In the United States, osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is more common than osteoarthritis of the hands or hips. The reasons for this may have to do with lifestyle and genetics.
The good news is that managing these pains is relatively simple to do, so keep on reading to see how to manage knee arthritis.
1. Maintain a Healthy Body Mass Index
A body mass index (BMI) measures the amount of body fat you have compared to your height. If you are considered overweight you will most likely experience more pain in your knees, especially if you are dealing with Osteoarthritis.
By maintaining a healthy weight and BMI, you can alleviate symptoms since it will reduce inflammation and have less stress on your knees.
2. Exercise Daily
People often think that if you have joint pain or an injury that you cannot work out. This is a misconception that causes more damage to your body.
By regularly exercising, you will strengthen your muscles which will help protect and support your joints.
Exercise that will help decrease pain includes activities such as stretching, walking, swimming, biking, and even proper strength training with a personal trainer.
3. Avoid High-Impact Movements
As great as exercise is for the body, it is important to know your limitations. It is not recommended to run, jump or lift heavy weights while trying to manage osteoarthritis.
By engaging in high-impact movements, you are more likely to damage your knees and cause further injury.
4. Wear Comfortable Shoes
If you are consistently wearing shoes such as heels, sandals, or lightweight shoes with no supports, you are increasing your risk for injury.
By wearing improper footwear, you are adding more damage to your joints. If your feet are not properly aligned with your ankles and knees, you are causing more unnecessary pain.
In the same way, if your shoes don’t provide enough support to maintain an arch, you are also increasing your risk of Osteoarthritis pain.
5. Alternative Medicines
Before you start taking daily pain relievers for managing knee arthritis, look into alternative medicines.
Oftentimes people find certain therapies helpful in managing and reducing pain, this includes procedures such as acupuncture or injections.
If you are seeking help for your injury, hyaluronic acid helps lubricate and cushion your joints to decrease pain.
6. Use Assistive Devices
Knees braces and certain taping therapies can be crucial for managing Osteoarthritis of the knee, especially during exercise.
We know it’s nearly impossible to prevent all high-impact activities so by wearing supportive devices you are decreasing the impact on your joints and preventing overuse of your knees.
How to Manage Osteoarthritis of The Knee
There are a number of ways to manage pain and prevent further injury when dealing with Osteoarthritis of the knee. By following these key points, you will save your body from further inflicting damage and treating chronic pain.
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