Doctors Reveal 5 Early Signs of Arthritis You Should Always Get Checked Out

From prevention.com

Some are more subtle than others 

If you find yourself developing new aches and pains as you get older, it’s normal to wonder whether you could be dealing with arthritis. But while the condition is associated with joint pain and swelling, those symptoms don’t usually come on hard and fast. Luckily, catching the early signs of arthritis and taking action can help lower the odds you’ll be even more uncomfortable down the road.

It's worth noting that there are many types of arthritis and, if you suspect you may have any of them, it’s important to get an evaluation from a healthcare professional. But when most people think of arthritis, they’re often referring to osteoarthritis, which is the most common.

Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. “Once damage to cartilage occurs, we do not currently have a way for it to be regenerated or grown back,” explains Jeffrey Zarin, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Los Angeles. However, it’s possible to slow down the progression and take steps to support your joints going forward.

If you’re dealing with joint pain and discomfort, don’t chalk it up to getting older. “Arthritis, while common, is not a ‘normal’ part of aging,” says Will Harvey, M.D., rheumatologist at Tufts Medical Center and president of the American College of Rheumatology. “Pain or other symptoms interfering with daily life should be evaluated.”

Not sure if it could be osteoarthritis? Doctors recommend looking out for these early signs.

Common early signs of arthritis

Not all joint pain is due to arthritis, but there are a few key signs that can surface early to be aware of.

You have joint pain with activity.

“Pain with vigorous activity is somewhat normal, but this is usually muscular pain or soreness,” Dr. Harvey says, which is usually harmless. “Pain in the joints themselves is a more typical sign of arthritis.”

Adaobi Okechukwu, M.D., a primary care physician with Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea, refers to osteoarthritis pain as “use-related.” That means it gets worse when you load the joint by doing things like walking, climbing stairs, and squatting, and gets better with rest. “It happens because the smooth cartilage that normally cushions the joint is beginning to break down, so the joint no longer glides and absorbs load as effortlessly as it once did,” she explains.

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You have brief morning stiffness.

Feeling stiff when you wake up is a “classic” sign you’re dealing with inflammation. “When you do not move your joints when you are sleeping, and you first get up in the morning, the inflammation of inactivity can give a sensation of stiffness until you start to move the joints,” Dr. Zarin says.

This stiffness usually lasts less than 30 minutes, according to Dr. Harvey. You may also notice pain at the end of the day that’s worse than in the morning, he adds.

Your joints click, pop, or crack.

This is a “very common” symptom, according to Dr. Harvey. “I always ask patients if it hurts when this happens,” he says. “Painless popping or cracking is not likely to represent a major problem.” This could simply be due to gas bubbles in your joints, although it can be a sign of arthritis when it’s coupled with other symptoms, per Dr. Zarin. “If the cartilage is not smooth and slippery the way it is supposed to be, certain movements can make mechanical noises or [a sense] of catching,” he says.

You have reduced flexibility.

Your flexibility will naturally go down if you don’t stretch. But you can also lose flexibility due to mechanical issues and inflammation tied to arthritis, according to Dr. Zarin. “If it is swelling around a joint from inflammation, that can decrease the ability of the tissues to move,” he says, which can make it harder to move as you once did.

This can look like trouble bending or straightening your joint as much as you could in the past, fully flexing a knee, or reaching as far as you used to, according to Dr. Okechukwu. “This loss of range of motion is a core feature of osteoarthritis,” she says. “Over time, this reduced flexibility layered on top of pain is a major reason osteoarthritis interferes with everyday tasks.”

You have mild joint swelling.

Joint swelling is a signal of inflammation, Dr. Zarin says. “When inflammation occurs, the body increases the circulation to the area where the problem is,” he explains. “This can cause fluid build-up, warmth, and the sensation or appearance of swelling.”

