As ne of the leading orthopaedic clinics in the Midwest, MidAmerica Orthopaedics has seen countless patients suffering from chronic pain caused by arthritis. Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. If you're one of the many individuals living with arthritis-related pain, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your pain and improve your overall well-being.

Step 1: Stay Active

One of the most effective ways to manage arthritis-related pain is to stay active. Regular exercise can help improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and strengthen muscles, all of which can help alleviate pain. Activities like swimming, walking, or cycling are low-impact and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Be careful with high-stress cardiovascular exercises like outdoor running, as well as heavy weightlifting, until your pain is in a better place. Unsure where to start? consult with the experts at MidAmerica Orthopaedics.

Step 2: Manage Your Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing arthritis-related pain. It’s no secret that excess weight puts additional stress on your joints, which can worsen pain and inflammation. If you're struggling with your weight, talk to your doctor about developing a plan that works for you to lose some extra pounds in a healthy way and keep them off.

Step 3: Use Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat and cold therapy can be beneficial for managing arthritis-related pain. Applying a warm compress or taking a warm bath can help soothe achy joints, while cold compresses can help reduce swelling and inflammation. This is something that can pair extremely well with a ramped-up exercise routine.

Step 4: Consider Physical Therapy

Consider Physical Therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help you develop a personalized exercise plan to manage your arthritis-related pain. A physical therapist can also teach you techniques to improve your posture, increase flexibility, and reduce pain. If you want to know more about what physical therapy might look like for you and your situation, our Pain Management Clinic can step in to help you.

Step 5: Take Medication

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage arthritis-related pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation, while acetaminophen can help alleviate pain without affecting inflammation. As always, check with your doctor to see which medications may fit your needs.

Step 6: Consider Surgery

If your arthritis-related pain is severe and significantly impacting your quality of life, surgery may be an option. Joint replacement surgery is a common procedure used to treat arthritis in the hips, knees, and other joints. While everyone prefers to treat surgery as a last resort, that doesn’t mean it has to be daunting. If it turns out that surgery is the best method for getting you back on your feet pain-free, then you can trust that MidAmerica Orthopaedics will get the job done and done well.

In conclusion, at MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our team of experienced orthopaedic specialists can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for managing your arthritis-related pain. From physical therapy and medication to surgery, we offer a range of options to help you find relief from chronic pain. If you're struggling with arthritis-related pain, don't wait any longer to seek treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start living your life to the fullest.