If you are having to deal with a lifelong pain diagnosis, this can be an incredibly hard thing to deal with. However, it doesn't mean that you have to suffer in silence.

There are plenty of pain management tips and treatments out there to help. It's just about working out what is best for you and your body.

In this article, we will explain the 7 pain management tips that will make your life better. Whatever your diagnosis is, there are things that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help.

Read on to find out more about these pain managing secrets.

1. Do Regular Exercise

You might not feel like doing it, however, exercise can really help with those that suffer from chronic pain. It keeps the blood and muscles moving, giving them a chance to work and keep in regular movement.

It keeps the body fit and healthy and prevents the likelihood of any further injuries occurring. Exercise also releases endorphins throughout your body as you do vigorous activity, meaning you will feel happier and better every time you do it.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Having a diet that is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables is a good foundation for keeping your body in good condition. Some foods that are high in omega 3 such as fish and nuts will help to combat and reduce inflammation in the joints.

A balanced diet that is free from sugary foods or saturated fats will also help promote weight loss. This is beneficial as a higher BMI can cause pain due to additional weight on your joints.

Sugary and processed foods that are high in salt can play havoc with your digestion system, meaning it is difficult to digest and can end up causing pain in the stomach and digestion problems. It is best to limit your exposure to them in your diet.

3. Take Time Out from Stressful Situations in Your Life

Stress can be one of the main factors when dealing with flare-ups of pain in your body. This is because stress can have a negative effect on your muscles and cause you to tense up.

It also can lead to sleep disturbances and you not getting enough rest, meaning you are more susceptible to bouts of pain. If you can identify what is the source of the stress in your life, you can work to manage this better by taking a few minutes to compose yourself.

Use coping strategies such as guided meditation, rest breaks, or taking time out to stretch and gently pull your muscles to relax your body. This will allow you to feel less stressed, as stress can contribute to episodes of chronic pain.

4. Seek Medical Treatment for Chronic Pain

A lot of people who suffer from chronic pain seek medical treatment for effective pain relief. There is a range of treatments available that can aid people in reducing their chronic pain.

First, you can be accessed by medical professionals who can diagnose or work with an existing diagnosis and they can recommend the best course of treatment for your own pain management.

Depending on the site of your pain and the frequency, a schedule can be catered and designed especially for your needs to reduce and manage your chronic pain overall.

5. Keep Regular Hobbies and Social Engagements

When you have received a life-altering diagnosis such as chronic pain the temptation is to shut yourself away from the world and not see anyone. However, it's important to keep yourself busy and active to keep your body moving.

If you have hobbies, still endeavor to keep these up. If you don't, do some research and find a local sport or activity you can do that you've always wanted to try. It's a great way to stay social and to feel connected with others.

The last thing you want is to be cut off from people and feel isolated and alone. Maintain your friendships and make the effort to feel part of a community.

6. Seek Advice from Others in Your Position

The great thing about the internet is that it allows you to reach out to whole groups of people you wouldn't usually be able to. Depending on your chronic pain diagnosis, there will be charities and social media platforms that are catered to your own medical issues.

These will be filled with helpful advice and tips from others that are experiencing the same things as you. It can be great to know you aren't alone in having to manage your pain and daily life.

Do your research and reach out to those that are also living with chronic pain, they can offer you their own experiences and tips.

7. Track Your Daily Pain and Activities

This is a good way to get an understanding of your body and what causes it to flare up. After a few weeks of detailing what you have done, ate or how you slept you will be able to see a pattern emerging.

This knowledge of how your pain is, in response to certain things you have done is a super way of working out how to combat and prevent chronic pain from taking over.

Pain Management: Where Can I Find Out More?

We hope this article on the 7 ways to help with pain management has given you a few tips to try out.

Chronic pain doesn't have to rule your daily life or prevent you from doing things. By being conscious of your body and its patterns you can still live a full and happy life. Medical intervention and treatment is also an effective way to manage your pain and to offer much-needed respite.

If you have any further questions or queries about any of the treatments we offer, contact us directly. Or why not check out our previous blog posts?

Are you one of the estimated 100 million people in America living with chronic, life-limiting pain?

Pain drastically affects the quality of the lives of its sufferers, but you do not have to accept it as permanent. Whether your pain is from arthritis, cancer, or is idiopathic in nature, you are not alone and help is out there.

Read on to discover how a doctor who specializes in pain management will help you take control of your life again and live pain free.

Pain Doctor Or Family Doctor?

When chronic pain begins to interfere with a person's day-to-day life, often the first thing they do is make an appointment with their family doctor or primary care physician.