If you have joints that quickly swell up and then dissipate, or if you have swelling that sticks around, Dr. Harvey recommends you get it evaluated sooner rather than later. “Joints that are slowly getting larger likely represent arthritis,” he says.

Why it’s important to spot signs of arthritis early

If you suspect that you’re developing arthritis, Dr. Zarin says it’s best to take action sooner rather than later. There are interventions you can take that are more likely to help you if they’re introduced in the early stages.

“Prevention of the progression of arthritis is related to things that help protect the forces on the joint,” he says. That often means doing what you can to keep the muscles around your joint strong and avoiding high-impact activities that may cause further degradation, according to Dr. Zarin. If you have obesity, weight loss may also help, he adds.

“If it is identified early that there is some degenerative change in a joint, making life choices to help protect the joint can help prevent its progression and prolong healthy function as long as possible,” he says.

What to do if you notice early signs of arthritis

“It’s always a good idea to flag your symptoms to a primary care physician,” says Remy Rabinovich, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital. They will likely order X-rays or blood tests to dig a little deeper.

From there, your provider may refer you to someone who specializes in joints in the area where you're having discomfort. Just don’t sit on things if you’re uncomfortable. “If your symptoms are significant and are interfering with daily life, as opposed to an annoyance, it’s a good signal that you may need to be evaluated by a rheumatologist or other specialist,” Dr. Harvey says.

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a74207360/arthritis-early-signs/

Arthritis myths vs facts: Surgeon explains common misconceptions about symptoms, causes, treatment

From hindustantimes.com 

By Anukriti Srivastava

From joint cracking to exercise, a surgeon busts common arthritis myths that could mislead you about joint health

Many patients arrive believing that arthritis is an unavoidable part of ageing, that nothing can be done about it, or that surgery should always be the last resort. These myths can sometimes prevent people from seeking timely care. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Tushar Kohli, gold medallist, arthroscopy and joint replacement surgeon, senior consultant at Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, Dehradun, debunks common myths about exercise, pain, and joint health.

Myth 1: Arthritis only affects older people.

While the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, it is not exclusively an age-related condition. Dr Tushar Kohli highlighted that previous injuries, obesity, genetics, repetitive stress and certain medical conditions can contribute to joint damage in younger people too.

Myth 2: Exercise will make arthritis worse.

The opposite can often be true. Appropriate, low-impact physical activity can strengthen the muscles supporting a joint, improve mobility, and help manage pain. The key is choosing exercises suited to the individual's condition, rather than avoiding movement altogether.

Myth 3: Joint pain is something you simply have to live with.

“Persistent pain should not be dismissed as a normal consequence of getting older,” highlighted Dr Kohli. Depending on its cause and severity, arthritis can often be managed through weight management, physiotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes and other non-surgical approaches.

Delaying treatment despite severe pain, stiffness, or declining mobility can affect independence and overall wellbeing. (Unsplash)

Myth 4: Knee or joint replacement means the end of an active lifestyle.

Modern joint replacement procedures have evolved significantly. For patients with advanced arthritis who have not found adequate relief through conservative treatments, knee or joint replacement can help restore mobility and improve quality of life. The goal is not simply to reduce pain, but to help patients return to meaningful everyday activities.

According to Dr Kohli, advances in surgery have also changed how we approach these procedures. Minimally invasive techniques can involve smaller incisions and reduced disruption to surrounding tissues in appropriately selected patients. Robotic-assisted technologies available at selected sites can further support surgeons in complex cases with significant deformities.

Myth 5: Surgery should always be avoided for as long as possible.

There is no universal timeline for surgery. Delaying treatment despite severe pain, stiffness, or declining mobility can affect independence and overall wellbeing. The right approach is an individualised one, based on symptoms, imaging, lifestyle and response to other treatments.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/arthritis-myths-vs-facts-surgeon-explains-common-misconceptions-about-symptoms-causes-treatment-101791617482361.html

Rheumatologists Agree—You Should Stop Doing These 4 Things for Joint Health

From eatingwell.com

By Kelsey Kunik, RDN

Spoiler: Sitting still and hoping it goes away isn’t the answer

KEY POINTS

• Light exercise and strength training can ease joint pain and improve function over time.
• Long-term NSAID use may mask pain but risks serious side effects and worsens joint issues.
• Early treatment for joint pain prevents lasting damage and improves outcomes significantly.

