Expert Shares Tips For Reversing Your Arthritis

Everyone can experience joint pain from time to time, but when it becomes constant, chances are it's arthritis. As we age, arthritis, or joint inflammation, can happen and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "In the United States, 24% of all adults, or 58.5 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion." Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, the chief medical officer and pain specialist with Clearing explained to Eat This, Not That! Health, "Although there is currently no cure for arthritis, there are more treatment options than ever. The goal of most arthritis treatments is to maintain and restore your joint mobility, while keeping your pain levels low." That said, there are things we can do to help ameliorate arthritis, says Dr. Hascalovici. Read his tips below and read on to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Hascalovici states, "Physical therapy and light exercise can be a part of your arthritis treatment plan. Yoga, in particular, has been shown to provide relief for arthritis pain and restore mobility in clinical trials. A stretching routine prescribed by a professional can reduce the pressure on your joints while helping your body to relax."

"Anti-inflammatory diet or nutritional supplements: Inflammation associated with arthritis can sometimes be managed by eating whole, plant-based foods with loads of natural nutrients and fiber. Blueberries, raspberries, pomegranate and strawberry juices may all play a role in relieving arthritis symptoms because of their antioxidant properties," Dr. Hascalovici says. "Natural supplements that may have pain-relieving benefits for arthritis patients include glucosamine, chondroitin and NEM®. I sometimes recommend my patients make dietary changes or try supplements as part of a multi-pronged treatment approach to pain management." 

RELATED: Most People Get Visceral Fat This Way, Experts Say

According to  Dr. Hascalovici, "Doctors use NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen to treat many things that cause pain or inflammation, including arthritis. They all reduce pain and inflammation, but each person will experience the pain relief and potential side effects differently."

RELATED: This Common Habit Makes Your Dementia Risk Soar

Dr. Hascalovici says, "Topical pain relief creams that you rub into your skin may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) ingredients. Ibuprofen, indomethacin and diclofenac sodium are all ingredients that can reduce inflammation to help reduce your pain level. As a bonus, applying an NSAID pain reliever topically means that there's a lower risk of some side effects that come with popping a pain-relief pill, such as an upset stomach. However, many topicals that have NSAID ingredients require a prescription."

RELATED: Most People Get Diabetes This Way, Experts Say6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Dr. Hascalovici explains, "Unfortunately, we're all at risk of arthritis as we age, and one out of every four Americans develops some form of arthritis, according to the CDC. People who smoke, have jobs that involve a lot of bending and weight-bearing, who are overweight or obese, or who suffer from joint infections high a higher risk of eventually developing arthritis. Genes and age play a role, too, and women have a higher arthritis risk than men."

RELATED: I'm a Doctor and Here's the #1 Sign You Have Abdominal Fat

"Arthritis has a genetic component, so some of us are predisposed to develop it," Dr. Hascalovici states. "Constant wear and tear on joints, as happens more when people are overweight or work jobs that are tough on joints, can increase the chances of getting arthritis. It can also develop following joint infections."

RELATED: Never Do This After Age 60, Say Experts

According to Dr. Hascalovici, "If you notice any warmth or redness in your joints, you may want to seek medical attention to deal with a possible infection proactively. You can also help your joints by taking good care of them. Wear protective gear like knee pads, if you're kneeling on your knees a lot, for example. Set up your work environment so you don't bend or lift heavy weights more than necessary. Do your best to avoid falls and joint injuries.  If you smoke, ask yourself if you want to substitute a different stress-management habit, and if you feel you might weigh a little more than you'd like, start walking, swimming, or adding in low-stress activities you like while also preparing anti-inflammatory meals." And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.