Moving through life while suffering from arthritis and joint pain can rob you of your overall wellbeing. If you’re experiencing arthritic joints, you’re most likely aware that the condition is degenerative. However, you shouldn’t lose hope in finding ways to improve your arthritis and your pain levels.
It is possible with the help of medical professionals to reclaim movement and flexibility in your joints through both noninvasive and surgical means. By making positive life changes, you can relieve pressure on arthritic joints. Seeking surgery, if you’re ready, can also help repair and replace the cartilage that has broken down over time due to the debilitating effects of arthritis. It’s up to you to take control of your pain, and work with your doctor to discover the treatment plan that’s right for you.
Selfcare for Joint Care
Our bodies are intricate systems, and a few isolated changes can have far-reaching effects on the whole. You’d be surprised what taking care of your body can do to relieve joint pain. Simple changes in diet can help give your body the nutrients it needs to lubricate your joints and help repair minor damage. If you’re overweight, making changes to your diet can help you lose those stubborn extra pounds and relieve pressure on your joints at the same time.
There are specific elements you’ll need to look for in your foods to support joint health. Foods rich in fatty acids and omega-3s are best. You should also seek out foods with anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re looking to boost your joint health, try introducing the following foods into your diet:
- Salmon
- Walnuts
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Olive oil
While eating healthier foods and losing weight won’t cure your arthritis, it can dramatically reduce your symptoms and help support healthy joints. Speak to your doctor about your diet to see if these minor changes can help.
Cartilage Replacement Surgery
If changing your diet isn’t enough to relieve your joint pain, you might be ready for cartilage replacement surgery. There are various forms of cartilage replacement surgery, so you’ll want to schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon to discuss your options and unique case.
The goal of any cartilage replacement surgery is to repair and restore the cartilaginous tissue in your joints that has broken down due to the effects of arthritis. The forms are surgery include:
- Microfracture
- Drilling
- Abrasion Arthroplasty
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
- Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation
Cartilage replacement surgery is an outpatient procedure and considered to be minimally invasive. The recovery time for most patients is about 8 weeks, but the initial swelling from surgery should go down in as little as 4 to 5 days.
For more information and to learn how you can find freedom from the pain of arthritic joints, contact the SOAR experts today. Our dedicated team of medical professionals are ready and waiting to help you reclaim your pain-free life.
