Tag Archives: Arthritis

10 Tips For Managing Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, making everyday activities challenging and often painful. While there is no cure for arthritis, various strategies and lifestyle changes can help manage the pain and improve the quality of life. 

At Paris Orthopedics, we see many patients struggling with arthritis pain. A few simple changes can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips for managing arthritis pain. 

Stay Active 

Regular exercise is crucial for managing arthritis pain. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. It is essential to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise. Work with a physical therapist or an exercise specialist to develop a tailored exercise program that suits your needs.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra weight puts additional stress on the joints, exacerbating arthritis pain. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing arthritis symptoms. If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce the strain on your joints and alleviate pain.

Apply Heat or Cold

Applying heat or cold to the affected joints can temporarily relieve arthritis pain. Heat can help relax muscles and improve blood circulation, while cold therapy can numb the area and reduce inflammation. Experiment with both to see which works best for you. Remember to use a barrier (such as a towel) between the heating or cooling element and your skin to avoid burns or frostbite.

Use Assistive Devices 

Various assistive devices can make daily tasks easier and reduce joint stress. For example, jar openers, reacher grabbers, or ergonomic tools can minimize strain on the hands and wrists. Assistive devices such as canes, crutches, or walkers can help support your weight and reduce pressure on the lower extremities.

Practice Joint Protection 

Simple modifications to your daily routine can go a long way in managing arthritis pain. Avoid repetitive movements and activities that put excessive stress on your joints. Use larger joints instead of smaller ones whenever possible (e.g., use your shoulder instead of your wrist to carry a heavy bag). Maintain good posture and use ergonomic furniture and tools to minimize joint strain.

Try Relaxation Techniques

Stress and tension can worsen arthritis pain. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate pain. These practices also improve flexibility and encourage a sense of well-being.

Use Medications as Prescribed

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help manage arthritis pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, and corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for arthritis pain. It is essential to use these medications as prescribed and discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider.

Get Enough Rest

Fatigue can worsen arthritis pain and make daily activities more challenging. Ensure you get enough rest and sleep to allow your body to recover. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Balancing rest and activity is crucial for managing arthritis pain effectively.

Stay Positive and Seek Support

Living with chronic pain can be emotionally draining. It is essential to stay positive and maintain a good support network. Seek support from family, friends, or support groups who can understand and empathize with your experiences. Talking to a mental health professional can also be beneficial in coping with the emotional aspects of living with arthritis.

Stay Informed 

Stay updated on the latest information and treatment options for arthritis. Consult with healthcare professionals and stay connected with reputable arthritis organizations or websites. Knowing your condition can help you make informed decisions about managing your pain.

Schedule An Appointment With Paris Orthopedics 

Managing arthritis pain requires a comprehensive approach that combines lifestyle changes, self-care strategies, and medical interventions. It is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop an individualized plan that suits your specific needs. 

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can effectively manage arthritis pain and improve your overall quality of life. Are you interested in learning more about managing arthritis pain? Check out our website or give us a call at (903) 737-0000 for more information. 

 

8 Types Of Arthritis And What Differentiates Them

Arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in patients. However, what most people do not realize is how many different types of arthritis there are. To diagnose and treat your arthritis, it is important to understand the various types and be able to distinguish between them. This can make it easier to find a solution. 

Different Types Of Arthritis 

Once you are able to identify the different types of arthritis, you will be able to find the correct treatment. Then, this is a useful distinction to be able to discuss with the orthopedic doctor treating your condition. At Paris Orthopedics, we are dedicated to helping relieve your pain and discomfort by identifying the true cause with accuracy. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. The Mayo Clinic details this condition as when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. It often affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Moreover, the symptoms of this particular type can be managed, but the joint damage cannot be repaired. These symptoms are pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, grating sensation, bone spurs, and swelling. 

