7 Tips for Maintaining an Active Lifestyle Despite Joint and Knee Pain

A common reason for joint and knee pain is arthritis.  It is the pain and stiffness many experience when trying to get comfortable. Although the pain of arthritis may fluctuate every day, one thing is clear, when it comes to your joints it sure doesn’t feel like they once were.

Of the categories of arthritis people can get, the worse is autoimmune arthritis. It is a condition that stems from genetics in which the body attacks its own tissues and joints. It differs from other kinds of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, which occurs most often in the elderly. Autoimmune arthritis can affect anyone, at any age, and can come on rather suddenly. It can affect different areas of the body depending on the day. Autoimmune arthritis can be the root cause of knee and back pain, which sometimes become apparent after a tough workout.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Arthritis

When trying to stay in shape and maintain an active lifestyle, autoimmune arthritis can be your worst enemy. Symptoms may include inflammation, fatigue, memory impairment and flu-like symptoms. You may not have the energy needed to get started or may feel the effects for several days after going for a run. The joint and knee pain may seem unbearable, and can keep you from doing the activities you enjoy. Finding a plan to relieve the pain is essential for living a strong, healthy life.

Treating Autoimmune Arthritis Can Increase Your Activity Level

Relieving achy joints and healing injured feet and knees allows you to play strong. You’ll be able to remain active in the sports you love, stay lean and energetic and maintain a competitive edge. By lessening the pain, you’ll be in a better mood, have an easier time losing weight or maintaining your healthy body, and have a better sense of confidence that allows you to stay healthy and active.

7 Tips for Managing Knee Pain to Stay Active

Although there is currently no cure for autoimmune arthritis, there are a few things you can do to manage the pain (many of the tips are also applied to cases of osteoarthritis):

1. Early detection. While getting diagnosed for autoimmune arthritis can take several years, your best chance for curbing the symptoms and preventing it from becoming debilitating is to be diagnosed in the first six months. The initial signs include: unexplained injuries, stiff joints after participating in physical activities, non-static pain, locking joints, rashes, clumsiness and changes in appetite.
2. Diet. An anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the painful side effects of arthritis. The diet resembles the Mediterranean Diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains and spices, while limited saturated fats and processed foods.
3. Medication. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first line of defense for treating arthritis pain. Their goal is to suppress the immune system, thus relieving the pain. Unfortunately, these drugs come with unwanted side effects, including damage to the liver.
4. Natural remedies. Using hot and cold therapy and magnet therapy are a few examples of the natural remedies for arthritic back and knee pain. Deep breathing, meditation and acupuncture are also natural ways to relieve the pain.
5. Massage therapy. Massages can be used to relieve stress and anxiety, which allows for better rest and sleep. It also helps repair muscles that have to overcompensate for achy joints.
6. Chiropractic care. Finding a quality Bethlehem, PA chiropractor can be the answer for relieving arthritis, back and knee pain, and increasing the range of motion in the joints. Chiropractic treatments can also help with flexibility and endurance. It works to slow the progression of the symptoms of arthritis so you’ll be able to enjoy walking, running and hiking or whatever activity it is that you love doing.
7. Surgery. Joint replacement surgery is used as a last resort in severe cases of autoimmune arthritis. Once the joint is damaged or affects your ability to walk or handle daily functions, this may be an option for relieving pain and solving the problem.

Being diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis does not mean you have to give up your healthy lifestyle, drop your fitness goals or stop participating in physical activities. In fact, getting our unique and complimentary “Flexibility and Pain Relief Consultation” with local Chiropractor, Dr. Nicole Muschett, can be the first step towards getting the relief you need to stay active.