May is Arthritis Awareness Month and an outstanding chance to learn more about this common disease and how to manage the symptoms. For residents of Garland, Texas, who have any form of arthritis, Chuck Osuagwu, MD, of Centerville Medical Center, is here to help you create a customized treatment plan that keeps you mobile and independent.
Today, let’s turn our attention to osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affecting 300 million people worldwide.
Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones of a joint wears away. That leaves you without any protection from bones making contact, which can be incredibly painful. Osteoarthritis also causes changes in the bone tissue and connective tissues within a joint.
Here are some of the changes you might notice if you develop osteoarthritis:
These symptoms are common among many types of arthritis. Having a professional assessment is the only way to know exactly which type of arthritis you have.
There are several ways to treat arthritis, including medication and surgery in advanced cases. But lifestyle modifications can also go a long way toward avoiding the pain and other consequences of osteoarthritis.
If you’re overweight or obese, one of the best things you can do to manage osteoarthritis symptoms is to shed some excess pounds. It makes sense when you think of the strain extra weight places on your joints. Lessening that strain will absolutely improve your symptoms.
You might be surprised to know that even minimal or moderate weight loss can lead to significant improvements. Don’t be intimidated by a goal weight that seems impossible to attain. Focus on making small changes that lead to gradual weight loss.
Adding balance training to your ongoing fitness routine is a great way to not only reduce the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms but also to reduce your risk of falls. Here again, you don’t have to join a gym or completely overhaul your daily routines to see results.
Numerous resources online focus on simple balance training exercises. Find one that works for you and set aside a few small pockets of time each day to give balance training a try. Over time, performing these exercises can become so natural that you’ll find yourself doing them as you wash the dishes or go through other daily routines.
There’s strong evidence to suggest a direct connection between the foods we choose each day and the way our bodies function. Because arthritis has such an inflammatory connection, shaping your diet to prioritize anti-inflammatory foods can help manage symptoms like pain and swelling.
An anti-inflammatory diet can also be incredibly delicious. Here’s a chance to learn some new skills in the kitchen, try some new techniques and flavors, and reshape favorite recipes in a healthier form.
Getting enough sleep is a key part of managing arthritis. Your body uses daily rest to repair itself and recharge. When you don’t get enough sleep or when your sleep is of poor quality, you’ll feel the effects in your body and brain.
Arthritis can be stressful, especially if you’re living with ongoing pain. That can take a real toll on your mental health and cause a cascade of additional issues. Be sure to prioritize rest as part of your larger osteoarthritis management plan.
There are plenty of times in life when we just have to “tough it out” and work through uncomfortable situations. Your joint health is not on that list. There is no need to suffer with arthritis symptoms on your own when help is readily available.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Osuagwu if you notice a change in the way your joints feel and function. There are many different ways to manage arthritis, and working with a skilled medical professional is the perfect starting point.
You can always reach our office by phone during normal business hours, and the team at Centerville Medical Center is also proud to offer online scheduling to expand accessibility to care.
