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Arthritis is the inflammation and stiffness of your body’s joints. There are several different types of arthritis, with the most common type – osteoarthritis – affecting more than 27 million Americans. It can happen to any joint in the body, but it most frequently occurs in the knees, hips, back, neck, and fingers. The most common risk factors of arthritis include old age, obesity, and overuse of the affected area.

In a normal joint, a layer of cartilage covers the end of each bone, providing cushion and allowing movements to be smooth and easy. In a joint affected by arthritis, this cartilage is degraded, causing swelling and chronic pain. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage it. Here are five things you can do on a daily basis to help relieve your arthritis pain.

1. Low-Impact Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle will only make your arthritis worse, try getting 30 minutes of exercise each day. For someone with arthritis, it is important to stay away from weight-bearing activities and instead opt for low-impact exercises such as cycling and swimming.

2. Stretch Daily. Stretching all of your body’s joints on a daily basis can help reduce inflammation and pain. Stretching should always be pain-free; if you are having difficulty finding a stretching routine that works for you, a certified physical therapist can design a program tailored to your specific needs.

3. Hot & Cold Therapy. Both hot and cold treatments can go a long way in relieving your arthritis pain. Hot showers and baths can help ease stiffness, so can the use of a heating pad. Applying an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to the sore area can also provide immediate pain relief.

4. Lose Weight. If you are overweight, shedding a few pounds can have a big impact on how you feel. The less weight your damaged joints have to bear, the less pain you experience on a daily basis – losing even 10 pounds can make a world of difference.

5. Eat More Healthy Fats. Healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties which lead to reduced joint pain. Fish are naturally high in these fatty acids, so try to eat salmon more regularly or take fish oil pills every morning. Aim to eat 3,000 milligrams every day, and take supplements to reach that number if you need to.

Certain types of arthritis can be managed with medical treatment. Waiting too long to see a doctor can cause permanent joint damage. If your joint pain lasts more than three consecutive days or occurs several times within a month, it is time to see a doctor.

If you live in Connecticut and suffer from arthritis, help is available from the Orthopaedic Specialty Group. As southern Connecticut’s largest orthopedic practice, we have the team of experienced physicians and state-of-the-art facilities needed to relieve your pain. Call us today to see what we can do for you at (203) 337-2600.