Why Are Respiratory Infections Seasonal?
Have you ever wondered why some sicknesses, like respiratory infections, are more common at certain times of the year than others? The answer is more complicated than you might expect. Here’s what we know.
5 Ways to Reduce Joint Pain
Many different underlying conditions can lead to joint pain, with arthritis being the number one cause. However, arthritis is a category of diseases rather than a single condition. The many different types of arthritis are caused by a wide variety of issues.
Regardless of the reason for joint pain, the providers at Apex Medical Center recommend similar ways to reduce it. Most of the ways you can lessen joint pain involve lifestyle changes that are likely to benefit your overall health. Here are our best tips to help you reduce joint pain.
1. Daily range-of-motion movement
Sometimes when you’re in pain, rest seems like your best option. That’s particularly true when you have joint pain, because if it hurts to straighten your elbow, your natural inclination is to hold it bent. Similarly, if your knees hurt, taking a long walk is the last thing you feel like doing.
But, movement is good for your joints. One effective way to ease the pain is to take the time each day to move your joints slowly through your full range of motion.
If you’re unsure if it’s safe to move, talk to your doctor. We can demonstrate the movements for you or refer you to a physical therapist who can help you get comfortable with the stretches and exercises that are safe for you.
2. Exercise, gently
Along with a daily routine that allows you to move your joints through their full range of motion, finding a form of exercise that you enjoy and will do consistently can help reduce your pain. Exercise benefits you in multiple ways, especially by building the strength of the tissues that support your joints and reducing stress.
All of the muscles and tendons that surround your joints help to support them, even if your cartilage is damaged due to osteoarthritis, the most common reason for joint pain. The stronger those tissues are, the better support they provide.
Stress increases inflammation, and inflammation makes pain worse. Exercise has been proven to help reduce stress, especially when it’s an activity you enjoy, do with friends, or that takes place outside.
Although we encourage you to exercise, we also caution patients who have joint pain to choose low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, biking, yoga, pilates, or other types of exercise that won’t stress your joints. You should also take care to balance rest and activity and avoid overdoing it.
3. Manage your weight
If you’re overweight or obese, losing some weight could help ease your joint pain. Of course, telling someone to lose weight and actually making the scale move are very different things.
If you’re struggling to lose weight, talk to your doctor. We may be able to help you.
4. Consider an anti-inflammatory diet
Some foods, such as sugar, increase inflammation in your body, while others, such as leafy vegetables, can help reduce it. We often recommend the Mediterranean diet as a good way to reduce inflammation.
5. Make an appointment
If you’re experiencing joint pain and you either don’t know why or you don’t know how to reduce it on your own, make an appointment at any of Apex Medical Center’s three convenient locations. Your doctor can evaluate your situation and make recommendations tailored to fit your specific condition and circumstances.
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