Joint pain is particularly brutal during the comparably humid summer, fall, and spring months. Everyone in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond will experience joint pain at some point in their life. There is no reason to suffer when you can ease the pain without taking daily medication. Let’s take a quick look at some helpful tips from our Philadelphia home care providers for minimizing joint pain without resorting to daily pain pills.
Physical Activity Might Help
Most people who suffer from joint pain scoff at the idea of getting a Philadelphia gym membership or heading to a Bucks County park to exercise. On the surface, it seems counterintuitive to exercise when dealing with joint pain. However, physical activity has the potential to reduce joint pain by improving blood flow and enhancing flexibility. Take a walk or run at a local Philadelphia park, do some crunches, knock out a few push-ups and the movement of blood throughout your body just might reduce your joint pain.
Buy a New Pair of Sneakers
If you are experiencing pain in your knees, hips, calves, ankles, or feet, a new pair of sneakers or orthotics might reduce your pain. New sneakers will minimize the vibration that moves through your joints with each step you take. Older sneakers heighten the force on knee joints, causing considerable pain. Choose the right pair of flexible sneakers and your pain might significantly dissipate in the weeks ahead.
Cold and/or Heat
Knee pain is best treated with ice and rest. However, some patients suffering from joint pain outside of the knees find their body responds better to heat as opposed to ice. Use a warm compress, a heating pad or take a warm bath and see how you feel. The application of heat will move blood to the painful area, soothing the muscles so you can move without pain. Heat is ideal for osteoarthritis pain. Alternatively, cold from ice and other sources has the potential to help with other types of joint pain as it cuts down on inflammation and swelling by constricting blood vessels.
Consider a Pain Pump
A pain pump is a diminutive device implanted within the body programmed to transmit specific amounts of muscle relaxants. This approach ensures you don’t have to down one pain pill after another every single day for the rest of your life.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are another way around taking daily medication. Keep in mind, taking a daily pain reliever might cause stomach problems or lead to dependency. Schedule an appointment with a Philadelphia doctor who has provided trigger point injections to other Bucks County locals and you just might find it minimizes your joint pain to the point that you feel comfortable for a period of several months.
Aging With Comfort is on Your Side
Our Philadelphia home care specialists are here to help you or your loved one live with dignity. Reach out to us today to find out more about our Philadelphia home care service. You can reach our caring team members by dialing 215-745-5555 or by completing our contact form.