Aching, swollen joints can turn everyday activities into overwhelming hurdles. With about one in five adults living with arthritis, and the chronic or occasional joint pain that can come with it, the advice out there ranges from helpful to downright harmful. To help you sort fact from fiction, rheumatologists let us in on the four things you may want to stop doing for achy joints, and what to do instead. 

Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell Design

1. Avoid Activity

When your knees are swollen or your ankles are aching, relaxing in an easy chair sounds like the best solution, but experts warn that avoiding all activity can actually make things worse. “It feels right to avoid activity when you have pain,” says Siddharth Tambar, M.D. “But even light exercise and stretching are good for blood flow and your joint health.”

“The muscles around a joint are its shock absorbers, and they weaken quickly with disuse, so the joint itself absorbs more of every step,” explains Gregg J. Silverman, M.D. It’s easy to fall into a cycle where reduced movement leads to weaker muscles, stiffer joints, more pain and even less movement. But not every type of exercise may be appropriate. While research suggests 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day may help prevent and treat osteoarthritis, you may need to experiment with different types of exercise and increase the time or intensity as your tolerance builds.

2. Rely on NSAIDs

Popping a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like naproxen or ibuprofen at the first sign of stiffness or pain may provide immediate relief, but relying on them long term can come with risks. “If utilized long term, it increases the risk of stomach, liver, bleeding, and cardiac side effects,” says Dr. Tambar.

Research suggests that long-term NSAID use may be associated with ongoing pain, stiffness and disability in people with arthritis. Dr. Tambar emphasizes that long-term use avoids “addressing the longer-term issues driving your pain, which is typically either chronic inflammation, instability, or neuropathic issues.”

3. Ignore Pain & Swelling

When aching joints first start to interrupt your busy schedule, it can be easy to put off making an appointment. But when it comes to joint pain, waiting it out can lead to worse pain and even lasting joint damage. Seeking evaluation and treatment at the first signs of joint pain, stiffness, or swelling can help you identify the type of arthritis you’re dealing with and take the best course of action to relieve the pain and prevent further damage. 

For example, rheumatoid arthritis can quickly lead to lasting damage that can’t be reversed. “The same treatment started within the first few months does better than that treatment started a year later — and a year is roughly how long people wait when they assume stiff, swollen hands are just age,” says Dr. Silverman.

4. Rely on Supplements Instead of Proven Treatments

Glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and turmeric are often touted as miracle cures for joint pain, but the research behind these supplements varies considerably. In the case of glucosamine, the American College of Rheumatology’s guidelines clearly recommend against it. According to Dr. Silverman, “‘Supports joint health’ is a marketing phrase, not a finding.”

Turmeric and collagen aren’t necessarily harmful, especially when used as part of a varied diet, but taking a supplement shouldn’t replace treatments with stronger evidence. Depending on the cause of your joint pain, those may include exercise, strengthening, prescribed medications or other therapies recommended by your health care provider. 

Other Strategies to Support Joint Health

Rheumatologists are clear on what not to do for joint pain, but that’s not necessarily helpful when you’re in pain and looking for relief. To support your joints and manage symptoms, here’s what they recommend: 

