5 Tips for Managing Joint Pain During the Holidays

During this time of year, you probably want to slow down and make special memories with your loved ones. If you’re dealing with joint pain, slowing down might sound particularly appealing. 

We don’t want your discomfort to hold you back from making the most of this time of year. With that in mind, Karl Siebuhr, MD, and our team came up with some general tips to help with joint pain management. Whether you’re experiencing pain in your shoulder, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle, these give you options to move toward less discomfort. 

For more personalized guidance and more targeted treatment, visit Dr. Siebuhr and our team at Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida in Ocala, Florida.

#1: Keep moving

The busyness of the holidays might encourage you to deviate from your normally scheduled physical activity. To make matters worse, long travel days introduce extended periods of sitting. All that inactivity can make your joint pain worse.

Find ways to get up and move around when you can. Even a walk around the block or a lap from one end of the plane to the other helps.

When you have time, proper exercise (i.e., at least 30 minutes of brisk activity) does even more. Physical activity offers pain-fighting benefits by lubricating your joints, fighting inflammation, and more. 

#2: Consider platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy 

This kind of leading-edge treatment can help you manage joint pain stemming from both injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis. 

Dr. Siebuhr creates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a small sample of your blood. By separating the platelets, he arrives at a solution that’s rich in growth factors. When injected into the affected joint, those growth factors go to work. They can help injuries heal faster and reduce pain related to chronic conditions. 

#3: Think about what you eat and drink

What you eat and drink affects how you feel physically. While this can be a decadent time of year, try to eat healthy, balanced meals. 

Alcohol and sugar both contribute to joint pain, so be particularly careful there. 

#4: Manage your stress levels

Stress can make your joint pain worse. That’s true for injuries, which often affect your muscles. When you’re tense, your muscles tighten, heightening your pain levels.

It also applies to conditions that cause chronic joint pain, like arthritis.

This holiday season, say no when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Look for chances to slow down and be in the moment. Naming things you’re grateful for also helps to reduce stress. 

#5: Travel with what you need

Don’t leave home without the tools that help you manage your joint pain. Pack your brace, heating pad, or freezable ice pack with you before you hit the road. 

These are all general tips. If you want a more personalized plan to make your joint pain easier to manage this holiday season, call our office or request an appointment online today.