Do you have joint degeneration due to arthritis? Are you wondering if the damage can get reversed?
Joint pain can be tricky to live with. It can leave you feeling tired and interfere with your mobility. Yet, there are ways to get back on your feet again.
Keep reading to learn what you need to know.
What Is Joint Degeneration?
Joint degeneration is also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. As your joints wear down, your bones begin to rub against each other and cause stiffness, pain, and swelling.
As you get older, your muscles and joints will begin to break down and lose their ability to function. As joint tissue rubs against the bone, you will develop stiffness and pain. Problems with joint degeneration are the most common in the knees.
Joint degeneration can get diagnosed with a complete physical exam in which your doctor will examine your range of motion, tenderness, and strength. Your doctor may also use diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or bone scans. They may also take a look at your walking ability and talk about your self-care habits.
Once your doctor has diagnosed you with joint degeneration due to arthritis, they can recommend a tailored treatment plan that will help you regain some of your strength and motion.
What Causes Joint Degeneration?
Joint degeneration is often quite common in those over age 50. Factors that increase your risk include repetitive motion, infection, or hormone disorders. Obesity can also add stress to your hips and knees.
Women are more likely than men to experience joint degeneration. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion. You may also experience bone spurs and a loss of flexibility.
If you don’t treat joint pain, your joints could become deformed and lose their function. However, the right treatment can restore joint function and prevent long-term damage.
Can Joint Degeneration Get Reversed?
Unfortunately, joint degeneration due to arthritis can’t get reversed. You can, however, help to slow its progression and manage your condition.
The right treatment can help you manage your pain, maintain your flexibility, and restore your range of motion.
What Home Treatments Are Available for Joint Degeneration?
Some common pain remedies such as CBD and turmeric, have been known to help some with mild to moderate joint pain. CBD oils and ointments can be used to improve inflammation, pain, and nerve damage.
Tumeric is known for having anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. It can also help prevent other diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Turmeric supplements are available.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend prescription medication.
A splint or brace can be used to reduce the amount of pressure you’re putting on your joints. You can also try various ointments.
Exercise can also help by stabilizing your joints. You can talk to your doctor about exercises that are gentle and effective for those with joint pain.
Walking, stretching, and water exercises can all help to relieve pain and joint stiffness. The key is to keep the impact low and move gently. In some cases, it may help to use some ice afterward.
You can use heat to ease your pain with a heating pad, wraps, or patches. Cold therapy can also help.
What Other Treatments Can Help?
In some cases, physical therapy can provide exercises that will help with osteoarthritis pain. It can help target joints and restore your range of motion. A physical therapist can also teach you how to use cold and heat therapy effectively at home.
Occupational therapists can help. They may be able to provide splints and recommend other devices, such as doorknobs, canes, and walkers. These could aid with bathing, dressing, and driving.
In addition, your occupational therapist can recommend ways to modify your home and workplace to avoid motions that could aggravate arthritis. They can help you to avoid positions that strain your joints and use your stronger joints to support your weaker ones.
Stem cell therapy can also be used to help regrow cartilage in your knees and joints. It can decrease inflammation and reduce pain. In some cases, it may delay or even eliminate your need for knee replacement surgery.
Acupuncture can also help. It serves to stimulate the chemicals that reduce swelling and relieve pain and may also aid immune system function.
Ozone therapy increases your levels of oxygen. It can help relieve joint pain by inhibiting inflammation. A qualified therapist can help you find the right treatment for you.
How Can I Afford Treatments for Joint Pain?
Pain treatments are sometimes covered under health insurance. If they aren’t, however, you can talk to your specialist about available financing options. You may, for example, be able to pay off your treatment a little every month so it fits more easily into your budget.
If your pain treatment isn’t covered, you may want to consider options such as a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Both an HSA and FSA allow you to put aside tax-sheltered money each month that can be used for healthcare treatments.
Getting Moving
Joint degeneration can really limit your ability to live life to the fullest. The pain and stiffness can make it difficult to work, live, and stay active. With the right treatment, however, you can get back on your feet in no time.
Don’t stop learning about effective treatments for joint pain now. For excellent natural remedies that don’t involve surgery, contact us today.