How To Take Care Of Yourself When You Have Joint Pain?

Similar to the fact that treads of a car tire wear away over time, the cartilage that acts as a cushion between joints in your body wears away with age. When conditions take a turn for the worse, one can even end up with diseases like osteoarthritis or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

It should be always kept in mind that damaged cartilage cannot grow back. What one can do if they are diagnosed with any of the two cases mentioned above is to take certain measures to ease the pain and slow the damage. Let us take a look at some of those measures:

It is always better to trim down that extra flab

Slimming down is a good way to increase one’s life expectancy. It can also act as a boon for people who are diagnosed with joint pain. Cutting down the extra weight helps you to take the excess stress away from your hips and knees. It is best to keep in mind that every pound of weight one sheds from their body allows them to remove around four pounds of pressure from their knees, which further assists in minimizing the wear and tear of the cartilage in their joints.

Regular exercise sessions can go a long way

Joint pain can lead even the most enthusiastic gymnast to refrain from hitting the gym. It should be kept in mind that, as per research studies, it was found that, inactivity leads to an increase in joint pain and stiffness. Regular exercise helps in boosting the efficiency of the circulatory system which further helps in keeping the cartilage nourished and soft. Staying active is necessary but it is best to refrain from workout tactics that involve jumping, running. One can make the most out of workout regimes that involves light but effective exercises like:

• Swimming
• Cycling
• Walking, etc.

One can also aim for a 30 – 40-minute aerobic exercise session for at least five times a week for best results.

Be sure that you are doing everything you can to build strong muscles around your joints.

Yes, make sure your diet consists of a lot of protein so that you can build up muscles around your joints. When you have strong muscles in your body, it helps in minimizing the shock your joints receive when you normally move around in your home, on the road or in your office. It is best to build up muscles that surround your joints. If you are down with chronic knee pain, you can focus on strengthening the quadriceps muscles – the ones in the front of your thighs. It is best to consult with a professional trainer that has years of experience in working with people suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In that way, you will master those workout tactics that are beneficial for you without getting hurt.

Apart from the tips mentioned above, if you are looking for short-term relief from your pain, you can always go for OTC (Over The Counter) pain relief medications. These work really well, especially in cases where the pain has suddenly flared up and you are supposed to address an urgent task. That being said, it is always recommended to consult with your doctor before you pop any pill. On top of that, be sure to follow the directions of the doctor while taking pain medications.