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7 Ways To Live Better With Arthritis

Arthritis is a common disorder that affects your joints. It can cause pain and inflammation, making it difficult to move or stay active. While arthritis usually affects older adults, it can develop in men, women and children of any age. Life with arthritis becomes much harder as even routine actions bring much pain and take much effort. In this article we will give some advice for those who struggle from arthritis on how to make their lives easier.

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knee pain

Learn Everything You Can About Your Arthritis

Arthritis usually involves inflammation or degeneration (breakdown) of your joints. These changes can cause pain when you use the joint. There are many types of arthritis. Each form causes different symptoms and may need different treatments. Arthritis is most common in the following areas of the body:

  • Feet
  • Hands
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Lower back

Find out your type of arthritis and with the help of your doctor and the Internet learn as much as possible about it. Discover the best ways to improve your condition. Learning about your arthritis and what you can do about it will give you a feeling of control over their lives and their health. And don’t delay your visit to the doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can limit the effects of arthritis on your life and help you stay active and independent.

Stay Active

Physical activity is an effective non-drug way to relieve your pain. It’s also a good way to lose weight (which is good with arthritis) and boost your overall health. Not all forms of activity can suit every kind of arthritis. Ask your doctor to help you make a program of exercise for you personally. This way it will be the most effective. At work keep moving too. When sitting at a desk, for example, get up and stretch every 15 minutes. Do the same at home while reading or watching television.

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Learn How To Deal With Pain

  • exercises
  • heat and cold
  • massage
  • acupuncture
  • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
  • relaxations and meditations, etc.

Try each of them to understand which one works for you and use it whenever necessary.

Protect Your Joints

Joint injuries can cause or worsen arthritis. Choose activities that are easy on the joints like walking, bicycling, and swimming. These low-impact activities have a low risk of injury and do not twist or put too much stress on the joints. Avoid positions or movements that put extra stress on joints. On the contrary, use your strongest joints and muscles to protect the weaker ones. What’s more, if you are being physically active at work or sports, it is recommended that you use a brace to give extra support to the area of your body that needs it most. Stay hydrated and eat healthy as water and good food play a large part in keeping your joints lubricated and healthy. Discuss with your doctor or registered dietician if there are any foods you should avoid or begin including in your diet to help manage your symptoms.

Make Home Modifications

Organize your space at home wisely. It means keep everything needed within the arm’s reach. Eliminate unnecessary activities like ironing, cleaning and cooking with the help of modern devices. Supply your house with a steamer, mixer, electric can opener and vacuum bot. All these devices will help you avoid unnecessary bending, stooping, or reaching. Organize work and storage areas: duplicate household items in several places.

Stay Organized

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Keep your medications in an accessible spot and take them regularly. Plan your day according to your energy level and special needs but remember: it’s okay sometimes not to follow this plan. Just listen to your body and respect its limits. Make a schedule of physical activities and meals, discuss it with your doctor and try to fulfill your energy bar by sports and healthy food. Also plan your visits to the doctor if needed. Keeping everything organized may help feel control over your disorder which is dramatically important not to come to depression. Don’t ask too much from yourself - just do what is possible.

Ask For Help

People with diseases want to know that they are not alone. In this regard, connecting with other people living with arthritis is great to confide in one another about living with the condition. Moreover, it can be beneficial for sharing tips and management techniques. Finding validation from others who have walked the same or similar path can feel comforting and encouraging. You can also always find some help from your doctor and a healthcare team who are ready to listen to you and to help you organize your life. Don’t be shy to turn to a psychiatrist if you feel your mental health is in danger. By the way, a psychiatrist is always a good idea. Ask your family or friends to help you in everyday life: with cleaning or cooking. You may walk together or do sports. Everything is funnier and seems better with close people around.

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In conclusion, don’t forget to practice self-care. Listen to your body to find out what is really needed. Keep a healthy lifestyle, try to reduce emotional stress, do anything that feels comforting, joyful, soothing and relaxing. Remember: rest is as important as exercises and treatment. Keep moving and stay in touch with your doctor to make your path easier. Stay positive and sociable as far as possible.