manage pain, we treat it.
