Pain Management for Hip Arthritis in South Jersey
Arthritis is a condition associated with chronic, sometimes severe pain. Managing chronic pain requires an active, consistent approach to help you cope with pain before it leads to fatigue or potentially depression. If you or someone you love suffers from hip arthritis in South Jersey, these tips from Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help you manage your pain and get back some of the energy and life you have been missing.
Get And Stay Active
While pain may tempt you to cease exercising, studies show that a balanced program of strengthening, aerobic, and/or water-based exercise is one of the best ways to improve your range of motion, increase your mobility, and ease pain. Strength-training your muscles can also help reduce the stress on your joints, thereby reducing inflammation and arthritis symptoms.
Eat To Live…And Feel Better
Although there is no dietary cure for arthritis, certain foods have been shown to fight inflammation, strengthen bones, and boost the immune system. Increasing your intake of fish, soy, berries, cherries, green tea, flaxseed, ginger, and cider vinegar may help ease the symptoms of your arthritis. These foods can also help you maintain or achieve your recommended weight, which specifically reduces pressure on weight-bearing hip joints; check with your doctor to see what plan is best for you.
Take A Warm Bath
Heat provides comfort and relief by increasing the blood flow to your painful areas and relaxing the muscles and joints. Warm water is great for relaxing, but it is also good for improving movement because it stimulates blood flow to stiff muscles and joints, making a warm tub or pool the ideal place to do some gentle stretching.
Keep A Positive Mental Attitude
A positive attitude can significantly boost your ability to cope with pain. To avoid giving in to pain, find ways to keep your mind off of it. Make a deliberate effort to do something you enjoy – such as a hobby or spending time with family and friends – every day to keep your spirits high. Most of all, focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do.
Medications for Hip Arthritis in South Jersey
When self-management alone is insufficient for pain management, you should consult your doctor for medications that can help. There are many over-the-counter medications – both topical and oral – that can help to ease pain, relieve inflammation, slow bone loss, or prevent further joint damage.
When trying to decide how to manage the pain of hip arthritis in South Jersey, you should always begin by consulting your doctor. For more specialized help, see a hip expert at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Our physicians are some of the most experienced specialists for hip arthritis in South Jersey, and they can offer comprehensive and caring treatment for your pain.