While this is a good place to start, these physicians are usually somewhat limited in what is available to them to treat your condition. Prescription painkillers are standard of care. What they can do, though, is refer you to a specialist.

Pain doctors are different than your primary care provider because they have specialized knowledge specific to pain management that will help you learn how to live your life without debilitating pain.

In essence, effective, safe relief is not just their primary goal – it is their only goal.

But what do you do if you particularly like the doctor you already have?

Good news! Your primary care physician and your pain doctor can sometimes work together so that everyone stays on the same page for the duration of your care. This kind of coordinated approach ensures that you have access to the best care of both worlds.

When you decide to consult a pain specialist you are enlisting the help of someone who has in-depth knowledge of the unique needs of patients with severe pain, as well as the most up-to-date options for treatment.

A Targeted Approach

If you were to find out tomorrow that you need open-heart surgery, would you see a family care physician or a cardiac specialist to follow up? Certainly, almost everyone would choose the specialist. The way you choose your provider for the treatment of your severe and/or chronic pain should be no different.

A doctor whose primary focus is on getting ahead of your pain has a different goal than a doctor who is trying to treat the symptoms of a disease or injury. This means the resources available to a pain doctor are more targeted than those that are accessible to a general physician.

Your pain doctor will never treat your symptoms with a broad scope. A doctor who specializes in pain management will diagnose the underlying issue. Then they can develop a plan that will treat your specific type of pain.

Once the type of pain is more clearly defined, your doctor will discuss the options available to you.

Treatment Options

Relief is out there, but unfortunately, not all pain is created equal. What works in the treatment of one kind of pain often doesn't work for another. Your pain doctor can offer many different treatment options to get you the help you deserve.

The kind of treatment you will receive is based on the root cause of your pain. Your doctor will also take into consideration any other underlying conditions you may have. The treatment plan will address the specific pain management goals you have in mind.

There are lots of different kinds of treatment options available today, from acupuncture and chiropractic care to joint injections and vertebroplasty, and everything in between.

In some cases, prescription painkillers are enough to numb certain kinds of pain. If this applies to you, that's great! Other times, though, they barely take the edge off or stop working altogether. If you find yourself in this situation you must see a pain management specialist who will come up with a care plan that works better for you.

Additionally, pain management doctors often have access to stronger, more effective prescription medications. They are aware of which medications work for which conditions and can adjust your plan of treatment accordingly.

Should you ever want to transition away from prescription painkillers, these doctors are usually trained to help you achieve that goal as well.

If the way you've learned to manage your pain just isn't working anymore – or if your pain returns or gets worse – your doctor will figure out a better way to help make you more comfortable. All you need to do is maintain an open line of communication with your care provider.

Avoid Invasive Surgery

Surgery can be a necessary step toward either the treatment of an underlying cause of your pain or in helping address it. Other times, though, and for many different reasons, some patients decide to opt-out of surgery.

Many patients find that there are less invasive, safer options to consider before taking the leap, no matter what it is that is causing their pain.

Nerve blocks, cortisone injections, and epidurals are only a few non-surgical options available to patients of pain medicine doctors. In a pain management setting, these procedures are routine and any associated risks are minimal.

Should surgery become necessary, many of these treatments are offered in conjunction with a surgical approach, so knowing your options and keeping them open is always a good decision.

Live Pain Free on Your Terms

When you schedule an appointment with one of our doctors who specialize in pain management you decide to put your well-being front and center. A consult lets you act as a key player in your treatment plan, which is vital in making sure you live pain free.

Relief is just a phone call away! When you work in conjunction with your pain doctor you can get back to what really matters: living your life without pain.

Are you struggling to get through the day because of an old injury or back pain? Maybe you don't know what caused your pain to begin with. Either way, you're not alone.

In fact, an estimated 50 million adults in America suffer from chronic pain. That's over 20% of the population! Another 19.6 million have high-impact chronic pain that impacts their quality of life.

Don't let your pain slow you down. Instead, consider visiting a pain doctor.

They can help you determine the root issue and ensure you start treatment.

Still on the fence? Here are seven reasons you shouldn't wait to start searching for a "pain doctor near me." Keep reading to learn more!

1. Your Pain Persists

One of the biggest indicators that it's time to visit a chronic pain doctor is if your pain persists. If it hasn't gone away after a few months, it probably won't on its own. Waiting for your pain to fade could waste valuable time.

Meanwhile, your condition will get worse. Your quality of life might decline, too.

For example, you might find it's more difficult to participate in sports you once enjoyed. You might struggle to play with your kids or grandkids. You might even have to miss work.

