The Quick Guide to Arthritis Treatment for Women in Their 50s
Have you been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis? Well, you’re not alone. Women over 50s have found out that Osteoarthritis is the actual reason for their sore fingers, aching backs and creaking knees.
All of a sudden, life becomes all about Osteoarthritis, but that doesn’t mean arthritis has to take control. Doctors from Max Hospitals have said that Arthritis is a common form of disability and a natural part of ageing.
But there are effective Arthritis Treatment options that women in their 50s can opt for. These treatment options are
1. Occupational Therapy
It’s extremely crucial to protect the joints. You can do so by taking the help of a reliable occupational therapist. He/she will teach you easy ways to conduct all your regular activities. Through occupational therapy, you will learn how to:
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- Utilize the strong muscles and joints and spare the weaker ones
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- Don’t opt for positions that can strain the joints
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- Utilize devices to help you with work, such as pulling up zippers and socks and opening jars.
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- Use the grab bars in the bath
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- Opt for supports or braces to protect the joints
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- Utilize the modified walkers, canes or doorknobs
2. The Surgery
There are countless types of surgery that are opted to lessen the discomfort of arthritis or restore joint function or mobility. Synovectomy is a procedure which is used for removing damaged or destroyed lining of the connective tissue in the joint cavity.
When the inflammation and the arthritic pain become extremely unbearable, a surgical replacement is the best option here. In today’s world, hip and knee joints can get replaced by artificial joints, which are made from ceramic, plastic and stainless steel materials.
Smaller joints in the finger and elbows, and shoulder joints can be replaced as well. On the other hand, spinal surgery is conducted on the lower spine, arthritis and the neck.
The surgery can restrict movement, but it will give you relief from the excruciating pain. It will also stop further damage to the blood vessels and the nerves.
3. Non-Medical Management
Medical treatments are highly effective in treating, but there are some psychotherapeutic tactics that can help you maintain arthritis pain. Doctors from Max Hospital have pointed out that relaxation techniques, behaviour and education modification and behavioural therapy are great ways to lessen the pain of arthritis.
These programs concentrate on enhancing the psychological and emotional well-being of a patient by teaching him/her how to relax and do all their regular activities at a realistic pace.
Once you learn how to overcome anxiety and mental stress, it will help you cope with the physical limitations which are associated with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Under cognitive therapy, you will come across creative problem-solving, activity scheduling, distraction and imaging relaxation.
4. Keep Yourself Hydrated
When you’re dehydrated, the body will begin siphoning water from various other areas, which includes the cartilage, and it’s filled with 80% of water. Drawing out water from the cartilage will reduce the lubrication and will cause joint pain.
That’s why you should keep the cartilage hydrated so that it stays healthy. Be sure to drink an abundance of water so that you can flush out all the inflammatory toxins and prevent injuries in places that work in tandem with your joints. Remember, well-hydrated muscles, ligaments and tendons will not receive any injury.
5. Keep Yourself Active
Workouts or exercises are the best Arthritis Treatment of all time. It will increase flexibility, reduce weight, enhance blood flow, strengthen the heart, boost the mood and ease pain. Mall walking, water aerobics and swimming are great options because they go easy on the joints.
Yes, exercise can be painful in the beginning, but stay with it as it will become easier and will lessen the pain instantly. But make sure to speak with the physician right before you begin a diet and fitness plan.
6. Use Cold, and Heat
Warm showers or baths, heating pads, warm wax, and hot packs can increase blood flow, which will reduce stiffness and pain. Cold packs, on the other hand, will lessen inflammation present in all the sore places. There are individuals who always keep a bag of frozen vegetables or ice on hand. Wrap them up in a towel and use them on sore joints, such as the knee.
7. Make All the Adjustments
Some sensible changes can easily reduce the strain on your muscles and joints to stop painful spasms. When you have Osteoarthritis at the back, get good support when you sit down. This means you must sit on a chair to read, not in bed. When you have arthritis in the hip, adjust furniture or toilet seats to make them comfortable.
Parting Thoughts
There are many ways to treat arthritis, especially for women in their 50s. The treatments mentioned in this post can surely help you with the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing through arthritis. Be sure to go through them properly.
