Have you or someone close to you recently been diagnosed with arthritis?
Generally, this disease falls into two groups. Osteoarthritis, which is more commonly associated with older people and is due to wear and tear. Then, there is rheumatoid arthritis, which is autoimmune and can strike at any age. Either way, both are uncomfortable, and both require the right options to help those who have them to manage them better.
Of course, you should always talk to your doctor, but here, you will be walked through 5 of the best options to help you better manage your arthritis.
1. Physical Therapy
Arthritis presents soreness, stiffness, and lack of mobility in the affected joints. There is the option to try and manage this with pain relief, but it is also important that you stay active and engage in physical therapy.
There are many physical therapists who can offer you physical therapy in Mooresville NC, and thousands of videos online that can provide you with exercises that can help you. Make sure that you gradually work up to performing these exercises, and, of course, if you are in discomfort, stop!
2. Diet
As arthritis is linked to inflammation, it is important to ensure that you eat a diet that is low in inflammatory markers.
OK, so you will have to cut our burgers and soda, as well as lower the amount of salt and sugar in your diet, but you can still eat tasty food. The Mediterranean diet, which is full of oils, raw fruit, nuts, and vegetables, is particularly beneficial for people who have arthritis. Just make sure that you check with your doctor beforehand that these foods are safe, especially if you are consuming medications like warfarin.
3. Support Groups
A core part of managing any condition, whether it is mental or physical, is to have support in place. Luckily, even if you have very uncomfortable arthritis, there are support groups online that can help you manage your condition. This is also the perfect place to make friends and discuss management strategies. You can look for nearby support groups, too, which can help you to get out of the house and engage in the community, which will benefit your mental health, too.
4. Discomfort Relief
When arthritis becomes more intense, you will need to talk to your doctor about discomfort relief. Remember, as one type of arthritis is linked to being an autoimmune disorder, and the other is based on wear and tear, it is important to establish which type you have before you begin discomfort-management medications. Be sure to take any medications as prescribed, and if you experience unwanted side effects, talk to your doctor.
5. Update Your Home
Lastly, you will want to update your home.
Put in ramps around the home to prevent you from needing to lift your legs. If you can, install grab rails in your bathroom and on the stairs, to keep you safe and to prevent falls. If you have the ability, and the money, it can be worth installing a stairlift, to help you move around your house with ease.