Gout

Gout is a more complex form of arthritis. This is detailed as sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or multiple joints, often found in the big toe. For example, the feeling is often found as a sense that one’s big toe is on fire. Here, the symptoms are intense joint pain, lingering discomfort, inflammation and redness, and limited range of motion. 

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

As is sensed in the title, juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the type often found in children under the age of 16. This is detailed as persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The symptoms are known to last for months or even years. Here, the symptoms are pain, swelling, stiffness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. This type of arthritis can present itself in many different joints and is determined by identifying the symptoms that the child is exhibiting. Often, forms of this arthritis are seen in girls. 

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis commonly found in those who are also diagnosed with psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation defines psoriasis as an immune-mediated disease that causes inflammation in the body. Here, the main symptoms one may encounter are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. This must also be paired with the condition of psoriasis to diagnose this type of arthritis. There is no cure for this particular type of arthritis. 

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is another type of arthritis to consider. This is caused by an infection in another part of the body. It is often in the intestines, genitals, or urinary tract. This is not a common type of arthritis. After the infection, this arthritis presents itself 1 to 4 weeks later. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. It does not always just impact your joints. It can spread to other body systems from the skin to even the blood vessels. Your immune system is mistakenly attacking itself. Here, the symptoms are tender warm, swollen joints, joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. 

Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is another type that is less common but important to understand. For example, this is a painful infection in a joint caused by germs traveling through the bloodstream in another section of the body. Symptoms of this particular type are extreme discomfort and difficulty using the affected joint.


Finally, once one is able to identify the different types of arthritis, it is easier to diagnose the condition. While an orthopedic doctor would be able to identify it as well, it can make the process easier if the patient has some idea of it before even making an appointment. Are you suffering from one of the types of arthritis? Paris Orthopedics is here to provide diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Check out our website or give us a call at (903) 737-0000.

Top Five Myths About Arthritis

Arthritis is defined as the swelling or tenderness of one or more of the joints. In the United States, 23% of adults have some form of this condition. Considering this percentage amounts to more than 54 million people having arthritis, it’s not surprising that myths have formed and continue to circulate surrounding this common condition. In order to supply information that can help you with your arthritis, it’s important to know what is fact, and what is fiction. In this blog, we aim to debunk the top five myths about arthritis and educate you on tried and true treatment plans.

1. Joint Pain = Arthritis

While the primary symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, not all joint pain is indicative of arthritis. Various other conditions including tendonitis, sprains, and bursitis can all lead to swelling and pain around the joints. Visiting a specialist at Paris Orthopedics can help determine what is causing your joint pain.

2. Arthritis only occurs in the elderly

While the risk of arthritis increases with age, it can occur at any age. In fact, juvenile arthritis affects nearly 300,000 children. Some of the primary arthritis risk factors are completely unrelated to age, such as family history, obesity, and previous joint damage.

3. Exercising is bad for your arthritis

Arthritis may make exercise more difficult, but that doesn’t mean that you should stop exercising. In fact, the opposite is true. Staying active can actually help manage pain associated with arthritis. The CDC recommends that adults with arthritis should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Walking, aerobics and elliptical training are all examples of weight-bearing activities that can help treat arthritis.

4. Arthritis can’t be prevented or treated 

While there are certain risk factors that cannot be prevented or avoided when it comes to arthritis, there are ways to delay the onset of certain types of arthritis and to reduce your overall risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, wearing proper protective sports equipment, and practicing good form during physical activity can all help to prevent certain types of arthritis. If you currently have arthritis, there are ways to treat the condition or to help manage symptoms. A specialist at Paris Orthopedics can help you determine certain lifestyle changes, medications or vitamins that can work for you.

5. Heat is better for arthritis than ice

Both heat and cold can be useful for arthritis. Heat can help relax the muscles and relieve joint stiffness, and cold can help to reduce inflammation and pain. While you can opt for whatever feels comfortable, oftentimes alternating between heat and cold, or using heat in the morning and cold at night can be effective in reducing joint pain associated with arthritis.

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions about joint pain, arthritis, or treatment plans, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.