• Avoid smoking. If you smoke, taking steps to stop should be the highest priority for protecting your joints. “Smoking is among the strongest environmental risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis, and it makes the medications we use for it work less well,” says Dr. Silverman.
• Eat a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients and plants could significantly improve joint pain and function. “A whole-food, fibre-rich, Mediterranean-style diet — fish, olive oil, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and not much ultra-processed food — is the version of “anti-inflammatory eating” that has real support behind it, and it also addresses the cardiovascular and metabolic risk that travels with arthritis,” says Dr. Silverman.
• Prioritize strength training. Routine strength training and regular movement are the best tools to keep your joints healthy. “Progressive strength training is the only intervention that both reduces osteoarthritis pain and improves function over the long run, which is why it is first-line in every major guideline,” says Dr. Silverman.  
• If your plan isn’t working, seek help. “If you are not reaching your goals, then either alter your treatment regimen or escalate to a stronger option,” says Dr. Tambar, who recommends seeing your physician at the first sign of pain and swelling, and following up to change your treatment plan as needed. 

Our Expert Take

While there’s no single solution for sore joints, rheumatologists warn that some of our most common instincts — resting more, reaching for ibuprofen, waiting it out or hoping a supplement will do the work — tend to make joint pain worse in the long run. Joints stay healthiest when kept in motion, when the muscles around them stay strong and when inflammation is treated rather than masked. So keep moving in whatever way your joints allow, add strength training as you’re able, lean on a fibre-rich Mediterranean style of eating and see your doctor at the first sign of joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.

https://www.eatingwell.com/things-to-stop-doing-for-joint-health-12127555

What you should be doing to manage arthritis pain

From msn.com/en-us

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Some people with arthritis have trouble moving their joints over time, long considered a classic symptom. However, various forms of arthritis behave differently in the body and can affect the type and severity of symptoms. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation states that there are more than 100 kinds of arthritis and related conditions.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two primary types of this condition. Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage that cushions joints, while rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to damage the joints directly. Other kinds include gout, septic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (via Mayo Clinic).

©Sasin Paraksa/Shutterstock

As for where it comes from, arthritis can stem from genetics, lifestyle, autoimmune diseases, infections, or exacerbated wear and tear on the joints (via Cleveland Clinic). Once it hits and starts damaging joints, arthritis can cause mild to severe pain that can be difficult to manage. Thankfully, making some lifestyle changes and understanding therapeutic strategies can lead to better pain management for this type of inflammation.

Fight inflammation through diet

A significant cause of the pain associated with arthritis is inflammation surrounding the joints. That pain often arrives as the immune system fights against whatever it deems to be an issue. In the case of arthritis, that's the joints.

Therefore, reducing the inflammation response in the body is a potentially good idea for people with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation notes that the Mediterranean diet — one that's filled with whole foods and low in processed stuff and "bad" fats — is one of the best for combating arthritic pain. The diet incorporates fish, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. These categories include several anti-inflammatory foods that help to keep that symptom at bay.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health also explains the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, especially in those with chronic inflammation. Rather than focus on calories and portions, an anti-inflammatory diet focuses only on the foods you eat and don't eat. Tea, coffee, herbs, whole grains, and monounsaturated fats get the green light, for instance. But those following this diet must typically stay away from sweetened drinks, fried foods, and processed meats. 

Take inflammation-reducing medication as needed

Not all pain from arthritis can be managed by a healthy diet alone, unfortunately. People with severe arthritis symptoms might still need to take pain-reducing medications to keep them moving and able to function daily.

Corticosteroids are one form of medication commonly prescribed for arthritis. They target pain by reducing inflammation and are generally available in cream, pill, or shot form. Some arthritis patients may respond better to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include many of the typical pain relief medications you'll find in the pharmacy. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are forms of NSAIDs, for example. These also decrease inflammation and can work relatively quickly for those seeking immediate relief (via Verywell Health).

Some people with persistent or severe arthritis may need high doses of NSAIDs that can only be prescribed by a doctor to manage their pain. Your doctor can use different doses and medicating schedules to find one that works best for your symptoms and body (via Arthritis Foundation).