Instead of letting your pain ruin your life, consider doing something about it.

A pain management doctor can help you develop a customized treatment plan. First, they'll help you determine the root cause of your pain. You might need to change certain factors in your life to reduce your pain.

For example, you might develop pain after repeating the same motions over time, either at work or when playing sports. These repetitive motions can put a strain on your muscles.

Maybe your bad posture is the culprit. Your chronic pain doctor might suggest you make changes to your work environment. A standing desk or other ergonomic tools could help you improve your posture.

Once your doctor determines the cause of your pain, they can develop a customized treatment strategy to help you keep the pain at bay.

2. You Experience Pain With Motion

Certain movements might make your pain worse. If your pain persists each time you complete a specific activity or motion, schedule an appointment. A board-certified pain doctor can help.

Make a note of which activities are intensifying your pain. Where are you experiencing pain? Is it localized or causing a tingling sensation?

Keeping track of your symptoms can help your doctor during your first appointment.

They'll determine where the pain is originating from. Some doctors use selective nerve-rooting blocking to find the source. Others use methods like pain mapping.

Understanding more about why you're experiencing pain can also help you find the best chronic pain doctor in the area. Make sure to look for someone who is experienced, certified, and prepared to offer the help you need.

3. Medications Aren't Helping

Many people turn to pain medications to ease the chronic inflammation that's causing their pain. Unfortunately, you can develop a tolerance over time. Depending on medication to ease your pain can also become dangerous if you're not careful.

Turning to certain medications can do more harm than good. Instead of increasing the dose, turn to a pain management doctor.

They can help you find treatment options that don't rely on medications. In fact, there are many holistic methods that could help ease your pain.

For example, some pain physicians suggest physical therapy or an acupuncture session. A combination of treatments could help ease your pain.

4. You Can't Perform Usual Activities

Remember, chronic pain can have a major impact on your quality of life. If you're struggling to complete some of the activities you used to enjoy, make an appointment.

Sometimes, pain can seem like it's getting better, only to impact your range of motion. As a result, you could struggle to complete your job. You might find it's more difficult to work out (which might actually help the pain).

If you're struggling more than usual throughout the day, consider speaking with a pain doctor right away.

5. Pain Affects Your Sleep

Is your pain keeping you up at night? Are you struggling to find a comfortable sleep position? Both issues indicate it's time for you to make an appointment.

Without proper sleep, you're putting your overall health at risk. It's recommended that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day. Otherwise, you might:

• Get drowsy enough to get into an accident (making your condition worse)
• Experience mood swings
• Develop memory issues
• Struggle to concentrate during problem-solving or creativity situations
• Develop high blood pressure
• Increase your risk of heart disease or diabetes
• Develop poor balance
• Experience weight gain
• Weaken your immune system

Let your pain doctor know if your symptoms are impacting your ability to sleep.

6. Strange Sensations

Pain doesn't always feel like a dull ache or throbbing. In some cases, you might feel the pain radiate over an arm, leg, or your entire body. You could experience a tingling or numbing sensation, too.

These sensations indicate that you've developed a pinched nerve or herniated disc.

Don't forget to keep track of your symptoms. Let your pain management doctor know if you're experiencing these weird sensations or radiating pain.

7. You Want to Avoid Invasive Surgery

The combined health care and indirect costs for adults with back pain reached about $12 billion annually. That's just for Americans with back problems.

If you fail to visit a chronic pain doctor, your condition could get worse. You might require invasive surgery to ease the pain. Instead of waiting to reach that point, consider visiting an expert.

They can help you develop a treatment plan that doesn't include a risky, expensive surgery.

Ease the Pain Away: 7 Signs It's Time to Visit a Pain Doctor

Don't let your pain slow you down! Instead, keep an eye out for these seven signs. If any of these sound familiar, consider scheduling an appointment with a pain doctor right away.

They can help you start a course of treatment designed to keep your pain at bay.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Find our nearest location to you today!

Living with physical pain is a difficult challenge for many individuals. Some face short-term pain, due to illness or injury. But an estimated 50 million Americans—that’s 20% of the population—live with ongoing, chronic pain.

It’s not easy finding the right pain care that works for you. There are many options to choose from and often it takes trial and error to find the right treatment. And because each person’s case is unique, you need to work with your doctor to determine a plan that works best for your situation.

Here are some of the most common treatments to consider on your journey to living comfortably and pain-free.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For short-term pain and lower levels of pain, your doctor might first suggest you try over-the-counter pain relief. Headaches, arthritis, pulled muscles all can be treated using OTC drugs. And if you only use them occasionally, there usually isn’t a risk of side effects.

