Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people across the United States each year. According to the CDC, anywhere from 11.2% to 42.7% (depending on the state) of adults suffer from some form of arthritis. That’s a pretty staggering number when you look at how many millions of people that represents. While knee arthritis isn’t always the first one to come to mind, this is a condition that affects many and can be quite painful to cope with.
If you have been diagnosed with knee arthritis and are looking for ways to ease the discomfort, these tips may be able to help give you the relief you’re after.
Engage in Regular Exercise and Activity
When you are in pain, it’s normal to want to curl up and just rest but, for some issues like knee arthritis, inactivity will make things worse. Keeping yourself moving will strengthen the muscles in and around your knee. Stronger muscles lead to better flexibility and support.
Ideally, you want to focus on cardio activities that don’t cause stress to your knees. This can include water aerobics, walking (indoors and outdoors), stationary biking, swimming and using an elliptical machine.
Wear Supportive Shoes
It’s also important to wear supportive shoes at all times that give you good balance and flexibility. This is especially important when working out or being active. When shopping for shoes, it’s best to look for a pair that has cushioned insoles and plenty of support. You may even need customized insoles that you put inside your shoes.
A Knee Brace or Cane Can Help
Wearing a knee brace or using a cane can also be very helpful. Your doctor will be able to recommend which (possibly both) of these would be best. Since these offer more stabilization, it should help to prevent falls from happening.
Flare-Ups Require Specific Care
If you suffer from occasional flare-ups rather than chronic pain a schedule of compression, ice, rest and elevation can help.
Visit a Knee Care Specialist
For those whose knee pain and discomfort are affecting their daily life in a significant way, you likely want results quickly. Visiting a knee care specialist is a great route to take as they will create a personalized treatment plan that will help you to get results. You can book a consultation at clinics such as Kneecare Clinics.
Full-service clinics can offer such things as injections meant for pain, physical therapy, knee bracing and even weight and diet counseling to ensure you maintain healthy body weight and place less stress on the joints.
Surgery May Be Necessary
In more severe cases, it may be necessary to pursue surgery. This is often the last resort though, since the abovementioned tips should offer some relief.
There is No Need to Live with the Pain
The good news is that, if you have knee arthritis, there is no reason why you have to live with the pain. Instead, there are treatments and tips you can use that will help lessen the discomfort and allow you to go about your regular daily activities.
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