If you are dealing with knee or hip pain or pain in another joint, you may consider joint replacement surgery or arthroplasty. While this is a necessary treatment for advanced cases of arthritis or a traumatic injury, if you are young, surgery may not be the best option. One reason for this is because having early arthroplasties may require revision surgery in 10 to 10 years.
While joint replacement surgery is often necessary for orthopedic injuries Southern Iowa, this is not always the case. There are some nonsurgical treatment options to consider, which can help you postpone and, in some cases, eliminate the need for arthroplasty. Keep reading to learn what those nonsurgical treatment options are.
Weight Loss
If you are overweight or obese, the excess weight can wear away your joint structures. This is particularly true for your ankles, knees, and hips. Losing just 10 pounds will help to alleviate joint pain and improve your mobility.
Exercise
Engaging in low-impact aerobic activities can help to support the muscles around your joints. This includes things like walking, swimming, and biking. This can all help you keep your weight at an optimal level, which (as mentioned above) can promote better joint health.
Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Along with eating a healthy diet, you should try to increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and nuts. These are all considered anti-inflammatory foods. Try to avoid eating too many processed foods and stay well-hydrated. This is going to help you keep all toxins flushed out of your system.
Stop Smoking
Tobacco, along with other stimulants, may hinder circulation in your legs and lower body. It can also slow down your healing mechanisms and reduce your body’s natural pain response. If you are a smoker, speak to your doctor about medications that can help you stop.
Physical Therapy
Having a custom program involving manual therapies stretches, and therapeutic exercises will help increase your joints’ blood flow. It will also help with natural lubrication in the joints, which is beneficial for overall joint health.
If you are dealing with joint issues and pain, speak to your doctor to see your options. In many cases, having some type of nonsurgical intervention will be best. This will help ensure that you get the relief from pain that you want without undergoing an invasive surgical procedure. Keep this in mind moving forward if you are dealing with joint issues.
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