How to Reduce Arthritis
Arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease, can be difficult to deal with on a daily basis. Although there is no cure, you can take steps to reduce its effects on your life. A few simple lifestyle changes can make a world of difference in helping reduce the pain and stiffness that arthritis brings. Check with your doctor and follow the steps below to manage your arthritis symptoms.
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Things You'll Need
- Comfortable exercise clothes and shoes Nutrition information; trained dietitian Tubs/containers, notepad, markers and pen for organizing items
Instructions
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How to Reduce Arthritis
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Exercise. Movement is the key to maintaining mobility. Have your doctor help design a daily exercise routine that you can manage. Start slow and set goals that you can honestly reach.
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Manage your weight. If you are carrying a few extra pounds, they are adding stress to your already aching joints. Make eating healthy and exercising your goals, and the weight will naturally drop off.
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Organize your surroundings. Organize one area at a time; taking on too much can make the task overwhelming. Things you frequently use should be within easy reach. Before you start any project, have everything you need handy. A little extra prep time can save a lot strain and stress in doing the things you enjoy.
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Pick comfortable shoes. If you have shoes with high heels, this is the time to throw them out. Heels taller than 2 inches cause an unnatural twist in your posture and stress the joints. Replace any worn shoes immediately, especially ones you use for exercise.
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Alternate periods of activity and rest. After you clean the kitchen, take time to sit and write a shopping list, for example. Vary the amount of activity you do throughout the day to better manage your pain and stiffness, and to strike a balance in your life.
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Take breaks during periods of strenuous or uncomfortable activities. For example, driving long distances without regular breaks can be very painful if you are suffering from arthritis. Instead, pull over to walk and stretch frequently. If you are writing or reading, take a small break every 15 to 20 minutes to keep your muscles and joints from becoming stiff and sore.
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Eat a nutritious diet to maintain optimum general health. Employ the help of a nutritionist for any dietary assistance. To address your arthritis pain in particular, consider adding the oil known as avacado-soybean unsaponifiables (a mixture of avocados and soybeans) to your diet. Research has shown that this oil, better known as ASU, may alleviate arthritic pain and increase the speed of cartilage repair. Cayenne pepper promotes the release of natural endorphins and so may also relieve arthritis pain. But use cayenne pepper only occasionally because it can aggravate the gastrointestinal system (GI) or complicate skin problems. Follow the References and Resources links below to learn more about these and other great home remedies. And always check with your doctor before you make any drastic dietary changes.
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Tips & Warnings
Always consult with your doctor before you start a diet or exercise regime. Get assistance to move heavier objects, especially if you move them down from a higher place. Organize your tools and materials to be at eye level or below to avoid body strain.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit All images are courtesy of Photobucket photo pool.