When it comes to OTC medicine, there are two main types: acetaminophen and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are common NSAIDs.

Prescription Medication

If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't doing the job, your doctor might decide to turn to prescription pain relief. The most powerful class of prescription pain medication is opioids. While they’re effective at treating pain, there are some side effects, as well as a risk of overdose and addiction.

There are non-opioid options as well. Muscle relaxers are an excellent choice for neck and back pain. Some nerve pain medications, such as gabapentin and pregabalin help relieve mild-to-moderate nerve pain. Some antidepressants are effective in treating headaches and mild chronic pain.

Your doctor might also suggest patches, creams, and other topical treatments with lidocaine or capsaicin.

Joint Injection

This non-surgical procedure is a common joint pain treatment. Your doctor will inject a combination of local anesthetic and a corticosteroid directly into an inflamed joint to relieve pain.

It can be used at any joint, including ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. It can also offer both short-term and long-term relief. It’s often used to treat arthritis.

There are some concerns about long-term steroid use to consider, though. Steroids can disrupt your body’s natural hormone balance and could weaken muscles over time.

Trigger Point Injection

Trigger point injections target knots of muscle that won’t relax. These areas are called trigger points. These knots irritate nearby nerves and result in referred pain in other parts of your body.

A trigger point injection, typically an outpatient procedure, shoots a local anesthetic or a mix of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the muscle knot. These types of injections are generally used to treat muscles in the neck, arms, legs, and lower back. It’s excellent for treating fibromyalgia, and tension headaches.

Epidural Steroid Injection

Epidural steroid injections offer relief from lower back and leg pain, as well as pain in the spine and neck. These injections of a local anesthetic mixed with corticosteroid target the source of your pain and problems.

These injections often leave patients more limber and mobile than they had been before getting the shots. So, those who get epidural steroid injections also tend to enter a physical therapy or rehabilitation program during this period.

Nerve Block

If a specific group of nerves is causing pain in that area of your body, a nerve block injection can be administered. This nerve block will disrupt the pain signals these nerves are transmitting to your brain. Often, your doctor will turn to a nerve block treatment when drugs and other things don’t work.

Nerve blocks are typically meant as both short-term and long-term pain management. They can also be used for diagnostic work to find the sources of pain in your body, and a small one-time dose can help predict how your body might respond to long-term treatments.

Radiofrequency Ablation

This pain management technique uses heat to prevent nerves from sending pain signals throughout your body. Nonsurgical and minimally invasive, radiofrequency ablation inserts needles near the area where you’re feeling pain to transmit radio waves that convert to heat when in your body. This heat “burns” the nerve communicating the pain to the rest of your body.

This treatment is most helpful to reduce chronic pain in the back, neck, hip, or knee. Your doctor might suggest it if medication and physical therapy aren’t helping with your pain management.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors can help with a wide range of pain, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and general pain just about anywhere in your body, back, neck, head, various joints. They rely on spinal manipulation rather than surgical or invasive treatments to manage your pain, muscle tension, and inflammation.

This is sometimes more effective than other treatments because chiropractic care finds the root of your pain, rather than masking it with drugs or other treatments.

Physical Therapy

Often, physical therapy and exercise are excellent ways to find pain relief. Studies have found that those who exercise regularly tend to experience less pain in their body.

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help you with your pain. In addition to keeping your body moving and using exercises to target specific muscle groups, many physical therapists also offer massage therapy, icing and heating, ultrasound treatments, and electrical muscle stimulation.

Acupuncture

The traditional Chinese art of acupuncture uses fine needles, heat, and pressure at specific acupoints on your body to treat pain. Doing so releases endorphins, which are naturally produced by your body to kill pain. These needles also impact the part of your brain that regulates serotonin, which affects your mood.

Seeking Pain Care Treatment?

Are you ready for a life free of pain and discomfort? Contact our team of medical professionals to find the ideal pain care treatment for you.

At AZ Pain Doctors, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating your chronic conditions. We provide various treatments for all levels of pain as well as short-term and long-term issues.

Anyone who does Crossfit will have an injury. It is in the name of the game that something will be sore, strained, or tired. But no injury has the ability to halt your training, and lifestyle, more than back pain.

If you are suffering from Crossfit lower back pain, we are here to help. Below, we go through the types of injury you may have, explain how to treat it, and the best way to train with it while avoiding any more damage.

The Types of Crossfit Lower Back Pain

Before you do anything, you must determine what kind of problem is afflicting you. This will involve visiting a medical professional who will advise you on how to proceed.

