Overview:
- Joint pain is already a nuisance, but this time of year can make it much worse with holiday foods high in sugar and sodium causing inflammation and pain.
- Eating these foods can also lead to holiday weight gain, which can put increased pressure on joints and cause frequent joint pain.
- The pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain Consultants discuss ways patients can combat joint pain during the holidays.
The holidays are meant to be a stress-free escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, right? Yeah, not so much! Although this time of year can be fun and uplifting, and it can also cause unnecessary stress and discomfort, especially for those with chronic pain. The decadent foods and alcoholic beverages don’t help either! Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent or combat joint pain during the holidays. In this blog, we share conservative methods and long-term treatment options for chronic joint pain.
Conservative Joint Pain Treatments
There are various conservative techniques that may help alleviate pain this holiday season. First, it’s important patients keep in mind self-control is especially important this time of year. It can be easy to get carried away and eat or drink to excess! So, we advise some of the following tactics:
- Don’t arrive to a holiday party on an empty stomach! You may be tempted to eat only unhealthy foods. Instead, try to eat a healthy snack before you arrive so you’re not eating with your eyes.
- Use your plate as a tool to keep your portions small and healthy. Try to section off a 1/3 of your plate for veggies, a 1/3 of your plate for fruits, and a 1/3 of your plate for proteins. Use the smaller plates for desserts and other carbs.
- Make sure you limit your alcohol consumption! Alcohol can inhibit your ability to make health-conscious decisions and it doesn’t have any nutritional value.
Interventional Pain Care for Joint Pain
In regards to conservative treatment, there’s only so much you can do for your joint pain! For long-term relief, consider visiting the team at Tulsa Pain Consultants. Following a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, the team may recommend a number of treatment options such as:
- Prescription pain medication
- Joint injections
- Nerve blocks
- Physical therapy
- Acupuncture
- Infrared therapy
Schedule your appointment before the holiday hustle and bustle! Call 855-918-PAIN or visit our “Request An Appointment” tab to get started. We look forward to seeing you!
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.