There are many Dos and Don’ts associated with the condition. Some of the most common are overdoing activities, dietary changes, and exercise. Some of these may seem obvious, but the following points can help you manage the condition. If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to improving your quality of life. In addition, keep these tips in mind when you’re speaking to family and friends.
Exercise
Whether you suffer from hip pain or rheumatoid arthritis, exercise can help you deal with the pain. By increasing blood flow to damaged joints, it can prevent further breakdown of cartilage. It can also strengthen muscles around the joints, easing pressure on the bones, and increasing the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. Occupational therapists and clinical professors at Boston University recommend aerobic exercises for arthritis pain.
When establishing an exercise regimen, it is important to work with your physician or physical trainer to ensure that you do not exacerbate the pain. Often, patients with arthritis have a lower fitness level than people without arthritis, or may have biomechanical abnormalities. In addition, too much activity during a flare-up can increase inflammation and pain. Therefore, start slowly, alternating short periods of activity with periods of rest. Increasing exercise intensity gradually will help you reach the level of physical activity that is safe for you.
Regular exercise is essential for anyone suffering from arthritis. It will increase strength and range-of-motion, easing joint pain and enhancing mobility. While you do not want to take on a marathon or swim 40 laps, exercise can improve the quality of your life and keep you active. By performing daily range-of-motion exercises and stretching exercises, you can help your body stay flexible and reduce the risks of injuries. Exercise also helps keep your joints healthy and reduces pain and stiffness.
Changing risk factors
One of the main causes of arthritis is genetics. If you have close relatives with the disease, your chances of developing it increase. Certain inherited genes and environmental factors are also associated with a greater risk of developing the disease. It is also associated with smoking, which can aggravate the condition. Although there is no known cure for arthritis, the right treatment can greatly reduce your pain and disability. Lifestyle changes can also help you manage your condition.
A new study found that the prevalence of arthritis is rising among US adults. While genetics may not always be at fault, changes in lifestyle and exercise can reduce the risk of developing the condition. People with arthritis who smoke or drink too much may have a higher risk of developing the disease than those who do not. Changing risk factors of arthritis pain may not be as simple as losing weight, but it can make a big difference.
One of the strongest risk factors of developing OA is advancing age. Only a few people younger than 40 have arthritis, and at least 80 percent of those over the age of 55 have some form of the disease. However, people with OA may not experience pain, even though they have some X-ray evidence. Changing lifestyle factors can also reduce the risk of developing OA. For instance, losing excess weight can reduce your risk of developing OA by up to 12%.
Changing diet
Changing your diet can be beneficial for many chronic conditions, including arthritis. It may reduce inflammation and symptoms. Research suggests that eating foods rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats may help reduce inflammation. Other foods with anti-inflammatory properties include colorful vegetables and fruit. These foods can be beneficial for reducing fatigue and pain caused by RA. Some people with arthritis find that limiting dairy and sugary foods can reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.
A diet rich in extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice for those suffering from arthritis. It contains heart-healthy fats like oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of olive oil helps reduce joint swelling and slow down cartilage destruction. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for people with arthritis, as they fight inflammation and protect the heart. People suffering from arthritis should also consume more fish. These include salmon, tuna, and scallops. You can also choose seafood that is organic and kinder to the environment, such as those from Seafood Watch.
For more visual ideas, check out Pinterest. A simple search for “arthritis diet” will bring up hundreds of pins. A week-long anti-inflammatory meal plan is a great place to find recipes. A growing number of people are turning to blogging as a creative outlet. Thousands of cookbook authors have started as bloggers. Follow the trend and make a change today! You might be surprised at the results! And don’t forget to include your RA doctor’s advice as you begin your journey towards a better quality of life.
Overdoing activities
While overdoing physical activities can trigger flareups, there are some guidelines to follow to avoid over-exertion. Avoid eating too many sugary foods, saturated fats, and omega-6 fatty acids. Avoid drinking alcohol and doing other activities that increase inflammation, such as sports. Physical activity is also helpful in controlling arthritis symptoms. Nonetheless, dos and don’ts of arthritis pain vary from person to person.
If your doctor suggests physical activity, limit the amount of time you spend standing, walking, or doing other activities. Standing or walking for long periods of time can damage joints and fatigue you further. Instead, engage in light activity that requires you to move your joints without straining them. Doing so will improve joint flexibility. Overdoing recreational activities can make arthritis worse. Avoid over-exertion by wearing a back brace or use a walking stick.
If you are planning to engage in physical activity after a flare-up, start small and gradually increase your level of activity. If your pain persists, reduce the level of activity. If you’re a beginner, start with gentle exercise, such as walking or bicycling. You can also choose water aerobics or dance, which do not cause too much stress on joints. In addition to exercise, you can also find safe places to stay active.
Sitting on the couch
If you suffer from joint pain, sitting on the couch can be harmful. While long-term sitting on a couch does not cause joint damage, prolonged sitting can make the condition worse. There are several ways to avoid stressing joints and causing further inflammation. Proper seating positions include a lumbar pillow, neck pillow, and a rolled-up towel for the lower back. You should also place a pillow between your legs.
Over-the-counter pain medications
While over-the-counter pain medications can provide relief, they should be used in moderation. There are risks associated with using them too often, such as stomach upset. You should consult your doctor before starting an over-the-counter arthritis medication program. Do not give the medication to anyone else and never take it for longer than directed. If you have taken medication for a condition other than arthritis, you may need to find a different way to treat the problem.
Non-prescription medications (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain from arthritis. They can be taken for pain and inflammation, and are inexpensive. However, many patients have reported stomach upset from NSAIDs, and NSAIDs can interact with other medications. To avoid serious side effects, use OTC topical creams and ointments.
The two most common over-the-counter arthritis pain medications are topical analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While both have a similar effect, topical analgesics are more effective because they reach the joint’s surface more quickly. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) target inflammation, which contributes to swelling, pain, and stiffness.
If you’ve been suffering from osteoarthritis for a while, you’ve probably noticed that over-the-counter NSAIDs don’t work as well as the prescription drug. But, they may help in some cases. And don’t forget to consult your doctor if you’re concerned that over-the-counter NSAIDs may be the wrong choice for you.
