How to manage arthritis pain and improve mobility

Did you know the leading cause of disability in the U.S. is arthritis? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis affects more than 54 million Americans, and nearly 26 million of those with arthritis are unable to do everyday activities.

In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, Dr. Steven Knauf of The Joint Chiropractic offers the following valuable insights into arthritis, its causes and ways to manage arthritis symptoms, empowering individuals to regain their ability to perform daily tasks.

Arthritis: Types and causes

Arthritis isn't just one disease. It's a group of conditions that affect the joints and causes pain, stiffness and swelling. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both types cause pain and joint damage, but they develop differently.

OA is a degenerative disorder where the cartilage in the joints begins to break down from wear and tear over time. RA, on the other hand, is a systemic autoimmune disease where the immune system begins to attack and damage the linings of the joints.

The biggest risk factor for developing OA is age, with most cases occurring after age 50. That said, joint overuse, previous injuries and muscle weakness can contribute to OA development. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, OA is not an autoimmune disease and does not involve systemic inflammation.

RA can develop at any age but most commonly occurs between the ages of 30-60. Women are up to three times more likely to be affected. Genetics increase susceptibility, but lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity and environmental toxins can also contribute to RA. Infections or autoimmune responses may trigger RA in those predisposed. Early awareness of RA can help patients proactively manage their symptoms.

How to alleviate arthritis pain

Whether your arthritis is inflammatory (RA) or degenerative (OA), you can take simple steps to manage and relieve arthritis pain.

Stay active: All forms of arthritis can benefit from physical activity. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking and biking can help maintain joint function, reduce stiffness and improve overall mobility.

Double-down on nutrition: Nutrition plays a key role in managing inflammation, which is especially important for dealing with RA and other autoimmune conditions. That said, a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can also support joint health in OA by helping with weight management and overall well-being.

Get a good night's sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for all arthritis patients. Fatigue and poor sleep can exacerbate pain and stiffness, regardless of the specific type of arthritis.

Manage stress: Stress management is important for overall health and can help reduce pain perception and inflammation caused by RA. While stress may not directly trigger OA flares, it can contribute to muscle tension and worsen existing arthritis-related symptoms.

Use medication: Talk with your doctor about your arthritic symptoms. They may recommend using pain medications, either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), to help manage arthritis pain and inflammation.

See a chiropractor: Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage and decrease pain caused by arthritis. Chiropractic adjustments reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body, reducing inflammation and improving the function of both the affected joint and the nervous system. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body can better manage symptoms caused by OA or RA.

Some long-term benefits of seeing a chiropractor for arthritis may include:

• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved range of motion
• Improved flexibility
• Increased activity and lifestyle

Seeing a chiropractor may decrease the need to use prescription or OTC medication.

Managing OA or RA pain and inflammation is a personal journey. When you visit The Joint Chiropractic, you'll benefit from a personalized experience. During the initial exam, the chiropractor can help you evaluate your daily life and assess the severity of your condition to find the best wellness path to managing and relieving arthritic pain.

Start your arthritis pain management today

There's no magic bullet cure for arthritis. However, these tips can help you start managing your OA and RA symptoms today. For more information on The Joint Chiropractic or to find a chiropractor near you, visit TheJoint.com.