Just because you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis doesn’t mean that you have to wait in pain for your doctor to contact you. There are quite a few things you can do as an arthritis sufferer while waiting for new medications, an appointment for a specialist or just to work on the problem yourself. This article will detail some of the simple but highly effective ways you can manage arthritis comfortably on your own time and at your own pace.
Living With Arthritis Tip #1: Keep On Moving
Although it’s painful for most arthritis sufferers to stay active, you need to be mobile every single day in order to keep your current range of movement. Even if you can only manage a ten minute walk daily, those ten minutes will do wonders for your mood, joints and pain in the long term.
Living With Arthritis Tip #2: Don’t Push Yourself
If you don’t have to use your body to move, push or pull something, don’t. Living with arthritis means taking stock of what you can and cannot do, and then creating new ways of doing the same thing without hurting yourself. This might mean purchasing assistive devices (special can-openers for instance), losing weight or using the larger joints (such as your hips) instead of the smaller ones (such as your back) to lift things.
Living With Arthritis Tip #3: Stay Tuned
Keep up with the current findings, research and information related to fellow arthritis sufferers and the disease itself. As they say, knowing is half the battle!
Living With Arthritis Tip #4: Talk About It
Let your friends and family know when living with arthritis becomes a challenge, or when you are frustrated with the disease. Educate them as well, since the more they know the more they will be able to assist you as well. Even better, find a local support group where you can discuss with other arthritis sufferers your feelings about the illness.
Living With Arthritis Tip #5: If The Shoe Fits…
Make sure that what supports you is actually supporting you properly! Those suffering from arthritis need even more foot, ankle and joint support than most. Invest wisely in a pair of orthopedic shoes and you’ll notice the difference almost immediately.
Living With Arthritis Tip #6: Stretch It Out
By stretching the joints that you use the most, you are not only making your body work better, you’ll be making your disease easier to manage. Try to focus on the larger joints (knees, ankles, hips, back) at least once a day for a cat-like stretch to invigorate the mind, body and spirit.
