Do you ever notice that it gets increasingly more difficult to get out of bed in the morning? Maybe moving in certain ways causes some pain and discomfort. Problems in your knees could be the culprits. You could find many reasons to account for knee pain. Arthritis is one of the most common. The discomfort can be severe and may even hinder your ability to function in normal activities. Treating this condition is essential. Thankfully there are some effective ways to reduce these feelings.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition where a person’s joints and the tissue surrounding the joints become inflamed. When this disease is present, the cartilage may begin to break down. With osteoarthritis, the condition begins due to wear and tear on the joint. This could be from injuries or overuse. Another form of the disease, rheumatoid arthritis, develops when the immune system attacks the lining of joints. This condition can cause extreme soreness and irritation. Some people develop the condition during their later years, though people of all ages can have it. Chronic arthritis can affect people throughout their entire life. Living with this condition can be debilitating. If you have arthritis in your knees, you may not be able to walk without support. Though there is no cure for the disease, you can manage its effects with the right treatment.
Knee Braces
Many arthritis sufferers choose to wear knee braces to minimize the pain in this area of the body. If you have arthritis in your knee, a brace could help improve your range of motion. A brace may also cut down on the amount of stiffness and soreness you feel. This treatment may make it easier to walk and alleviate pain while you stand. Many different models are available, so consult your doctor before selecting one.
Medication
No drug will remove the disease from your body; however, different medications could make the pain and discomfort milder. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers that you can take regularly. Steroids are also available and can reduce swelling and inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may also work.
Therapy
In some cases, therapy may be an effective way to manage the painful symptoms of arthritis in the knees, like with a knee pain doctor in Mesa, AZ at LifeCare Chiropractic. The doctor will walk you through range-of-motion exercises to improve flexibility in these joints. Certain routines may even strengthen the muscles surrounding the knees.
You should not have to live with the pain of arthritis. Consider wearing a knee brace or trying some of these other methods.