As people grow old in the beautiful countryside of Knoxville, they can start experiencing joint pain because of deteriorating bone health. The pain of endurance can sometimes lead people to develop mental health problems. According to the Census Board, people above 65 years make up 13.9% of Knoxville’s population. Knoxville is famous for outdoor adventures, sports, and recreational activities. Due to the active lifestyle, the rate of arthritis in older adults is not alarming.
However, a survey done in 2009 stated that 194,000 adults were diagnosed with arthritis in Tennessee. While the exact number of people affected by arthritis in Knoxville is unknown, it would be best to know its effect on mental health. Longevity Live Paid Content.
Does Arthritis Really Cause Mental Health Issues in Knoxville?
Knoxville has the third-highest rate of depression in the country. About 30.20% of the population suffers from Perinatal Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and Major Depression. A study shows that 1 in 5 American adults develop depression and anxiety if they have arthritis pain.
That means mental and physical health are interconnected. An older adult’s physical pain can disbalance their mental health and make them feel anxious and emotionally unstable. Moreover, depression can be a common side effect of arthritis in Knoxville.
Take this situation as an example. Someone undergoes knee pain treatment in Knoxville, TN, and they instantly feel better. However, they are still not able to do all the activities they used to do. Arthritis has no cure, and the physical pain does not go away.
Yes, Knoxville residents suffering from arthritis can find some relief from treatments, but it will only be for the pain and to preserve joint function. As a result, it is natural for them to feel anxious, stressed, and eventually depressed.
What Are the Best Options for Pain Relief?
Some might think that surgery is the best option to alleviate pain. But QC Kinetix states that surgery is never a solution when it comes to chronic pain. Instead, physical therapy in Knoxville can help.
Physical therapy improves overall fitness levels and increases endurance. A Knoxville resident will have access to at-home workout routines that can decrease fatigue, improve stability, and increase coordination. Moreover, physical therapy can help alleviate stiffness and enhance mental health.
Similarly, QC Kinetix states that Knoxville residents can think about non-surgical regenerative medicine treatments for joint pain. This non-invasive procedure helps repair any tissue degeneration and promotes the rejuvenation of cells.
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4 Causes of Mental Health Issues in Arthritis Patients
Chronic pain causes higher levels of stress, increases cortisol levels, and makes patients feel sad. Regular feelings of fatigue and pain will affect daily work and relationships. Yet Knoxville residents will probably want to take care of things themselves.
Things that affect mental health for Knoxville people with arthritis are:
- Not sharing pain with someone trustworthy because they do not want to be a burden
- Letting stress build up due to missed opportunities and unattained physical abilities
- Not following a proper treatment plan due to financial issues
- Chronic inflammation and constant pain can impair positive psychological responses
If Knoxville residents do all this while suffering from arthritis, then they will have symptoms of anxiety and depression. For example, anxious people will feel irritated, restless, and worrisome, and have trouble sleeping or focusing.
They can experience muscle tension, shortness of breath, dizziness, and digestion issues. Furthermore, symptoms of arthritis-led depression include feelings of emptiness, lack of energy, low appetite, thoughts of death, and more.
4 Tips to Help Enhance Mental Health While Dealing With Arthritis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joint-friendly physical activity is crucial to help with arthritis pain. It can also improve function, quality of life, and mood.
There are stress relief techniques that will help Knoxville residents reduce joint pain and enhance emotional well-being. Adults can aim for moderate-intensity exercises for 150 minutes every week.
This list contains ways to restore mental health and ease arthritis pain:
- Stretching exercises and yoga can help muscles and the mind feel relaxed
- Regular medication can help Knoxville residents focus on peace and comfort
- Writing a journal about your arthritis journey can be a good emotional outlet
- Getting joints massaged can increase blood flow and make patients feel happy
Can Food Habits Help Reduce Arthritis Pain?
Food plays a crucial role in treatment. Therefore, Knoxville residents suffering from arthritis should avoid eating unhealthy food.
If they can maintain an ideal weight, it will reduce weight excursion on certain joints. Arthritis flare-ups can be caused by deep-friend, processed, and trans-fat food items. Patients should stay away from sugar and red meat as well.
Instead, they can eat healthy fruits, vegetables, and chicken. A good diet will make patients feel better, both physically and mentally.
The Bottom Line
In Knoxville and all around America, arthritis patients are developing mental health issues. Intense chronic joint pain can change lives, especially if someone loves activities. As a result, people start to develop mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression.
Physical treatment and non-invasive regenerative surgeries can help, but there is no cure. When Knoxville residents develop arthritis, they tend to hide it from their families to avoid being a burden. They let stress build up and avoid proper treatment because of financial issues.
As a result, their mental health deteriorates. However, to avoid such instances, Knoxville residents affected by arthritis can change their food habits. They can perform daily activities, visit the doctor regularly, and write a journal to help deal with mental issues.
