Living Well with Arthritis: Daily Habits for Pain Management and Mobility

Arthritis is a chronic health condition with no medical cure. Staying active, regularly exercising, and eating a healthy diet are a few daily habits that can ease pain management.

Arthritis involves pain or inflammation in the joints. There are several types of arthritis; however, osteoarthritis is the most common. According to WHO, more than 528 million people were living with Osteoarthritis in 2019, which is approximately 113% since 1990. The primary reason for the chronic autoimmune condition is the increasing rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and injuries. Osteoarthritis leads to friction, inflammation, and damage to the joints.

Generally, it affects the joints of the knees, ankles, elbows, and shoulders.

Doctors may recommend therapies, surgeries, and medications that can cure underlying causes. The insightful article lists some effective approaches for pain management and mobility.

Move Your Body

Arthritis can damage the cartilage, bones, and tendons in the joints. Regular movement and exercise can help you keep your joints flexible and strong. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 150 minutes of exercise per week, such as tai chi, walking, or cycling, can help with pain management and mobility.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy can reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. Hot therapy includes long warm showers, which can help ease discomfort, and cold treatment, such as applying an ice pack to painful joint points, can help relieve pain.

Capsaicin is a substance in ointments, lotions, and creams that can lower arthritis pain. Communicate with your doctor before starting the hot and cold therapy.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Weight has an overall impact on the body. A healthy weight can reduce the chances of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health conditions. Managing weight can help in improving arthritis symptoms, as being overweight may put stress on your knees, hips, or feet.

Research proves that losing 5% of your body weight can improve your mobility, decrease pain, and prevent future joint damage. Moreover, keep a check on your BMI. If you’re struggling with weight management, consider seeking help from a dietician or nutritionist. They can provide personalized guidelines and support to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Acupuncture Medical Treatment

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that involves inserting thin needles into the pain-affecting joints of the body. The process takes 20-30 minutes.

Research says that acupuncture can help relieve arthritis pain and improve physical function. Doctors usually recommend acupuncture to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, more research is needed to understand how acupuncture functions.

A Healthy Diet

Diet plays a significant role in overall health. Not every food is healthy during arthritis. Some fruits and vegetables contain inflammatory properties. Eating a healthy diet that can manage pain, boost the immune system, and improve overall health is important. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low in processed foods and saturated fats can benefit arthritis management.

A study found that vegan and Mediterranean diets can decrease disease activity. Food containing omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Consulting with your doctor before making any changes to your diet is crucial. Their guidance can ensure that you make the right choices for your health and well-being.

Massage Therapy

Experts have different views on massage. Massaging pain points can help manage stiffness and discomfort and improve overall well-being. A study revealed that massage can relieve arthritis symptoms.

However, there are some contradictory statements, too. There is not enough evidence to confirm the effectiveness of massage for arthritis. Your doctor might recommend massage therapy if needed.

Herbal Treatment

Herbal treatments such as turmeric, ginger, green tea, and ashwagandha are effective supplements for curing arthritis pain. These supplements are commonly present in your household.

Herbal supplements are available as gels, oils, capsules, tablets, and creams. Consult your doctor for the correct dose, as excessive doses can cause side effects.

Dr. Geetanjali Gupta, Director of Technical Operations and Quality Assurance at Redcliffe Labs, says, “Arthritis is prevalent in more than 39% of Indians, and it can impact anyone irrespective of age and gender. You mustn’t ignore the symptoms and get a timely screening for early intervention. Diagnosis allows you to understand the health issues and make appropriate decisions.”

Managing arthritis involves a balance of medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. Natural remedies such as exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining weight can help reduce arthritis pain and improve mobility. By adopting these lifestyle modifications in a balanced way, you can live well with arthritis.