Supplements might help to reduce inflammation

                                         ©Iryna Pohrebna/Shutterstock

Medication may not work well for everyone, and indeed some people may wish to try more natural routes before going with prescription medications. As such, a number of supplements have been shown to reduce arthritic symptoms, including pain, by reducing inflammation and even potentially by building cartilage. They could be worth a try, though it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor first before starting a supplement regimen.

The Arthritis Foundation lists vitamins A, C, E, D, and K as vital nutrients which also contain antioxidants and may aid in reducing arthritis symptoms, although researchers are still studying their efficacy related to arthritis. However, we do know that vitamins D and K both strengthen bones, while vitamin K is necessary for cartilage health. Glucosamine and chondroitin also have some mixed results in studies, but researchers have shown that joint cartilage contains these compounds. Some evidence has shown that these two could improve arthritis pain, especially when combined with NSAID treatment.

EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil supplements, also have anti-inflammatory properties. An article published in the journal Atherosclerosis outlined the results of a study where participants with chronic inflammation used EPA and DHA supplements for 10 weeks. Researchers found that both fatty acids appeared to reduce inflammation, with DHA leading to slightly better results.

Pay attention to the numbers on the scale

Extra body weight, naturally enough, puts extra strain on joints. Pain management specialist and doctor Robert Bolash tells Cleveland Clinic, "Joints in your body's lower half — particularly your knees and hips — bear most of your weight. That's why years of carrying around excess weight contribute to achy, swollen, stiff joints." Bolash recommends using low-impact exercises, like swimming or water aerobics, to shed pounds without causing more pain and discomfort to joints in the process. Rheumatologist Elaine Husni also explains that losing a mere 10 pounds can sometimes be all it takes to improve knee pain related to osteoarthritis.

Not only can losing weight improve pain associated with arthritis, but it could actually improve joint function altogether. Richard F. Loeser, Jr., a rheumatologist and research leader, tells Everyday Health that a study he conducted showed that knee joint pressure improved over time with routine exercise and diet changes. Additionally, participants had decreased inflammation after losing weight, which is even more good news for the joints.

Get better sleep

It's no secret that getting plenty of shut-eye does a body good. Quality sleep can lower your risk of heart attacks, improve your mood, and keep many more of your body systems on track. Having good sleep hygiene that helps you get a full night of rest could also improve your arthritis pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, pain from arthritis can certainly keep you up at night. However, it appears that not getting enough sleep can also trigger inflammation and pain, resulting in a cycle of sleeplessness and health consequences that's admittedly tough to break. Director of the Alabama Research Institute on Aging Patricia Parmelee explains that failing to catch enough sleep can contribute to increased pain the next day, while chronic sleeplessness may even progress one's arthritis further over time.

So, what to do if you're stuck in just such a cycle? According to Medical News Today, people with arthritis should prioritize their sleep by getting into a routine. Exercising during the day, avoiding naps, and sticking with the same bedtimes and wake-up times can be helpful. Managing stress and eating healthy, wholesome meals can also contribute to better sleep patterns and, therefore, decreased arthritis symptoms.

Keep your body active

                                                       ©Rido/Shutterstock

Add one more fact to the many reasons why exercise is essential: Apparently, people with arthritis may experience decreased pain when they participate in routine exercise. The CDC states that physical activity is necessary for healthy joint function and reduced symptoms, including pain and mood. The most important thing to remember is to find exercise routines that are low-impact for your joints. The CDC also recommends starting slow with any exercise and modifying exercises as needed to keep your body comfortable.

What are the best exercises for people with arthritis? According to Medical News Today, simple stretching tops the list. Yoga is just one example of a type of exercise that incorporates stretching and flexibility, helping you increase your body's range of motion. Other activities like walking, water aerobics, and cycling can also be excellent ways to drop pounds, stay active, and improve pain while giving aching joints a break.

That said, you might still experience some pain in your affected joints after exercising. In that case, Mayo Clinic suggests using a cold compress for 20 minutes to reduce swelling or applying heat for 20 minutes to relax the muscles around your joints.

