Arthritis is a condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in those over age 65. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tears on the joints. Arthritis causes many symptoms including pain, inflammation, and stiffness. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to manage the pain. These symptoms can substantially impact your quality of life, which is why many people work with East Village arthritis specialists to find relief from the pain. This article looks at some of the options you can take advantage of to relieve pain resulting from arthritis.
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Master Self-Management Skills
Arthritis is a chronic disorder and requires ongoing care. It started with Dr. James Cyriax, who developed self-management skills for arthritis pain. These self-help techniques focus on relieving the effects of both acute and chronic conditions that cause discomfort in your muscles or joints. When you develop these skills, you can manage your arthritis pain more effectively, and learn how to live a healthier life.
One way to ease discomfort is to use heat or cold packs on the area that hurts. It reduces inflammation and swelling. You can also do some gentle stretching exercises and yoga poses to help increase your range of motion.
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Rest Your Muscles
One of the best ways to manage arthritis pain is to take a break from using your muscles. This means avoiding any strenuous activities that could put a strain on your joints. You should pace yourself and rest your body when it needs it most, which can be difficult if you are active all day long. When you try to push yourself too hard, you can increase the pain and inflammation.
If you are forced to take a break from your usual routine, make sure to find activities that will keep you active. It can be anything from swimming to walking around the block. You want to make sure you are still moving your body even though you cannot do your usual exercises.
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Stay Active
When dealing with arthritis pain, it is essential to stay active. This does not mean you have to push yourself to the limit or do anything that will cause you more pain. Instead, find activities that you enjoy and can do without stress on your joints.
Some good examples include swimming, biking, water aerobics, and walking. These activities will not strain your muscles or joints, and you can still get plenty of exercise while managing your arthritis symptoms.
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Protect Your Joints
Your joints are exceptionally delicate, and taking the proper steps is crucial to protecting them. This will be different for everyone, but some general tips include using an appropriate furniture cushion while sitting, carefully cleaning your hands before and after manual labor, and wearing comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement.
In summary, arthritis is one of the leading causes of pain. You may need to see a specialist to help manage the pain, but you can relieve it at home by mastering self-management skills and resting your muscles. Staying active and protecting your joints also helps relieve arthritis pain.
