Moving around safely when you have chronic joint pain

Stiffness when walking around the grocery store. Pain when taking your dog for a walk. Feeling unsteady when you’re sitting down in a chair. Chronic joint issues like osteoarthritis can lead to these and many other difficulties. 

Unfortunately, there are far too many people affected by arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 67 million Americans will be diagnosed with arthritis by 2025. Physical therapists can help people deal with the chronic joint pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis, and they can also help you find ways to move around more safely. 

Tips for moving more safely with chronic joint pain

Slips and falls are a serious issue for older people, especially those who have osteoarthritis. In fact, it’s estimated that 3 million older people seek ER treatment for fall injuries annually. 

Chronic joint pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis can increase your risk of falling. Fortunately, a physical therapist can help you find ways to move around more safely. Some tips that your physical therapist could recommend include:

• Moving in short bursts — It’s not usually a good idea to stop moving completely. Not moving can actually lead to an increase in joint stiffness and pain. Instead, patients with joint issues should consider moving for a few minutes at a time. Try walking around for five minutes; then sit and rest for a few minutes. 

• Using assistance devices — You might feel awkward using a walker or a cane to get around. However, using such assistive devices can help keep you more stable. They can also help reduce pressure on painful joints, which may help you move around more. 

• Managing your weight — Being overweight can magnify the symptoms of osteoarthritis. After all, every extra pound of weight can put three to four additional pounds of pressure on your           knees. 

• Attending physical therapy regularly — Regular visits with your physical therapist can offer many benefits for chronic joint pain sufferers. For instance, regular manual therapy sessions can help reduce pain and improve function. One study shows that four weeks of manual therapy led to a 52% improvement in WOMAC scores for joint pain, stiffness and function. 

Find help for your chronic joint pain at Advent Physical Therapy

Are you ready to get effective help for your chronic joint pain? Our Advent Physical Therapy team is ready and willing to help you. Our specialists offer complimentary screenings intended to reveal the extent of your osteoarthritis symptoms. In addition, we excel at building individualized therapy plans designed to reduce pain, decrease stiffness and improve your ability to move. 

Is your arthritis keeping you stuck at home? No problem! Our physical therapists have several in-home services that can help you, including virtual therapy and at-home care sessions. Even better, you don’t have to have a doctor’s referral before you seek help from us. 

Contact our team today for more information about how we can treat osteoarthritis or to schedule an initial appointment.