When you are suffering from osteoarthritis pain, it might seem strange and a bit overwhelming to you that your doctor recommends exercise as part of your treatment plan. What you may not realize is that exercise can help reduce your pain because it increases your strength and flexibility. Moving around will help you feel better and give you back some of the energy that your pain has robbed from you.

What to Expect with Arthritis Treatment

Dr. Howard Marans typically takes a non-surgical approach to treating osteoarthritis. It is often in your best interest to avoid surgery if possible. In many cases, taking this approach can delay the need for a complete joint replacement.

When developing an arthritis treatment plan, Dr. Marans considers the individual needs and desired outcomes of his patients.

Your treatment plan might include:

• Physical therapy and exercise. Initially, the Doctor may send you to physical therapy until you are comfortable doing the exercises on your own at home. This helps you establish a routine. The physical therapist can monitor your progress and suggest adjustments to your exercise plan if pain persists.
• Recommendation to lose weight. Being overweight puts extra stress on your joints. This can worsen your osteoarthritis symptoms. If you are obese, you may be able to reduce your symptoms by losing as little as 10% of your body weight.
• Taking NSAIDs to relieve pain. The Doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain-causing inflammation. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and take as needed. NSAIDs can increase your risk of developing a stomach ulcer or abnormal bleeding.
• Lifestyle changes. While you may not be able to fully prevent osteoarthritis, you can prevent flare-ups of your symptoms by making a few changes in your lifestyle, including:
  • Dietary changes
  • Avoiding activities that promote stress on your joints
  • Maintaining proper body alignment

Importance of Exercise in Your Treatment Plan

You might not be able to prevent osteoarthritis from happening, but you can give it a good run for the money. Adding exercise to your arthritis treatment can be one of the most important lifestyle change you can make to reduce your osteoarthritis pain. Exercise is proven to slow down the progression of this debilitating condition. Be sure to discuss your plan to add additional exercises to your treatment plan with the Doctor. You want to make sure you are not doing more harm than good.

First Choice for Arthritis Treatment

When seeking arthritis treatment, your first choice in Huntington Beach is Dr. Howard Marans. As a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Marans provides a caring and compassionate approach to treating his patients. To schedule an appointment to discuss your arthritis treatment options, call 714.979.8981 or click the icon below.