Get injections for joint pain

                                                   ©Anut21ng Stock/Shutterstock

Injections may be a good alternative for people who don't want to take pills to manage their arthritis pain. Steroid injections are among the most common for people with arthritis, particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types of this condition. Like pain medications, steroid injections are available in a few forms, including hydrocortisone and triamcinolone. Based on the pain's location, the administrating physician will deliver the shot in a nearby muscle, soft tissue surrounding the joint, or even the joint itself. These shots can provide pain relief for several weeks (per Versus Arthritis).

Viscosupplementation, or a series of hyaluronic acid injections, is another type of pain management that may be appropriate for people with arthritis. This one works especially for osteoarthritis, which causes the breakdown of cartilage in and around a joint. Hyaluronic acid may replace the cartilage in arthritic joints, leading to better pain management. Some viscosupplementation injections may last as long as six months, but you may need to be patient. It could take a couple of weeks before you notice a difference (via John Hopkins Medicine).

Quit smoking as soon as possible

Ditching your smoking habit can change your body in several positive ways, from improving your cardiovascular function to boosting your immune system. What's more, people who live with arthritis might find a light at the end of the tunnel regarding pain management when they put out their last cigarette. Several studies show the relationship between arthritis development and smoking, particularly in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. One published in Clinical Laboratory found that toxic ingredients in cigarettes, like lead and cadmium, were more concentrated in rheumatoid arthritis patients who smoked. Another scientific review from the journal Cells noted that smoking-related periodontitis, also known as gum disease, can also be a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis.

According to medical doctor April Chang-Miller in a Mayo Clinic question-answer post, people who have smoked for 20 years or longer have the greatest risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, smoking may decrease the efficacy of medications used to treat and manage arthritis, which could prevent your pain from subsiding with drugs like it usually would.

Try acupuncture

©Imagen Punto De Luzi/Shutterstock

Acupuncture is a traditional therapy based in Chinese culture that focuses on pain management and healing. Although it doesn't use the principles of Western medicine that may be more familiar to some patients, there is evidence that shows it could work for arthritis pain management.

A scientific review published in Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Inflammatory Diseases explored the potential outcomes of acupuncture on arthritic pain. The studies included in the review ranged from 1974 to 2018 and included single-case studies, randomized control trials, and clinical trials conducted on rheumatoid arthritis patients. Study researchers offered several hypotheses for their subjects' improved pain, including anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidative effects, and immunity-regulating effects associated with acupuncture.

Another controlled trial discovered that arthritis patients who received acupuncture treatment saw more improvements in their self-reported measures of pain (and depression associated with their pain) than patients receiving counselling alone or Western-style arthritis treatments. "There's a lot of research that says when we put an acupuncture needle into the body, a number of physiological mechanisms occurs," explains professor of family and community medicine Brian Berman to the Arthritis Foundation. According to Berman, acupuncture releases pain-relieving endorphins and produces cortisol that controls inflammation, which could then lead to positive results for people with arthritis.

Use hot and cold therapeutics

When joints are really acting up and need quick relief, applying a hot or cold compress can sometimes do the trick, even if the effects are temporary. Arthritis-health notes that cold decreases inflammation by compressing blood vessels and slowing down the movement of fluid that leads to joint inflammation. However, people who use this method should be careful to limit cold therapies to no more than 20 minutes at a time. They should also use a barrier between the skin and the compress to limit skin damage. 

According to Arthritis Foundation, heat makes blood vessels enlarge, allowing oxygen and blood to come to the aid of an injured area of the body, such as painful joints and muscles. Using a warm compress, taking a warm shower, or soaking in a heated bathtub could therefore decrease pain.

So, which method is better for arthritis? Rheumatologist Chad Deal tells Cleveland Clinic that it really depends on the person. Although osteoarthritis typically does better with heat, some people still prefer the relief that cold therapies give them. Therefore, use what works best for you. The most important thing to remember is to stay active through exercise, too. Use hot and cold therapies to loosen up muscles before exercising and soothe pain after exercising.

