What is Arthritis
5 ways to manage Arthritis. Arthritis is not one disease alone. But an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body. So then, Joints are points where 2 or more bones meet, such as in the wrist, knuckles, hips, knees, and ankles. if you have arthritis, the joints are inflamed, causing discomfort and pain. It is important to understand and recognize early signs of arthritis. Consequently, it can range from mild to severe and can affect people of all ages. However, it is a common disease in older adults.
Main Types of Arthritis You Need to Manage
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Lupus
In addition to these main types, there are many more, but too many to list here, your doctor can advise on what type if any that you have.
1. Learn new self-management skills.
5 ways to manage Arthritis. There are a lot of things you can do to manage your arthritis. The day-to-day things you choose to do to manage your condition and stay healthy are “self-management” strategies and activities. CDC’s Arthritis Management and Wellbeing Program recognizes five self-management strategies for managing arthritis and its symptoms.
Practice these simple strategies to reduce symptoms and get relief so you can pursue the activities that are important to you. These strategies can even help you manage other chronic conditions you may have, such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
2. Be active.
5 ways to manage Arthritis. Physical activity is a simple and effective, drug-free way to relieve arthritis pain. Being physically active can reduce pain, and improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults with arthritis. Regular physical activity can contribute to improved sleep and support bone health, brain health, and weight control. Physical activity can also reduce your risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and help you manage these conditions if you already have them. Also, stay as active as your health allows. Some physical activity is better than none.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults be physically active at a moderate intensity for 150 minutes per week. Visit the health.gov website to learn more about the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Unsure about what kind of activity is safe?
Get more information about how to exercise safely with arthritis or find a community program near you. Physical activity community programs—like Enhanced®Fitness, Walk With Ease, and others—help adults with arthritis be healthier and reduce arthritis symptoms.
3. Talk to your doctor.
5 ways to manage Arthritis. Talk to your doctor if you have joint pain and other arthritis symptoms. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start treatment. Early and effective treatment is important to minimize symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse, especially for certain forms of arthritis, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
The focus of arthritis treatment is to
- Reduce pain.
- Minimize joint damage.
- Improve or maintain function and quality of life.
You can play an active role in controlling your arthritis by attending regular appointments with your healthcare provider and following your recommended treatment plan. This is especially important if you also have other chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease.
4. Manage your weight.
5 ways to manage Arthritis. Losing excess weight and staying at a healthy weight is particularly important for people with arthritis. For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight reduces stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. In fact, losing as little as 10 to 12 pounds can reduce pain and improve physical function for people with arthritis. At any age, low-impact, arthritis-friendly physical activity (for example, walking) combined with healthy dietary changes can help you lose weight.
5. Protect your joints.
5 ways to manage Arthritis. 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. Learn more about how to exercise safely with arthritis.
Injuries to joints from sports, work, or vehicle accidents can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Take steps to prevent or minimize joint injuries to reduce the risk of developing or worsening osteoarthritis. Actions include wearing protective equipment, and seatbelts, and avoiding repetitive motion joint damage.
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In Conclusion
As we age many of us will suffer arthritis in our old joints. But with a little knowledge, we can manage this condition safely without causing more damage. Consequently, many will shy away from exercising when they have arthritis, but this is wrong, exercise done safely can ease arthritis pain and give relief. Here with advice from your medical practitioner, you can start a fitness program that will help to ease the pain, strengthen the support muscles, and generally improve your arthritis.
Important Note *
Remember that everyone is different, it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find what your body responds to. So please do your due diligence before trying anything new, including getting Medical Advice to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
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