While knee osteoarthritis (OA) presents a significant challenge to patients and healthcare providers, some experts believe that a holistic approach offers a more comprehensive and sustainable solution. Painkillers are still a conventional treatment for arthritis patients, who find winter to be anything but a wintry wonderland due to their joints swelling as a result of the abrupt drop in barometric pressure brought on by the drop in ambient temperature.
In order to give patients a more comprehensive and long-lasting treatment, a holistic approach to knee osteoarthritis management emphasizes enhancing general well-being, treating the underlying causes, and fostering long-term joint health.
The winter months are particularly harsh for people with arthritis because they increase the sensitivity of pain receptors, cause more muscular spasms that worsen joint pain and stiffness, and reduce blood flow to the hands and feet, which aggravates arthritic discomfort.
See these six all-encompassing approaches to treating osteoarthritis in the knee that go beyond just using medications to relieve pain.
Nutrition & Diet
Promoting an anti-inflammatory diet full of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help lessen knee joint inflammation.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Physical therapy and individualised exercise programmes can strengthen the surrounding muscles and enhance joint stability and function.
Weight control
It’s critical to maintain a healthy weight because being overweight puts additional strain on the knee joints.
Mind-Body Methods
Methods like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can reduce stress, which can worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knees.
Complementary Therapies
For certain people, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and herbal remedies may be relieving.
Also read: 5 natural ways to whiten teeth
Joint supplements
Studies on the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements on knee OA symptoms have been promising.
When knee pain prevents you from going about your everyday business, it’s time to research your treatment options to ensure that you can continue being active. Pain can sometimes literally bring you to your knees. Although conservative measures are often attempted initially, there are circumstances in which knee surgery is recommended or necessary.
