How to Take Care of Sore Joints

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sore jointsNo matter what age you are, you are going to experience some amount of soreness in your joints after you either run a lot or spend the day doing some type of strenuous activity. However, the older you get, the more stiff and sore your joints become after doing even little things like mowing the lawn. In order to combat that additional soreness that you may feel in your joints it’s important to ice, stretch, and take an anti-inflammatory medication. Read on to learn more about the importance of each of these steps.

Ice
Nothing is quite as ignored or dreaded by joint patients as icing their joints. Not Only is icing your joints uncomfortable due to the cold temperature but it can also be a bit awkward as well. However, icing your joints will help you to cut down drastically on the inflammation that you will experience further down the line. Additionally, because icing your joints will help to numb them as well, it will also help to cut down on the pain you are experiencing. When icing your joints, look to use something that’s more moldable like either a frozen gel ice pack or a frozen bag of small vegetables.

Stretch
Another great way to treat sore joints is to stretch everyday— whether you worked out that day or not. By stretching your muscles, you can help to loosen those stiff joints and break up any lactic acid that may be building up in your muscles. Dedicate about 10-15 minutes of your time every night before bed to stretching. Remember that the sooner you get into the habit of stretching every night, the easier it will be down the line.

Medication
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen are another great way to help combat sore joints and muscles. By breaking up the inflammation that is causing your joints further pain and irritation, ibuprofen is a simple and easy way to get back to feeling like yourself again. Just make sure that you check with your doctor beforehand if you suffer from any sort of blood related or heart related disorder.

Taking care of your sore joints doesn’t have to be difficult. By icing, stretching, and taking the proper medication, you can help to feel like your old self in no time. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. John Moore’s office today.

How to Help Someone Through Knee Replacement Surgery

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Knee Replacement SurgeryKnee replacement surgery is a fairly intensive surgery that requires a lot of rehabilitation in order to get the patient up and moving like normal again. Typically done in elderly individuals, knee replacement surgery can not only take a physical toll on someone but a mental toll on them as well. If one of your loved ones has to undergo knee replacement surgery, it’s nice to know how you can be of service. From encouraging them to walk to helping them around the house, this article will discuss a few of the ways you can help your loved one recover from knee replacement surgery.

Encourage Them to Keep Moving
One of the most challenging things that rehab facilities run into when dealing with patients who have just undergone knee replacement surgery is getting them up and walking afterward. In fact, patients will be encouraged to start moving their joints within 24 hours after surgery to prevent against any blood clots or cartilage buildup. After your loved one is released from the hospital and sent home, it’s important to encourage them to move and walk around the house a little bit with the help of a cane, walker, or crutches. Remind them that it typically won’t be until 6 weeks post surgery that they will be able to fully walk, but that a little work each day will help them meet that goal.

Speak Positively
When undergoing such an extensive type of procedure, it can be easy for patients to get down and discouraged. However, by lending a listening ear and encouraging them to keep on going, you can help your loved one to feel better both physically and mentally. Remember that the more mentally positive they feel about it, the easier it will be for them to physically heal.

Help Them Around the House
Although your loved one will be encouraged to move their joint and walk around the house a little bit each day, lend a helping hand around the house. For instance, your loved one shouldn’t be doing any sort of cleaning, lifting, or really any sort of labor intensive work. As a suggestion, offer to clean their house and bring them their groceries— that way they won’t be tempted to lift grocery bags or clean the bathroom floor.

Getting knee replacement surgery is a big deal but by lending an emotional and physical hand to your loved one, you can help them through the process. To learn more, contact Dr. John Moore’s office today!