Millions of Americans suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, or elsewhere. These do-it-yourself (DIY) treatments can help ease pain and improve joint function.
The huge numbers on osteoarthritis
Almost half of us will experience the pain and functional limitations of osteoarthritis in the knees by the time we reach age 85, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That number is even higher for those who are obese (a BMI of 30 or higher): two out of three will experience OA during their lives. It’s not all about the knees, though. For instance, a quarter of us will have OA in our hips by age 85 as well.
4 natural remedies
The pain of osteoarthritis can be almost unbearable. Here are some DIY treatments that can help you recover.
Remain active
It’s sometimes difficult to get up off the couch and go work out when your body aches, but there is ample research suggesting that exercise is critical for OA patients. Keeping active increases energy levels, builds muscle, and enhances range of motion. “Try resistance training to build stronger muscles,” suggests WebMD, adding a note of caution: “[I]f you're experiencing a bad flare-up, it may be better not to exercise until the pain subsides.”
Control your weight
Along the same lines as physical activity, you want to generally be watching your weight. The impact you can have by losing a few pounds really is somewhat incredible: for every pound you lose, that removes 3-4 pounds of force from your knee. In other words, if you were to lose 10 pounds, you’d be relieving your knee of pressure equivalent to 6 gallons of gas or 140 sticks of butter!
Change your diet
Your diet isn’t just important in terms of calorie-counting, actually. It’s also a way to get more of certain nutrients that can help reduce inflammation, alleviate discomfort, and slow the progression of arthritis.
“Two supplements, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin, may slow or halt the breakdown of your cartilage when you have knee osteoarthritis,” notes Healthgrades. Unfortunately, those supplements have not fared consistently well in scientific studies. You might want to also try fish oil, curcumin, antioxidants, and quercetin.
Get better sleep
Sure, it’s important that you are active. However, it is also crucial that you get plenty of sleep. One of the best ways to improve your sleep is to set a regular bedtime. If you want to get really serious, power off your digital devices a couple hours before that time. You also might want to get more pillows so you can cushion your joints.
Expert treatment for Osteoarthritis in the Knees
Are you suffering from osteoarthritis in the knees or hips? Sometimes DIY lifestyle changes are not enough. At Flexogenix, we provide options that eliminate the need for surgery and restore normal joint function. Request a free consultation.
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