Veterans and Osteoarthritis: Navigating the Pain to Pain Relief
Arthritis is the leading cause of work disability among US adults, with an estimated 25.7 million American adults limited in their daily activities due to arthritis. This number is expected to grow to an estimated 35 million by 2040.1 While arthritis can affect anyone, it is highly prevalent among US veterans. Over 1 in 3 veterans (35%) have been diagnosed with arthritis2, the #2 leading cause of medical discharge from active duty.3 Understanding what arthritis is and why it is making waves in the veteran community is essential. Still, it is crucial to discover effective ways to manage the pain associated with it.
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues.1 Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down, and the underlying bone begins to change, which usually develops slowly and worsens over time.4 This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, which can cause reduced function and disability in some cases.4 Knee Osteoarthritis in veterans is commonly caused by heavy physical work, especially if this involves repetitive knee such as bending, squatting, kneeling, or lifting.5
While there is no way to cure Osteoarthritis, there are several options to manage the pain OA causes. We recommend discussing with your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan for you. In the meantime, you can do a few things if you are experiencing pain in your knee.6
- Try a topical cream with capsaicin, menthol, camphor, or CBD.
- Over-the-counter oral medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or anti-inflammatory medications (Advil or Aleve) to help ease pain.
- Applying ice or heat to the affected area to help ease stiffness, pain, and swelling.
- Physical Therapy - A physical therapist can provide exercises explicitly tailored to your needs; however, here is a list of stretches from Massachusetts General Hospital - Orthopaedics you can try at home.
- Stay active - Keep moving by swimming, biking, or walking.
- Using a knee brace to help with physical activity
Having a support solution that offers comfort and functionality when relieving knee pain related to Osteoarthritis is crucial. This is where the innovative features of Ezy Wrap's Compression Knee Sleeve (Model 403) come into play. Crafted with soft and breathable non-neoprene hypoallergenic materials, it ensures a comfortable compression that won't irritate the skin, making it ideal for individuals with sensitivities. Moreover, its anatomical design tailors to support you precisely where you need it most, ensuring targeted relief for the affected knee joint. The open popliteal design enhances user comfort by preventing excess heat buildup and facilitates ease of movement. Anti-migration elements are incorporated to guarantee that the support stays securely in place, maintaining adequate support throughout various activities. Additionally, the pull-up design makes it suitable for active applications, allowing you to confidently engage in physical activities, all while addressing the knee pain associated with OA.
Embarking on the path to recovery may not always be a straightforward journey, but today, veterans can take that crucial first step with the Ezy Wrap Compression Knee Sleeve. This sleeve is more than just a medical accessory; it symbolizes hope, provides much-needed comfort, and stands as a testament to the resilience of our veterans. With each stride, veterans remember that they are not alone in their battle against Osteoarthritis. With the steadfast support of the Ezy Wrap Compression Knee Sleeve, they have the means to conquer the challenges that lie ahead and rediscover their freedom from pain related to OA. So, to all our brave veterans setting out on this journey, remember that while the road might be long and arduous, your path to recovery made easy begins right here with the Ezy Wrap Compression Knee Sleeve.
References:
1. “Fast Facts about Arthritis | CDC.” Www.cdc.gov, 16 Nov. 2021.
2. Center for Disease Control. “Arthritis Help for Veterans.” Www.cdc.gov, 10 Nov. 2020.
4. Center for Disease Control. “Osteoarthritis | CDC.” Www.cdc.gov, 3 Dec. 2021.
6. Arthritis Foundation. “Osteoarthritis of the Knee.” Www.arthritis.org.