Lumbar Strain

Lumbar strain is a very common issue of the lower back that tends to impact people who are lifting weights heavier than their body is prepared for. It results in a stretching and tearing of the muscles that stabilize the spine.

Sciatica

Sciatica is an excruciating pain that emanates from the sciatic nerve in the lower back. It is characterized by a shooting pain that emanates down the back of the legs.

Herniated Disc

The discs between the spinal vertebrae can sometimes bulge or pop out when too much pressure is applied. They can then touch on the many nerves in the back and cause a myriad of problems. These may include numbness, loss of vision, and a lot of pain.

Iliopsoas

Iliopsoas is the name given to stiff hip flexors. This is the easiest pain to rectify and can be done with good stretching before exercise, and a regular workout regime that strengthens the core.

1. Aim for Core Stability

The truth is that many people in Crossfit are doing it for the perfect body. They want the definition, the toned six-pack, and the shaped muscles. That often means they are willing to exert themselves in one particular area while failing to address core stability in others.

Before you even think about the abs, develop the trunk muscles and muscles of the lower spine over a long period of time. Change your workout regime to address these muscles, even taking away from other exercises if you need to. The good news is that most exercises on these muscles will also work the stomach and upper back regardless.

The back is needed to hold you in place during any exercise you do. If it is sore or fatigued, then it needs to have the correct rest period before you start to train again. Long term damage is a very real possibility.

2. Add Compression

There are two main types of compression, cold and hot. Done correctly, they can both ease the symptoms of back pain.

Cold is used to bring down swelling. If the back is inflamed or bruised, then applying a cold ice pack three times a day will help. Do this when you wake in the morning, at midday, and before bed.

Heat is used to increase blood flow to an area. You should avoid using this early, as it can slow the healing process. Wait until the swelling or bruising has gone, then give it another two days before you begin to apply heat.

You can then alternate them, adding each one for around 15 minutes starting with the ice pack. Do this at the same time periods each day.

3. Embrace Deadlifts

It could be that a deadlift gave you this pain in the first place, and if it was, then you were doing something wrong. Once back strain begins, it is time to go back to basics and reset your clock.

Firstly, drop the weight you have been deadlifting to something that does not aggravate the pain. You are training, but also trying to recover. After this, you will begin looking at your posture when performing the lift.

Keep the bar close to your shins and check your lift and descent in a mirror. Your spine should be straight for most of the lift, and you should never be hunching over on your shoulders. Make sure that your arms never bend at the elbow.

If in doubt, ask a professional to check on your technique. You may even try a lighter deadlift, using a dumbbell between the feet.

4. Swim

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise when trying to repair and recover. It gives your whole body a workout but does not put any external strain on the body. In effect, you are building muscle while floating in the water.

Swimming will workout your legs, arms, shoulders, neck, and back. It is often prescribed for people with herniated discs as it can realign anything that has popped out of place and strengthen it.

5. Use Light Hip Extensions and Planks

Both of these moves will balance your abdominal muscles, setting them to work isometrically. One side may be stronger than the other, resulting in an imbalance with one set of muscles compensating for the other.

Planks and side planks will work well, though do not push yourself to breaking point. Try them at short intervals throughout the day.

The hip extension will need to be done on the correct apparatus at the gym. It will also help strengthen your calves and glutes, so is a great all-round exercise.

When your back begins to heal, gently start to add some weight to your hip extension. You can choose to hold, or move down and bring yourself back to a straight back after.

Getting Back Into Training

Once your pain begins to subside, you can think about resuming your previous training schedule. However, it is important to think about what caused your Crossfit lower back pain in the first place and rectify this.

If you need more assistance managing the pain, then AZ Pain Doctors can help. Contact us for a consultation and discuss how a professional can ease your suffering, allowing you to concentrate on that important training schedule.

Whether its due to temporary or chronic health issues, the elderly are prone to experiencing daily pain. Joint and back pain, mobility problems, and other ailments are common issues we have to face as we get older.

Luckily, there are a few ways to treat and prevent pain. This guide will cover the different ways to plan pain management in elderly friends and family.

How To Know When It's Time For Pain Management

By 2050, over 26% of people over 65 will experience chronic pain. Long-term and short-term pain are both valid reasons to start a pain management regimen.

Elderly people who are already experiencing pain, whether it's chronic or due to an injury, should consider implementing pain management into their daily routine.

In addition, older adult pain or pain in people under 65 shouldn't ignore pain mitigation. The earlier a person begins a pain management routine, the less likely they'll experience major pain later in life.

