Living with arthritis can make everyday activities more difficult. Joint pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility may affect walking, working out, doing chores, sleeping, and other daily tasks. Daily habits can be key to managing arthritis symptoms and staying active.
The best daily habits for arthritis will depend on your general health, the type of arthritis, and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor can help you determine which habits are right for you. Below are six daily habits that may benefit joint health and help relieve arthritis pain.
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1. Stay Active
Exercise is essential to arthritis management. Low-impact exercises can support your range of motion, build muscle strength, and improve joint function without straining sensitive joints. Walking, swimming, and gentle yoga are all examples of low-impact exercises that may be appropriate for many older adults.
Focus on what your body can handle, and listen to how it responds to exercise. A doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises that accommodate your mobility level and health status. Start slowly to gradually build your activity level without putting too much pressure on sensitive joints.
2. Allow Your Joints to Rest
Stay active, but don’t overdo it. Exercising too much can lead to joint soreness, making it harder to maintain regular exercise. Break up long periods of activity with breaks as needed. Take time to rest in between tasks.
Change positions frequently to prevent stiffness and rest after exercising. High-impact exercises can add strain to sore joints. Your doctor can advise which exercises are safe and which to avoid.
3. Eat a Nutritious Diet
What you eat each day affects your general health and may play a role in arthritis management. A healthy, balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats provides the nutrients your body needs. Salmon, nuts, berries, and dark leafy greens are all foods recommended as part of an anti-inflammatory diet.
Reducing your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol can also help improve your health. Dietary needs vary from person to person, so speak with your doctor before making any dietary changes, especially if you take any medication or have other health concerns.
4. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Pain can negatively impact mood, sleep, energy levels, and quality of life. Mental health is just as important as physical health when living with arthritis. Relaxation exercises, meditation, deep breathing techniques, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can all help improve coping with the emotional effects of chronic pain.
Some people may also benefit from seeing a therapist or other mental health professional. Professional support may also be a smart strategy for managing the difficulties of living with a chronic condition.
5. Adhere to Your Treatment Plan
Daily habits should complement your doctor’s recommendations for treating your arthritis. Your arthritis treatment may include medication, physical therapy, braces, splints, massage therapy, or acupuncture, depending on the type of arthritis and symptom severity.
Take your medications as directed and attend scheduled appointments. Inform your doctor if your symptoms worsen, if your pain becomes unmanageable, or if any treatment makes you uncomfortable. Open communication with your doctor is vital so they can evaluate your current treatment and make appropriate recommendations.
6. Develop Arthritis-Friendly Habits
Arthritis management can be challenging and requires a balance of exercise, rest, nutrition, mental health, and medical care. Developing small daily habits can help conserve your energy and improve your quality of life.
Focus on developing daily habits that are practical and sustainable over time. This could mean taking a short walk, eating a nutritious meal, scheduling time to rest, or doing a few minutes of light stretching each day. These small daily habits can help establish a routine that works for you.
Where To Get Help for Arthritis Pain
Your arthritis doesn’t have to limit you from seeking the help you need. If you have joint pain or stiffness that’s keeping you from enjoying your day-to-day life, the doctors at AgeWell Medical can diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan based on your health needs. Contact AgeWell Medical Associates to learn more about your arthritis and its treatment.