How to Slow Down the Progression of Osteoarthritis

As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis tends to develop slowly, with wear-and-tear on your joints over time. While osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, there are steps you can take to manage its impact on your daily life and slow down its progression.

By adopting the right strategies, and working closely with a rheumatology specialist, you can maintain your mobility, reduce discomfort, and protect your joints.

At Comprehensive Arthritis Care, we focus on providing comprehensive care to manage osteoarthritis. Read on to learn about some practical ways you can take control of your joint health and slow the disease's progression, as well as therapies that can help.

Stay active, but do it smartly

Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to manage osteoarthritis. Regular exercise helps keep your joints flexible, strengthens the muscles around joints, and improves overall joint mobility. 

Low-impact exercise, such as swimming, cycling, and walking, are ideal for keeping your joints moving without putting unnecessary strain on them. Strength training, particularly for muscles around your knees, hips, and back, can also help support the joints and reduce the wear-and-tear that accelerates osteoarthritis.

Always listen to your body. If an activity causes pain, it may be a sign that you need to adjust your routine or try a different form of exercise. Our team works with you to develop a program that meets your needs.

Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying extra weight adds stress to your joints, especially those in your knees, hips, and spine. Losing even a modest amount of weight can make a major difference in reducing joint strain and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

Maintaining a healthy weight helps to preserve the cartilage in your joints and reduce inflammation, which is key to slowing down osteoarthritis. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support your overall health and weight management goals. 

Joint protection techniques

Everyday tasks can contribute to joint strain, but joint protection techniques can reduce the impact on your joints. Simple adjustments, like using ergonomic tools, sitting with good posture, and avoiding repetitive movements, can make a big difference in preserving joint function.

Using assistive devices, such as braces or canes, can help distribute weight more evenly and take pressure off affected joints. These aids can be particularly helpful during activities that put more stress on your joints, such as climbing stairs or lifting objects. We can recommend specific devices to support your mobility and comfort.

Joint injections

For some, joint injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, can provide more targeted relief. These treatments reduce inflammation and improve joint lubrication, making it easier for your joints to move with less pain and stiffness. 

IV infusion therapy 

IV infusion therapy is a highly effective option. It involves administering medications or nutrients directly into your bloodstream, allowing for faster absorption and more targeted relief. Infusion therapy is especially beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting joint health in patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis.

Quick absorption

Since the treatment is delivered directly into your bloodstream, the body can absorb the medications and nutrients more efficiently than oral supplements or medications. This means faster, more effective relief for joint pain and stiffness.

Targeted relief

IV infusion therapy is an excellent option for managing flare-ups or persistent discomfort that haven’t responded well to other treatments.

Support for overall health

Infusion therapy can also include essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall joint and body health. This added support can enhance the body’s natural healing processes.

Who should consider IV infusion therapy

If you have moderate-to-severe symptoms and standard treatments haven’t provided enough relief, IV infusion therapy may be right for you. We can help determine if it’s a good fit based on your symptoms and health goals.

Work with a skilled rheumatology team

Managing osteoarthritis effectively requires a tailored approach. The team here at Comprehensive Arthritis Care works closely with you and discusses the options that are right for your specific situation. 

Contact us to schedule a consultation. Our providers are here to help you develop a comprehensive plan that supports your long-term joint health.