These mistakes make the pain worse, don’t do them now

Osteoarthritis is a A joint disease that affects 10 million people in France, A record figure that makes this pathology the most widespread joint condition. It is caused by Destruction of cartilage, a tissue that, lining the ends of bones, allowing them to slide over each other. When it thins and then disappears, the bone comes into contact, causing it The pain is sometimes so severe that it interferes with daily life. According to a survey conducted by Inserm, osteoarthritis causes insomnia in 65% of patients and forces 56% of patients to stop their leisure activities. But to stop moving is a mistake. And she’s not the only one. Let’s find out the habits that are harmful to your joint pain.

Mistake 1: Don’t over stress the joint that hurts

Do you feel like you have to avoid stressing your joints to prevent pain? “Contrary to popular belief, Practicing physical activity outside of an inflammatory flare causes or exacerbates the disease., Dr. assures Laurent Grange. It is also a real solution because moving has only advantages: Physical activity allows you to maintain good mobility, Maintains the tone of the muscles around the joints, stimulates the cartilage cells, promotes its renewal and promotes weight loss, which is an aggravating factor of the disease.“. What are the activities to favor? That which appeals to you, because nothing is forbidden, what Cycling, swimming, dancing, weight training or even running, Because according to recent studies, running is in no way toxic to cartilage, and does not cause knee osteoarthritis. To practice at your own pace, for about 30 minutes.

Mistake 2: Taking this medicine which is not very effective

There’s no point in gritting your teeth when something bad happens, hoping it passes quickly. The danger is never leaving your chair and entering a vicious cycle of a sedentary lifestyle. however, Do not abuse paracetamol. “Not only is the molecule not very effective against joint pain, but in the event of an overdose, It can be toxic to the liverDr. Grange recalls. NSAIDs have a better analgesic effect, but should be reserved for them Painful flare-ups, short in duration and at the lowest possible dose, Absence of contraindications and especially after verification of cardiovascular and/or digestive risk factors“. In case of intolerance, they will be prescribed locally in gel form Apply with gentle gentle massage.

Mistake 3: Believing that natural medicines are useless

Just because they are natural doesn’t mean they are ineffective on pain. “Applying cold to the painful area Helps soothe pain during flare-ups of inflammation“, the rheumatologist confirms. For testing: Food supplements based on turmeric, A placebo-controlled trial made public in 2020 found that this spice relieved gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) pain in 3 months. To improve its bioavailability, it is recommended Consume it with a fatty substance like rapeseed or olive oil or pepper that works synergistically. Food supplement based on Glucosamines and Chondroitin Can also help improve joint comfort, but not without medical advice, ANSES warned in March 2019 against their possible side effects, which are sometimes serious. They are also not recommended for diabetic or pre-diabetic patients, as they may increase insulin resistance, for asthmatics, and in case of taking antivitamin K. In aromatherapy, Wintergreen essential oil has a good anti-inflammatory effect And analgesic: to use as a massage on the knee, adding twenty drops to twenty-five ml of vegetable oil. “On the other hand, it should not be used in people allergic to aspirin or on anticoagulants.cites alternative medicine pharmacologist expert Sylvie Hampikian. will then be replaced by Official ginger or lemon eucalyptus essential oilFinally, according to an American study published in 2018 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, a An hour of massage every week can reduce osteoarthritis pain in just two months and significantly improves mobility. The technique does not matter, as long as the area is massaged regularly, by a masseuse-physiotherapist but also by a third party or by self-massage…

Mistake 4: Neglecting your balance

A small imbalance may be enough pain increase Osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. Consult with a podiatrist to prescribe tailor-made insoles Allows you to fix the problem quickly. Do not deprive yourself of using a cane or walking stick. “their use The pressure also reduces by 30 to 40% on the knees“, points out Dr. Grange. Finally, against osteoarthritis of the hand, wearing a resting orthosis every night on painful fingers is a plus: a French study showed that it significantly reduced pain after 6 months of regular wear and allowed .Toe to maintain opening of first corner.

Mistake 5: Not watching how much you weigh (weight affects the skeleton)

“Being overweight increases the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis by 2.5 While every kilo lost removes 4 kilos of pressure on the knees!“, suggests Dr. Grange. Sometimes a little lightening is enough to make osteoarthritic pain go away: According to an English study published in the journal Rheumatology in May 2018, Losing 5% of your weight already reduces pain and improves joint function (especially the knee and hip). “Extra pounds “weigh down” the joints when adipose tissue produces adipokines, hormones that act on cartilage by increasing inflammation and promoting cartilage destruction.“, says the rheumatologist. No need to go on a diet: Practicing regular physical activity along with a balanced dietGiving pride of place to fruits, vegetables, white meat, fish and whole grains is enough to see the extra pounds melt away.

Mistake 6: Wearing the same shoes for too long

Are you a bit interested in your shoes? Error! Their selection is essential to guarantee good cushioning and avoid bumps on the ground. “If you suffer from knee osteoarthritis, Good arch support can help you, When you have osteoarthritis of the hip, A heel pad will be useful for you To minimize the distance possible“, recommends Dr. Grange. It’s better to go lower to avoid impeding the ankle and injuring your knee.

Mistake 7: Refusal to implant a prosthesis

If nothing else is enough to soothe your pain, Do not refuse the operation. Every year, more than 200,000 artificial limbs have been placed To the point of becoming routine for surgeons. Surgery is increasingly carried out under local or general anesthesia Often done on an outpatient basis. “The development of this intervention benefited Minimally invasive surgical techniquesallow for much smaller incisions, whereas prostheses made of nearly indestructible materials, such as the ceramic/metal duo, Our expert explains. In 9 out of 10 cases, Surgery relieves pain and allows you to resume activities “Before”.

Rheumatologist Dr. of CHU Grenoble-Alpes. Thanks to Laurent Grange and alternative medicine pharmacologist Sylvie Hampikian.