Add turmeric to your diet

Researchers have long studied the positive effects of turmeric, a spice that's commonly used in Indian cuisine to flavour various dishes, on the body. Several potential health benefits have been discovered in the process, including aiding digestion, controlling allergies, and improving symptoms of liver disease (via National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health).

It could also help people with arthritis manage their pain, especially those with osteoarthritis. According to Mayo Clinic registered dietician nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, an active ingredient in turmeric known as curcumin is what does the trick. Curcumin is naturally anti-inflammatory, so it could loosen up the joints and relieve some pain.

A 2019 study also comes to a similar conclusion. More than 130 people with knee osteoarthritis participated in the study, taking either curcumin or an NSAID daily. While both led to improvement of pain, participants had fewer side effects when taking curcumin. Also of note is that people taking curcumin averaged a bodyweight loss of 2%, which could further assist in pain management.

Treat yourself to a massage

©Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock

According to the Arthritis Foundation, plenty of research shows that massage could be a valuable part of a pain management regimen for arthritis. Plus, it doubles as self-care, making it even more beneficial from a mental health standpoint. Numerous studies and scientific reviews conducted within the past decade have found positive effects of massage on knee osteoarthritis and hand arthritis for relieving pain and improving mobility. Experts tell Arthritis Foundation that, although research results are clear, exactly how massage helps in this situation remains a mystery. However, it's possible that massage results in a better night of sleep or can alter hormone production, both of which could lead to reduced arthritis symptoms.

The efficacy of massage is still up for debate in the medical world, though, at least until more conclusive research comes about. Still, some experts agree that there's a place for it in the arthritis world. Exercise physiologist Kindle Fisher tells Healthline, "Massage can be beneficial for temporary relief for patients with [rheumatoid arthritis]. A benefit to massage for arthritis patients is that it increases blood flow to certain areas of pain, which helps promote healing and gives a temporary relief." However, Fisher also explains that deep tissue massage isn't the best idea, as the heavier pressure of this technique could actually cause more pain.

As a last resort, consider surgery

While many forms of arthritis treatments and pain management methods exist, the truth is that they don't always work for each and every person. At some point, arthritis pain may stop responding well to other techniques, making surgery something to consider. You and your doctor should decide together when surgery is the right option for you.

Fortunately, several surgery options exist, with some being less invasive than others. Arthroscopy is one of the least invasive surgeries of all, requiring only small incisions and compact tools to reach damaged tissues, cartilage, or ligaments. Other surgeries that can help people with arthritis still manage to avoid total joint replacements, like osteotomies, synovectomies, and arthrodesis (per Arthritis Foundation).

People with advanced stages of arthritis and severe pain or lack of mobility may require a joint replacement. According to the American College of Rheumatology, more than one million knee and hip replacements happen every year. However, this surgery is typically used as a last resort when other non-surgical methods haven't helped a patient.

Keep in touch with your doctor

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Ultimately, it's important to keep up with your medical appointments. Visiting your doctor regularly can help them more efficiently monitor your arthritis and manage your pain. Your primary care physician should be your main point of contact for regular appointments, but they may refer you to a specialist for more in-depth help. Orthopaedists can keep an eye on your musculoskeletal system and may provide injections in arthritic joints to manage pain. Rheumatoid arthritis patients may see a rheumatologist who can help them to manage the inflammation and immune response surrounding their particular arthritis symptoms (via Cleveland Clinic).

Your medical team will determine how often you should visit for consistent care. However, there may be times when you need to schedule an appointment due to changes in or worsening symptoms. WebMD suggests monitoring your symptoms closely and calling your doctor or specialist when something doesn't feel right. For instance, pain that doesn't go away after resting, sustained or increasing pain after a treatment, or red or hot joints could warrant a call to the doctor.

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