According to the CDC, Arthritis affects 24% of all Americans (58.5 million people). More than half of working-age Americans with arthritis (57.3 percent) are employed (18 to 64 years). Arthritis may prevent you from doing certain activities or stop you from working altogether. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 8 million working-age adults in the United States have arthritis and cannot because of its complications.
For example, they might find it difficult to climb stairs or go from a parking deck to their office. By 2040, an estimated 78 million (26%) Americans aged 18 years or older are expected to have physician-diagnosed arthritis. It won’t come as a surprise if you or someone you care about is among the 78 million. Therefore, it’s now or never to act and manage Arthritis pain before it takes its toll.
1. Start with Practicing Self-Management
It is essential to learn how to control arthritis pain by yourself. Getting familiar with the disease and knowing what it can do will help you take the proper steps. In addition, you have to deal with arthritis by planning your daily activities and adhering to the schedule. Consider taking part in a self-management education program, which may teach you the skills to manage your arthritis and make sound health decisions. This is the initial stage of feeling like you have control over your health.
2. Switch to a Healthy Diet
Proper diet plays a significant factor in managing arthritis pain. What you eat or don’t eat can contribute to or alleviate your condition. Include healthy food like fruits and vegetables into your diet plan while eliminating greasy foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and French fries. These foods can trigger inflammation in your joints. So, to expect better results, you need to bid these foods goodbye.
3. Relax Your Mind and Body
Your body is a machine, and with each joint in motion, it’s essential to take adequate rest and sleep. This will help you get rid of signs and symptoms brought about by efforts for arthritis pain. In addition, your mind and body need rest because your joints need some recovery time. CBD vape pen not only can it help reduce joint pain but also lets you recover faster. Besides the other remedial steps, CBD oil also helps you overcome the stress you have due to arthritis.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking has long been linked to various respiratory diseases affecting other organs, including the cardiovascular and immune systems. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where immune cells target healthy tissues by mistake. So, you wouldn’t want to see all your efforts go in vain just because of this bad habit. This is something your doctor would recommend in the first place.
5. Exercise Daily
One practical method in controlling arthritis pain is by exercising daily. It will help reduce your arthritis pain. First, you can begin light with exercises like walking or swimming. Then gradually increase the intensity. Exercising allows healthy blood flow to reach your bones and joints to help them stay firm. Swimming is the easiest way to get regular exercise. The best part about swimming is that it does not put weight on any part of your body.
Working or sports-related joint injuries may raise the risk of developing osteoarthritis. To minimize the chance of developing or aggravating osteoarthritis, take measures to prevent or limit injuries to joints, such as by wearing safety gear and avoiding excessive motion in joints.
6. Get a Massage
According to the Arthritis Society, Canada, massaging can be helpful for arthritis patients. However, you have to let a professional do it for you or massage yourself. All you have to do is press specific points on the affected area and make circular motions with your fingers. This relieves lessened tension and reduces stiffness. Consult your healthcare provider if you don’t know how to follow the proper massaging methods.
7. Try Heat or Ice Therapy
Many patients prefer to undergo heating and ice therapy for arthritis pain management. Try heat or ice therapy if you are reactive to acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain management. Generally, an ice or cold pack can be the best way to numb the affected area and reduce swelling.
8. Finally, Don’t hesitate to talk to your Doctor
The best way to get relief is to talk with your doctor. First, you must understand what has caused this condition and how it can affect your life. Many people feel that talking to the doctor might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. But in reality, only the doctors know about the severity of the problem. Your doctor may suggest several treatments, including medications and physical therapy.
Conclusion
Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that affects people of all ages. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to manage arthritis pain efficiently to minimize the effects on your body, day-to-day life, and general health. Be sure not just limit yourself by using over-the-counter medications as they may only treat symptoms temporarily but won’t help cure the underlying problem. Instead, focus on more natural alternatives like the ones mentioned here.
