How to Manage Arthritis Pain in Austin

At the Greater Austin Pain Center, Austin’s foremost arthritis relief center, we know that living with arthritis can be a difficult and painful experience. After all, arthritis pain can range from mild to severe and can interfere with a wide range of everyday activities. That said, we also know that with proper management and everyday care, you can reduce or even eliminate your arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

In this blog, follow along as we share our best tips for managing arthritis pain, from lifestyle changes you can make today to medication and other treatments you get from talking to a professional arthritis pain doctor.

Understanding the Different Types of Arthritis

The first step in managing arthritis pain is to understand the type of arthritis you have. If you didn’t know already, there are actually several different types of arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis, for example, the most common type of arthritis, is caused by wear and tear on the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is technically an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. 

Moreover, Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which causes pain and inflammation, and Psoriatic Arthritis is caused by psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. Finally, Fibromyalgia, although not technically a type of arthritis, is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tenderness, similar to the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Different types of arthritis require different treatments, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from an arthritis specialist. Once they have determined the type of arthritis you have, they can suggest the best treatment plan for your specific needs. 

Change Your Diet & Exercise Habits

One of the best ways to manage pain associated with arthritis is to gradually change your diet and exercise routine. Exercise and diet can help curb arthritis pain by helping you lose weight, which can lessen the body’s physical demands and reduce system inflammation. Moreover, regular exercise can help maintain joint flexibility and improve range of motion, while eating a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Additionally, avoiding certain foods such as processed and fried foods can help reduce inflammation, which can also contribute to the pain caused by arthritis.

Manage Stress

It’s also important to practice stress management to reduce your arthritis pain. Stress can increase inflammation and make arthritis pain worse, so it’s important to find ways to relax and manage it. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can all help reduce stress and manage pain. 

Use Medication

If lifestyle interventions aren’t enough to fully relieve your arthritis pain, there are, fortunately, a wide variety of medications available to treat it. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, have been known to help relieve arthritis pain, while prescription medications may be necessary for more severe cases. Other medications such as acetaminophen, corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic response modifiers, and topical medications may also be prescribed for managing arthritis pain.

Consider Other Treatments

Fortunately, managing arthritis pain does not have to rely solely on medication and lifestyle interventions. In fact, there are several treatments available that may provide relief for those living with arthritis.

Joint injections are a form of treatment that involves the injection of a steroid, an anesthetic, or hyaluronic acid into the affected joint. This treatment can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Platelet rich plasma therapy involves the injection of a patient's own blood, which has been processed to concentrate the platelets. Platelet-rich plasma is thought to help stimulate the healing process and reduce pain in the affected joint. 

Viscosupplementation is a treatment which involves the injection of a lubricating substance into the affected joint, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Physical therapy, a form of passive pain management, is another treatment option for managing arthritis pain, which can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint and improve joint function.

Talk to Your Doctor

For those living with arthritis, talking to an arthritis pain doctor is perhaps the best way to successfully manage pain. An arthritis doctor can provide personalized care and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your unique condition. In addition to prescribing medication, they may suggest one of the aforementioned treatments to help manage your pain, ensuring you experience lasting relief from your arthritis pain.

Ultimately, managing arthritis pain can be a difficult and ongoing process. But with the right plan and lifestyle changes, you can reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you, and make sure to follow your pain management plan to get the best results.

Experience Arthritis Pain Relief in Austin!

At the Greater Austin Pain Center, we strive to provide our patients with personalized care and maximum pain relief from their arthritis symptoms. During your initial consultation, our professional pain doctors will evaluate your condition to determine the source of your pain and recommend a combination of interventions, including those listed above, to ensure you experience the best possible results.

For the best treatments for arthritis in Austin, contact the team at the Greater Austin Pain Center today!