Elmhurst, IL Home Care Experts Share Top Tips to Manage Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis impacts as many as 27 million Americans, making it the most widespread form of arthritis. It is a major source of work disability and lowered quality of life. Yet, dealing with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean simply popping pills to reduce the pain. The Elmhurst, IL home care team at Home & Hearth Caregivers helps those with arthritis through a variety of alternative ways to manage osteoarthritis pain.

After being correctly diagnosed, there are many tactics to handle the pain of osteoarthritis. Some ways are more traditional than others, but considering not everyone responds to various therapies in a similar manner, it is a good idea for every individual to try several techniques (with the recommendation of a doctor) to discover what works best.

Controlling Weight

One of the most important ways to deal with the discomfort of arthritis is controlling weight. For each pound of weight lost, there is a 4-pound drop in the weight exerted on the knee for each and every step taken during everyday activities; and losing as few as 11 pounds can decrease the possibility of developing knee osteoarthritis by a full 50% for some individuals.

Exercise

Consistent exercise helps keep joints active, diminishes pain and makes muscles around the joints stronger. Swimming is specifically ideal for people with osteoarthritis since the water’s buoyancy provides for exercise with reduced impact stress to the joints while developing strength and increasing range of motion.

Cold and Warm Therapy

Warm and cold therapy can also be beneficial pain management treatments. Heat therapy, including a warm shower, heating pad or hot pack can loosen rigid and sore muscles. Cold therapy, including cold compresses and frozen gel packs, can help by numbing nerve endings in afflicted spots. Note that people who have Reynaud’s phenomenon should never use cold therapies.

Relaxation

When you are treating the body for osteoarthritis pain, don’t neglect the power of your mind. The mind plays an important role in how you experience pain and respond to illness. Dealing with tension through relaxation tactics can give a sense of control and wellbeing that makes it simpler to manage osteoarthritis pain and may also minimize anxiety, depression and sleeping issues.

Occupational Therapy

A physician might possibly prescribe occupational therapy for a person with osteoarthritis. Occupational therapists can help with body mechanics (learning to move the body in ways that do not elevate pain), joint protection techniques and modifying daily activities to conserve energy.

Home & Hearth Caregivers can help someone with arthritis to remain independent and in control of life. Home & Hearth Caregivers recognizes the needs of those with arthritis and offers a variety of in-home care solutions based on each individual’s needs. Contact Home & Hearth Caregivers at 800-349-0663 for further information on our Elmhurst, IL home care services and to get a partner in care who can provide support when a helping hand is needed.