Osteoarthritis is one of the most widespread conditions in many of the North American countries, especially in the United States. Men and women are affected in equal numbers however women are most like to encounter this problem at an earlier age when compared to men.
This is a lasting and advancing condition identified by loss of the cartilage that conceals and shields the edges of the muscles and bones at the meeting of a joint. In the absence of this defensive layer, bone inflames another bone, resulting in soreness and irritation. This eventually leads to pain and rigidity in the joint causing discomfort in the areas around it.
How Long Will It Take To Recover From Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition with no cure. But still, this can be managed well, and the progression can be effectively slowed down. Several people who have properly managed have slowed down the advancement of symptoms and achieved a better lifestyle without requiring the need for surgery. Medical studies show that proper rest and sleep play a crucial role in the recovery of osteoarthritis.
To manage your symptoms, you first need to understand clearly about your symptoms and internal body condition. When your disorder begins to progress, you will realize what activities worsen your symptoms. Although lifestyle modifications can be challenging and hard to follow, yet smaller goals have the potential to provide bigger resolutions. Even diet and nutrition specialists advise the same.1,2
Exercise and diet play a vital role in slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis. In addition to these, recovery techniques can reduce pain and thus improve recovery time.
Manual Therapy: Few medical treatments are found to be most effective for mobilization and massage. When the pain is in combination with joint restriction, exercise therapy, and manual therapy are recommended options. This lessens the pain and improves the joint function.
Hydrotherapy- Water therapy should be strongly considered when developing a treatment plan for this condition. The latest studies reveal that hydrotherapy and exercise programs can increase muscle strength and ease symptoms for osteoarthritis patients. Especially hydrotherapy is an excellent option and helps to reduce the risks of falls and disability and helps knee walks faster.3
In some instances, applying a topical medicated cream, or applying ice can relax and soothe your pain.
How Long Do The Symptoms Last For Osteoarthritis?
People with arthritis usually live with the flare. Flare is nothing but an episode of decreased activity or worsening symptoms like intense stiffness in joints. The duration of the symptoms varies based on the intensity of the disease. Most conditions typically last for a day or two or in some cases for a week or more.
They are often severe enough to interfere with everyday tasks and occurs after overexertion of the joint. Symptoms of osteoarthritis typically include
- Stiffness is a classic symptom of osteoarthritis that often result in pain or fatigue that worsens over several weeks or months
- Loss of flexibility when the cartilage protecting the ends of the bone weakens and loses control. Losing flexibility can increase the risk of injuries however with regular stretching and muscle strengthening exercise you can regain the lost flexibility.
- Reduced range of motion is a characteristic highlight of this disease. Your activity is severely reduced when there are rigidity, pain, and swelling in the joints. Recovery techniques can improve joint mobility and help prevent the tightening of muscles within days or in a few weeks.
When your pain lasts longer and doesn’t improve with exercise and medications, seek immediate medical attention.4,5
- Managing Osteoarthritis with Rest, Recovery, and Sleep https://www.liveactivesportmed.com/2017/08/osteoarthritis-sleep-rest-recovery/
- How fast does osteoarthritis progress? Does it evolve steadily? https://www.arthrolink.com/en/disease/knowing/evolution-osteoarthritis
- The Stages of Osteoarthritis Progression https://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis/stages-of-progression.aspx
- Understanding Osteoarthritis Flare-ups: Symptoms, Management, and More https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis-flare-up
- How Long Does a Flare Last for osteoarthritis? https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/how-long-does-a-flare-last
Also Read:
- Osteoarthritis or Wear and Tear Arthritis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment- Surgery
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (Chronic Inflammation of Joints): Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery
- Stages and Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Exercising With Arthritis
- Self-Care Tips For Osteoarthritis Patients
- Diet Plan for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Cured Completely?|Treatment Options For Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Massage Therapy For Osteoarthritis: Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage, Cross Friction Massage