How to Treat Arthritis

Are you suffering from the chronic pain caused by arthritis?  Arthritis, which means joint inflammation, can lead to aching, stiffness, and swelling in and around the joints.  Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis, which is most common as aging occurs but still can occur in those of any age.  As an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, we help many patients suffering from these symptoms deal with their pain by providing treatment or surgery for repair.  There are a few ways you can treat your arthritis depending on the stage of your disease and the severity of your symptoms.

Therapy

Many patients that suffer from arthritis take part in different therapies.  Sometimes, they work with a physical therapist in order to help them combat the pains and aches common with this disease.  Other times, their orthopedic surgeon in Deltona provides them with exercises to perform on a daily basis.  Therapy targets the muscles that are swelling, aching, or stiff in order to remove limitations to mobility.  Therapies such as warm-water therapy and occupational therapy are common for arthritis patients.

Self-Care

In order to treat your arthritis on your own, you can do a few things to change your lifestyle.  Losing weight and eating a healthy diet can help to reduce swelling.  Foods that are high in antioxidants and those decrease inflammation, such as nuts and fish, can help those suffering from arthritis.  Also, it is advised that many arthritis patients should engage in routine physical activity.  They should also have periods of rest to help restore their muscles after exercise.  Applying hot and cold compresses can also help the pain.  Self-management of the disease can help to alleviate symptoms.

Medication

When you are suffering from a non-inflammatory type of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, you can treat the symptoms with pain-relieving medications.  Your orthopedic surgeon in Deltona will help to determine the right course of medications to suit your type of arthritis.  Some of these medications are analgesics, which reduce pain, and others are anti-inflammatory to help reduce swelling.  Doctors may also prescribe creams or ointments that can be applied to sore or painful muscles.  

Surgery

When many of the above options are not enough to alleviate your pain, some people consider surgical options.  Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona will determine whether you are a candidate for surgery.  When the joints, bones, or muscles are deteriorating and causing severe chronic pain, surgery can be considered.  This may include joint replacements, improvement of joint appearance, or stabilization of joints.  Many of these options won't be considered until medications, exercise, and therapy have been ruled out.

These are the ways millions of people work to decrease the severity of their arthritis symptoms.  Whenever you feel aches, pains, or swelling in your joints or a decreased range of motion, you may want to seek the help of medical professionals.  An orthopedic surgeon in Deltona will work with you to recommend the best surgical procedure to help minimize the symptoms of your arthritis.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment.