If you are experiencing joint pain, including in your hips or knees, you might be at a point where you are interested in hearing about any fixes that are out there to ease the aching. You aren’t alone. Joint pain can be incredibly stressful, particularly if it gets in the way of activities that you love, like working out, gardening, participating in fun activities with your family and friends, or even sleeping. It can also cause problems if you are expected to be on your feet and moving around a lot in your profession. Just ask any of my New York clients.
If your joint pain is out of control and is impacting the way you live in a negative way, know that you have options for feeling better. Many people are surprised to learn that even small lifestyle changes can make a big improvement in the way that their joints feel. For example, increasing your range of movement through moderate exercise can keep your joints active and less stiff. It can also lead to weight loss, which means fewer pounds placed on your already fragile frame.
Additionally, dietary choices can play a key role in the level of pain that you experience. Certain fruits contain antioxidants that fight arthritic pain. Berries, for one, are packed with anthocyanins and ellagic acid that combat inflammation. Similarly, apples contain anthocyanins and quercetin, which fend off arthritic pains.
Vegetables can also be a helpful resource. Dark leafy greens, like broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, and spinach, contain sulforaphane, which has been associated with the ability to block enzymes that harm joints. The vitamin A and beta-carotene found in orange veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes are also inflammation fighters, while quercetin in onions had been found to decrease arthritis symptoms in mice.
And don’t discount oils. Eating salmon, mackerel, and sardines means you are consuming omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce joint pain. Not a fish person? No worries. Adding extra-virgin olive oil to your diet is another way to boost your antioxidant levels.
Of course, these changes alone won’t solve all your problems, and you might end up needing a total or partial knee or hip replacement surgery down the line. These procedures can be absolutely life-changing, and many of the patients I treat are feeling relief and back to their regular routines in a matter of months (with less pain to boot!) after surgery. In recent years, technological developments have significantly improved the way we approach and execute joint repairs and replacements; you might even be a great candidate for a minimally invasive or robotic assisted procedure. No matter your situation, you can rest assured that I have extensive training and knowledge of these advances and will do everything I can to make sure that you have a successful outcome.
If you are on the fence about a surgery or feel that you need to postpone it for other reasons, there’s no need to suffer. Even slight adjustments to your daily activities can improve the way you feel. If you have any questions about your options, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Questions? Call +254 718 994 368 / 733 994 368 or E-mail: wecare@pathwayintl.co.ke
PATHWAY INTERNATIONAL: providing Global Healthcare Solutions.