To treat an osteoarthritis flare-up, focus on reducing pain and swelling with rest, ice/heat, and gentle movement, while using over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or acetaminophen, and potentially topical creams like capsaicin. If severe or persistent, a doctor might suggest stronger meds, steroid injections, or physiotherapy; pacing activities, compression, and using assistive devices also help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.
Pain relief medicines
An injection of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid may reduce inflammation and ease pain. Other more experimental injections—such as platelet-rich plasma or stem cells—may relieve pain and encourage healing in damaged soft tissues.
10 Best Foods that Help Arthritis Symptoms
While not scientifically proven for everyone, the main vegetables to consider limiting for arthritis are nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers) due to the alkaloid solanine, and potentially corn, due to high omega-6s, as these can trigger inflammation in some individuals, though an elimination trial is needed to see if they affect you.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint.
Based on new research from the CDC, the top five nutrient-dense vegetables are:
To know what to eat for dry knee joints, take a look at the following food list:
8 Food Ingredients That Can Cause Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids
This healthy fat is found in foods such as fish, nuts and in dietary supplements such as fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and stiffness. Studies show that those who ate omega-3 rich foods or took a fish oil supplement had a reduction in joint pain.
Movement helps your body create synovium, a thick liquid that lubricates your joints and allows them to move with more ease and less stress. The more you move, the more lubrication through your joints. Any type of physical activity helps, but it's always good to switch up your exercise routine.
nSTRIDE® is the only single-injection therapy where the benefits are sustained for up to 3 years.
Compared to cortisone injections, PRP therapy offers several advantages: Reduced risk of side effects: PRP is derived from the patient's own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
Applying heating pads, taking hot baths or showers, or using warm paraffin wax can temporarily relieve join pain. Be careful not to burn yourself. Limit heating pad use to 20 minutes at a time. Ice packs can help lessen pain and inflammation, especially after physical activity.
Many people with arthritis have tried CBD, but the anecdotal evidence they report is mixed. Some people report noticeable pain relief, sleep improvement and/or anxiety reduction, while others do not. As with any medication for arthritis, some people do not report any symptom improvements when taking CBD.
Gabapentin may help relieve severe knee osteoarthritis pain but is not effective for rheumatoid arthritis. Gabapentin can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, and it should not be stopped abruptly. Speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of gabapentin use.
12 Supplements for Osteoarthritis
An osteoarthritis flare-up is a temporary period when joint symptoms become more severe than usual. These flares can come on gradually or appear suddenly, and they can last for days or even weeks.
Exercising and losing weight if you're overweight are important ways to lessen the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Exercise. Low-impact exercise can increase your endurance and strengthen the muscles around your joint, making your joint more stable. Try walking, bicycling or water aerobics.
Some of the essential oils that can help reduce knee pain are as follows:
How to Naturally Increase Cartilage in Your Joints
1. Squats
1. Almonds. There you have it — the humble almond can be considered the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. Used to the spotlight by now, almonds have been at the center of multiple studies on heart health and diabetes-related benefits.
The brinjal was given the title of King of Vegetables because of its astonishingly awesome purple covering, and also the juicy and rich nutritional values in them.
Certain fruits and vegetables often thought to be highly nutritious may not offer significant health benefits. Iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, celery, zucchini, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, beets, and apples are relatively low in essential nutrients.