Exercises for Elderly Pain Management

Everyone should have some sort of exercise routine, especially the elderly. Exercise improves overall health, endurance, and flexibility. Each of these factors is a prevalent issue in the elderly community. Poor health, endurance, and flexibility lead to dangerous falls, chronic pain, and mobility problems.

The number of available exercises drastically decreases as a person gets older since many exercises are too high-impact for aging bodies. But the elderly still have plenty of low-impact options to choose from.

Yoga

Yoga is all about balance and stretching, which are two exercises that are vital for every elderly person. Balance is important for elderly people to maintain because stability helps prevent falls, which are more life-threatening for older adults.

Yoga also lowers blood pressure and encourages better mental health. Better yet, yoga is very easy to learn and doesn't require much equipment. The relaxing nature of yoga makes it easy to introduce to older adults who don't exercise much.

Strength Training

While the elderly don't need to bulk up their muscles, they need to maintain good strength and stability by doing regular strength training. Strength training helps maintain muscle mass, balance, and overall strength. It also helps maintain joint and bone health, as well as prevent chronic diseases.

Strength training is highly customizable and easy to learn. Elderly people who aren't used to exercising or already have chronic pain benefit from smaller weights and slower routines. As long as a daily routine is followed, the positive results will appear.

Walks

One of the most approachable exercise routines is a long walk. Walks are simple and don't require equipment. Plus, walks are scenic and relaxing, making it the perfect daily workout for the elderly.

Not only does walking help regulate stress, but it also lowers blood pressure and improves coordination skills. Walking is also a social exercise and perfect for the whole family.

Pilates Classes

Cardio is essential for heart health in the elderly. However, strenuous cardio workouts are potentially dangerous, so it's important to keep the cardio workouts simple. Pilates is a low-impact exercise and strengthens core muscles and balance.

Exercise classes are fantastic ways for older adults to socialize easily, which tends to get harder as people age. Mixing socializing with exercising helps people stick to their routine.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the lowest-impact cardio exercises available to the elderly. The best part about swimming is that it's fun and easy to learn.

This exercise is gentle on the joints and perfect for those who have experienced a recent accident. Swimming is also ideal for increasing endurance and lung capacity.

Diets for Elderly Pain Management

Alongside a daily exercise routine, older adults should also maintain a healthy diet. Pain in older adults may be helped with a diet lacking sugar, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. There are plenty of tasty and healthy diets to choose from, even for the pickiest person.

Anti-Inflammation Diet

Inflammation is a common cause of chronic issues like rheumatoid arthritis. While low-grade inflammation is often unavoidable in older adults, it's important to keep an eye on it.

An anti-inflammatory diet consists of whole grains, beans, fish, nuts, and more. These foods are loaded with healthy fats and nutrients that are essential for fighting inflammatory issues.

Vegetable-Rich Diet

Vegetables are rich in fiber and help maintain a full feeling, which prevents overeating. Leafy green vegetables are especially helpful. These greens are dense in much-needed nutrients that elderly people need as they age.

Fiber also lowers blood sugar levels, which is vital for people with diabetes. By adding a mix of vegetables into each dish, older adults will easily get a healthy variety of nutrients.

Low-Calorie, High Protein Diet

For older adults who plan on incorporating daily strength training, a low-calorie, high protein diet is ideal. Protein helps provide energy for workouts, while low-calorie food prevents unnecessary weight gain.

This diet helps maintain muscles and curb fat accumulation. In turn, this helps prevent and manage chronic ailments like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Why Elderly in Pain Should See a Professional

Diets and exercise plans are a must for all older adults. However, it's important to understand when professional help is required. It doesn't hurt to have professional opinions regarding an elderly diet an exercise routine.

Older adults with diagnosed chronic pain should regularly see a pain management professional to help treat and prevent pain. These professionals understand the different types of chronic pain seen in the elderly, like arthritis and sciatica. Easing the pain from chronic conditions improves happiness and lifestyle considerably.

Planning Pain Management in Elderly Years

This guide covered ways to plan pain management in elderly people. From food to daily activities, the pain management you choose for yourself or an elderly family member depends on overall health and pain levels. However, don't hesitate to see a professional for more advice and comfort.

If you're searching for professional pain assistance, check out the AZ Pain Doctors. We help patients in Arizona manage and recover from body pains with chronic pain treatments, chiropractic care, and more. Call us to schedule an appointment today.

Did you know that 50 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain? It's more common than you may think.

While there's no universal cure for all types of pain, there are different ways to manage it. One of the best ways is by getting help with advanced pain management from a reputable clinic.

There, the doctors can help you come up with a plan that will make managing your chronic pain much easier.

