Wondering how to minimize the effects of arthritis is the common thing that most of people caring about. In this article, let us learn more and pick up some of your tips to reduce its effects.
- Respect pain
Persistent pain is our body's way of telling us something is wrong. If pain lasts more than two hours after doing a task, try doing the task differently next time. Either use less effort or spend less time at it.
- Become aware of body positions
Some positions and movements, such as gripping objects tightly, put extra stress on arthritic joints. Use some of the devices that make daily activities easier. Knob grippers help turn doorknobs and water faucets. Needle-nosed pliers help grasp small objects. Reachers decrease the amount of bending you have to do. Other aids such as pencil grippers, self-opening scissors, light-switch extenders, and stair-climbing aids are also available.
- Control your weight
The extra stress of added pounds can cause further joint damage. Studies have indicated that maintaining a proper weight throughout life can help prevent certain forms of arthritis. There is no such thing as a special arthritis diet, but a doctor may advise patients with gout to avoid certain foods. Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by uric acid deposits in the joints. Foods like liver, kidney, caviar, and sweetbreads tend to be high in the forerunners of uric acid. Don't drink alcohol, and limit fatty foods.
- Avoid homing one position for extended periods
Relax every five minutes or so. Move around. To learn how your muscles should feel when relaxed, tense them, and then relax.
- Use your strongest joints and muscles
Examples include using shoulder muscles rather than hand muscles to carry strapped objects and using the side of your arm to open a door rather than an outstretched arm.
- Simplify your work
Whenever possible, sit rather than stand. Avoid bending, stooping, and reaching unnecessarily. Use labor saving devices that provide leverage, allow for use of joints in their strongest positions, or extend your reach. Plan ahead. Cook in large quantities and freeze the food. Keep often-used items handy.
- Discuss adaptations at work with your employer
The increased efficiency will benefit both you and your employer.
- Ask for help when needed
Many people with arthritis try to pretend that nothing is wrong and attempt to do things that they know aggravate their condition. Don't be afraid to tell others that you need help for certain tasks.
- Exercise
This includes both therapeutic and recreational exercise. Therapeutic includes range-of-motion exercises that increase flexibility. An example for fingers: Open the hand with fingers straight. Bend all finger joints except the knuckles. Touch the top of the palm. Open and repeat. Strengthening exercises help maintain or increase muscle strength. With isometric exercise you tighten a muscle without moving the joint. For isotonic resistive exercises you use a light weight or other resistance. A physical therapist should instruct you on these exercises. It also gets better result if you relax while
exercising. Therefore,
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Recreational exercise includes any enjoyable form of movement. Water exercises can be particularly useful. If you can't swim, an inflated tube can keep you afloat while you move.
- Visit your doctor
Your physician can help you devise a treatment program specifically for you. Treatment programs usually involve a combination of any or all of these: medications, therapeutic exercises, joint protection, energy-saving techniques for daily living, and coping strategies for depression and other stresses.
