This form of arthritis can interfere with daily work and activities, but it can also have other negative effects. A study published in 2019 in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that knee and hip OA were associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease.
“OA may lead to increased sedentary behavior, which in turn may increase the risk of other chronic problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease due to reduced activity.” Eric K. Holder Assistant Professor Clinical Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Yale Medical School, New Haven, Connecticut OA can also increase inflammation in the body, which itself is associated with heart disease.When Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in 2020 We have found that the condition can lead to social isolation and can be detrimental to your health.
The good news: Many drugs used for pain relief are not recommended for regular use by older people, but many lifestyle and Other nonpharmacologic therapies It can relieve symptoms and prevent progression of OA, says Heidi Prather, a physical therapist at New York’s Special Surgery Hospital. Here’s some expert advice:
Reducing stress and getting a better night’s sleep may not seem to help OA. However, some evidence suggests that it may be so.a Research published in the journal PLOS One in 2020For example, people over the age of 50 who slept six hours or less per night were found to be 20% more likely to be diagnosed with OA than those who slept seven to eight hours. They were also about 30% more likely to experience significant joint pain.
“Sleep is important for pain perception,” says Prather. Insufficient snooze time can lead to decreased neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that help relieve pain. Stress makes sleep worse and changes how you perceive pain.
To address both issues, you can try mindfulness techniques such as meditation.1 small Research published in the journal Alternative and Complementary TherapiesFor example, women with knee OA who practiced meditation for 15-20 minutes twice daily for 8 weeks reported significant improvements in pain and quality of life, as well as improved knee function.
Addressing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety is also important.a A study published in the journal Pain in 2019 Those who reported symptoms of anxiety were found to be 70% more likely to report knee pain in the following year. “There may be a link between these emotions and inflammation,” he says Prather. Talk to your doctor about treatments that may help.
If you’re overweight, losing as little as 5-10 pounds can improve pain and mobility. and, Research published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2021 Overweight and obese people who lost 7.5% or more of their body weight were less likely to need total knee arthroplasty than those who did not lose weight or gained weight. rice field.
Weight loss can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also helps control it if you are already in this state. “We know that uncontrolled diabetes causes inflammation and worsens osteoarthritis,” says Eliana Cardozo, a sports medicine physician at Mount Her Sinai Hospital in New York.
Benefits of a plant-based diet
a A 2018 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine People who followed a plant-based diet style for eight weeks reported significant improvements in musculoskeletal pain, even though they didn’t lose weight. A nutrient-dense diet low in processed foods and sugar is important,” says Holder.
One good option is a Mediterranean-style diet rich in produce, whole grains, seafood, beans and nuts. A high-sugar diet can negatively affect the gut microbiome, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One in 2021. It’s a pain,” he says Prather.
exercise the right way
“In my opinion, exercise, including physical therapy, is the most important nonsurgical modality for treating osteoarthritis,” said Memorial Care Joint Replacement Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. orthopedic surgeon Timothy Gibson, medical director of Not only does it strengthen the surrounding muscles and reduce pressure on your joints, it also improves overall function, provides mental benefits, and makes it easier to manage pain. ”
In terms of exercise, a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises is most helpful for OA, says Elaine Hasni, vice chair of Rheumatology and Immune Disorders at the Cleveland Clinic. However, it’s important to tailor your workouts to your level of fitness. “If a patient has been sedentary, start with water-based treatments like pool-her aerobics,” she says. “And once you’ve tolerated it, switch to low-impact physical therapy, such as walking or cycling.”
Husni also recommend Tai Chi. a A 2021 study published in the journal BMC Geriatrics Older adults with knee OA who did this gentle activity twice a week for 12 weeks were found to perform much better in movements such as standing on one leg than those who did not. . “It’s especially effective if you’ve been sedentary because it takes away the fear of falling and requires less core balance,” Husni says.
If exercising is too painful, ask your doctor if you need a course of physical therapy. It teaches you how to strengthen the muscles around your joints without breaking the bank.
For flare-ups of OA, over-the-counter topical agents can be applied to painful joints. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Voltaren and products containing capsaicin such as Zostrix.
According to Husni, if your blood pressure is well-controlled and your liver and kidneys are healthy, short-term use of an OTC such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, generic) may provide additional relief. Please consult your doctor. Otherwise, acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic) may be best.
There is also an injection. Steroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – an experimental treatment that uses the patient’s own platelets.
Hyaluronic acid, similar to the intra-articular substance, may work for some people, but guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons do not recommend routine use in OA. PRP has shown some promise for tendon, muscle, and ligament injuries in young people, Husni says, but not for moderate to severe OA.
“For some people, certain injections can relieve pain for a while,” says Cardozo, who advises individualized approaches based on factors such as the degree of arthritis.
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