Not sure if your pain is severe enough for advanced pain management? There are some signs that you should be on the lookout for. Read on to learn more about them.

1. Your Pain Affects Your Quality of Life

If your pain is affecting your overall quality of life, it can be a problem.

Do you cancel plans or have trouble going on with your daily tasks? If your pain is stopping you from going to work or from enjoying your life, then you might need treatment.

Another way that it can affect you is through your sleep patterns. Have you found it difficult to sleep due to the pain that you're experiencing? This can be damaging to your health in more ways than one.

Lack of sleep can leave you at a higher risk of problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.

If your pain has stopped you from leading a normal life, you could benefit from management for advanced pain. Everyone deserves to enjoy life and advanced pain management can help you do it.

2. You Feel the Pain Spreading

It's one thing to have pain in a certain area, but when it starts to spread, it can mean that the issue is worsening.

You might feel that the pain is moving altogether, or that it's spreading out over a larger area. Both of these feelings can indicate that you need advanced pain treatments.

If the pain is getting worse, you should see a specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you can manage it, the better you'll feel.

3. Your Motion is Affected

Have you noticed that your pain is triggered when you move? Maybe you have trouble moving a limb or body part due to the pain you're experiencing?

Many issues can cause this such as an injury. Usually, minor pains from injuries go away on their own. But if you're experiencing pain where you have already healed, there could be a bigger problem.

Even if this pain isn't from an injury, it can still be important to treat. There could be other underlying problems that need to be addressed. This could include issues like arthritis or bursitis.

When you get advanced pain management treatments, the specialist will be able to pinpoint the location of the pain. From there, they'll be able to find out what is causing it.

4. You Take Medicine to Alleviate the Pain

Over-the-counter medications can often give you some temporary relief from the pain. In some cases of chronic pain, these medications might not help.

It may seem like a great way to treat your pain if it works for you. The downside is that it can end up doing a lot of damage if you use them for long periods.

There are many long-term side effects of using medications such as ibuprofen. If you take ibuprofen every day to manage the pain, you could be doing more harm than good for your body.

Advanced pain treatments are a much better way to manage the pain. They usually don't leave you with many severe side effects like over-the-counter medicines do.

There are many different treatments such as acupuncture or trigger point injections. They are much safer and more effective over the long term.

So, if you're using drug store medications to manage your pain daily, advanced pain management might be right for you.

5. You Feel Odd Sensations

Sometimes, pain can be accompanied by odd sensations. Commonly, it is in the form of numbness.

Often, this type of sensation indicates that you might have nerve damage. This can be very serious if it's left untreated.

If it's determined that you do have nerve damage, there are a few ways that you can start managing advanced pain. For example, there are nerve block treatments that can help you get some relief.

6. Your Pain Was Getting Better, But It's Stopped Improving

Sometimes, pain can go away on its own. In some cases, pain can actually start to get to better, but suddenly hit a point where it stays the same.

This can be frustrating and you might need to have professional treatment to get over this rut. By working with the doctor, you'll be able to find a treatment that helps you to get past this barrier.

7. Your Pain Won't Go Away

One of the biggest indicators that you may need advanced pain management is that you don't get relief from your pain at all.

Some pain can start out being mild, but become more intense as time goes on. Other types can be severe from the moment they take place.

No matter what type of pain you have, it should be taken care of if it's severe and persistent enough to impact your life. If you never seem to get a break, then it can be hard to manage.

Advanced pain management can help control your pain. This way, you'll be able to get some relief and enjoy your life much more.

Is Advanced Pain Management Right for You?

Dealing with pain is difficult, and you shouldn't have to suffer. Through advanced pain management, you can find treatments that work for the type of pain you're experiencing. Working with doctors to come up with a plan is the best way to get yourself back on track.

Are you looking for a clinic with licensed doctors to help you manage your pain? At AZ Pain Doctors, we specialize in providing chronic pain treatments that will help you manage.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you reduce your pain!

Your feet each have 26 bones, 30 joints, and 7,000 nerve endings. That's a lot of important body parts packed into a small space.

When you walk, it puts constant pressure on your feet. Walking a mile at average speed is equal to 60 tons of stress. With that much strain, it's only a matter of time before you injure your foot.

77% of Americans experience at least 1 of the 7 types of foot pain. Most patients suffer a minor strain and the pain fades in 2-3 weeks. For some people, their foot pain never goes away.

Take some time to research the common types of foot pain to see if you have a chronic condition. It'll help you discuss pain management plans with your doctor.

1. Intense Arch Pain

The posterior tibial tendon (PTT) runs from the calf to the arch of the foot. During intense workouts, the PTT and neighboring tendons endure too much stress.

