What You Should Know about Managing Arthritis Pain

If you suffer from arthritis, you are not alone: an estimated 54 million adults across the United States battle one of the over 100 types of arthritis. And, with an aging population, that number will likely increase. 

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

• OA is a breakdown in the joint components due to wear-and-tear.
• RA is an autoimmune disease that causes your cells to attack your own tissues. 

Other common types of arthritis include fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout.

The skilled providers at Health Solutions can provide significant help to arthritis sufferers who battle with pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling joints, and limited mobility. With locations in Tinley Park, Rockford, Flossmoor, Illinois and Munster, Indiana, we serve a wide range of patients with superior primary care and specialty services, including arthritis care. 

Diagnosing arthritis

Before you can treat arthritis, you have to know which type you have. Your Health Solutions specialist begins by reviewing your symptoms and medical history, then performing a simple physical exam. We examine your joints for signs of inflammation, swelling, and fluid. 

We also use a variety of blood tests to look for important indicators and imaging procedures to examine your joints closely. After determining your type of arthritis and its level of progression, we can design a comprehensive treatment plan to help relieve your pain and restore your mobility. 

Treating arthritis 

Arthritis is chronic, which means it cannot be cured. Your Health Solutions team combines conventional medicine with alternative therapies to create a holistic approach to arthritis treatment. 

Your personalized arthritis treatment plan might include: 

• Dietary changes 
• Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids
• Joint injections like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid
• Osteopathic manipulation
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Joint-assistive aids

The best arthritis treatments combine numerous therapies and lifestyle adjustments that work best to ease your pain and protect your joints from additional damage.

Managing your arthritis pain

We understand that arthritis pain makes you want to slow down and rest your painful joints, but this is actually counterintuitive. Research suggests that continued physical activity can help reduce symptoms of arthritis pain and stiffness. Your Health Solutions provider can help you choose appropriate activities that will help. Some of the most popular include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Biking
• Yoga
• Tai chi

If arthritis is troubling you and interfering with your life, seek help from our knowledgeable providers at Health Solutions. Call or message us online today to schedule an exam and consultation about arthritis pain and start fighting back now. You can also book online at the location most convenient to you.