Pain is your body’s warning sign that something is not right. Nerves in the damaged area of your body release chemical signals to other nerves, which act like tiny telephone wires. The signals are sent to your brain, which is recognized as pain. This pain can be helpful because it protects you from further injury.
Different types of pain require different treatment methods. For example, chronic pain, such as the type caused by arthritis, often does not respond well to traditional treatments like medication or rest. Chronic pain can majorly impact your life if left unchecked, so it’s essential to find ways to manage it effectively. The use of strong painkillers to relieve acute (short-term) suffering is ineffective in preventing chronic (long-term) agony. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and other treatments can also assist.
Causes of Arthritis Pain
Chronic pain is a term used to describe an unpleasant, long-term condition that can sometimes make everyday activities difficult. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain, but it can also take the form of backaches, muscle aches, headaches, and soreness in the feet.
The pain associated with arthritis is caused by:
- Inflammation. This is the body’s response to damage or injury and is characterized by redness, swelling, and heat.
- Degeneration of the joints. This can occur due to wear and tear on the joints over time or an injury that doesn’t heal properly.
- Muscle strain. Muscles working overtime to shield your joints from movement can cause pain.
- Fatigue. This is due to the extra effort required to perform everyday tasks when you’re in pain.
Arthritis Pain Statistics
Although pain may affect one’s professional and personal lives, few patients consult their doctors. Did you know:
- More than four in ten Americans who experience moderate to severe pain report a “great deal of control” over their condition.
- Less than half of those who visit their doctor for pain (42%) feel that their doctor fully understands how their pain affects them.
Managing Arthritis Pain
There are several methods to reduce pain signals in the body, both through external means and medicines which interact with endorphins. Techniques such as hot or cold treatments, physiotherapy, exercise, relaxation, and massage stimulate the release of endorphins naturally found in the body or block pain receptors in another way.
Your mind is powerfully influential in how you perceive pain and suffering. People with arthritis often feel inadequate, sad, and hopeless about their condition. With these emotions comes lower activity levels, poor self-image, and increased pain. So, it’s essential to learn how to control your thoughts and actions to manage the amount of pain you’re feeling.
The following are some methods for taking charge of your thoughts and actions to reduce pain. A more optimistic attitude may not eliminate your suffering, but it can help. Many of these strategies take time to apply. Practice and perseverance can help you master them as well.
- Learn more about Arthritis
By learning the root cause of your pain, you can begin to control it.
- Research on Treatment Options
Find out what medicines are accessible to you. When taking medicine, remember that your doctor has prescribed it and read the directions included with the drug. Alternatives might also be viable options.
- Exercise Regularly
You can help ease chronic pain symptoms, such as osteoarthritis pain, through exercise. Your doctor may recommend an exercise program or refer you to a specialist, like a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
- Protect your Body
If you have joint problems, ask your doctor about ways to perform daily activities to minimize stress on the joints. When your body signals that it needs rest, pay attention.
- Keep a Positive Attitude
Arthritis may restrict you, but it does not have to dominate your life. Consult with your doctor, nurse, or therapist regarding ways to make your life healthy. Engage in a favorite pastime or hobby rather than focusing on what you can’t do. Find ways of doing even the most difficult tasks comfortably.
- Change your Pain Habits
It’s easy to slip into drinking alcohol or taking more medicines to escape your pain. Changing your habits will help you feel better. One way to make a change is to do something positive in a place like reading, meditation, or exercise.
Arthritis pain can be debilitating, but there are many ways to manage it. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing arthritis pain, exploring your options and finding what works best for you is essential. Mr. Letko is the president and CEO of Vertaloc Inc., a company that provides arthritis pain management devices. If you want relief from arthritis pain, the tips outlined in this article will go a long way. If the pain persists, remember to contact your doctor. Visit our website today for more information on this and other related content!