Stressed tendons stretch and tear, leading to a condition called fallen arches. In extreme cases, fallen arches cause radiating pain in the legs and lower back.

For these types of foot pain patients, doctors may suggest corrective surgery. Sometimes doctors recommend less invasive measures like specialized shoes.

2. Achy Foot Joints

There are over 100 types of arthritis. The majority of them attack the fragile foot joints. The constant inflammation makes walking painful.

There is no single cure for the various forms of arthritis. Treatments focus on maintaining a low pain level and slowing the disease's progress.

The three main types of arthritis that cause foot pain are:

• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Don't put off seeking help for deep joint aches. Arthritis destroys the joints. Early intervention may save a patient's ability to walk.

3. Foot Stiffness That Lasts All Day

Stiffness in the foot is often associated with arthritis. But what if the patient doesn't have arthritis and the stiffness persists?

The problem could be a strained tendon. It's common in patients who don't wear supportive shoes during workouts. For younger male patients, a likely cause for foot stiffness is gout.

Gout is a buildup of uric acid in the patient's body. The acid turns into crystals that lodge in the patient's joints. The first sign of gout is often stiffness and swelling of the joints in the big toe.

4. Lingering Post-Surgery Foot Pain

Long-lasting nerve pain issues are the most common side-effect of foot surgery. With 7000 nerves in the foot, there is no way to avoid nerve damage during procedures.

The healing time for nerves depends on the amount of damage. Nerves need a long resting time to recover. After this rest period, nerves grow about 1 mm a day.

In 6 months, the damaged nerves should recover full sensory function. After a year, the nerves should finish healing.

A small percentage of patients never fully heal from surgery. They deal with nerve issues like neuromas for months or years after.

5. Pain Radiating From the Heel

Over 2 million people per year report suffering from intense heel pain. This pain most likely comes from irritation of the plantar fascia ligament. The ligament goes from the heel to the ball of the foot.

During workouts, the plantar fascia absorbs most of the impact. Workout shoes that don't support the foot's arch lead to ligament damage.

Minor irritation of the ligament hurts the most in the morning but fades after movement. Major injuries to the ligament cause intense pain near the heel. Doctors often recommend cortisone shots to treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis sometimes presents hand-in-hand with pain from heel spurs. Heel spurs are calcium deposits on the heel bones. The spur presses on the ligament, bruising it after a while.

6. Foot Pain With No Obvious Cause

When one part of the body is hurt, other parts adapt to make up for the loss of function. Doctors call this referred pain. If a patient's knee aches, the resulting limp puts extra stress on their feet and hips.

Referred pain in the feet is often a symptom of a much bigger problem. These conditions include:

• Sciatic nerve dysfunction
• Inflamed or torn knee ligament
• Torn knee cartilage
• Bursitis in the hip
• Arthritis in the hips

Sometimes the problem causing your foot pain isn't related to any of these issues. Infections and certain toxins cause peripheral neuropathy. This is a system-wide nerve disorder that also makes the limbs numb and weak.

A related condition is a diabetic neuropathy. When a diabetic patient allows their blood sugar levels to rise, it damages the nerves.

Diabetic patients are prone to foot pain and foot-related injuries. At the first signs of nerve damage to the feet, a patient should seek treatment. Delaying treatment can lead to antibiotic-resistant infections.

7. Pain in the Ball of the Foot

The ball of the foot gets its shape from the ends of the metatarsal bones. These long bones support the entire arch of the foot.

Because the metatarsal bones handle so much pressure, it's easy to injure them. Pain radiating from the ball of the foot to the arch could be a lesser stress fracture. Sharp pinpoint pain in the same area could signal a full metatarsal fracture.

The tissue around the metatarsal bone ends bruise under too much stress. Metatarsalgia presents as a grinding pain in the ball of the foot. Patients often describe it as stepping on a pebble over and over again.

Exercising without supportive shoes can lead to metatarsalgia. The condition is also a symptom of other types of foot pain.

For example, heel pain from plantar fasciitis can lead to metatarsalgia. When the heel is injured, patients rely on other parts of their feet to walk.

Do You Have One of These Types of Foot Pain?

Ignoring your foot pain can lead to countless other health problems. You may even lose your ability to walk if certain conditions are neglected.

At AZ Pain Doctors, we see patients with many types of foot pain. Our goal is to fight pain at the source. Chronic foot pain should not run your quality of life.

Find relief from your chronic foot pain by planning a trip to see a pain specialist. Do you live in the Phoenix, AZ area? Contact AZ Pain Doctors today to learn more about our services.