Suffering from arthritis? This ongoing health condition affects millions of people every year and yet few people talk about it. The truth of the matter is that if you don’t take action, it can impact every aspect of your daily life. Nobody wants that! Here are some of the small things you can do to stop arthritis from becoming a debilitating burden.
Try some compression therapy
Aching pain, stiffness, and swelling; these are all typical symptoms of arthritis. Should you wish to tackle the signs of the problem head-on, there’s one type of therapy that may work.
Extensive research has shown that using compression gloves can help to relieve the ongoing symptoms of arthritis in the hands. In using this method of targeted compression to manage pain, you encourage better blood circulation and take some of the stress off your joints.
Get some over-the-counter drugs
Of course, should you wish to go down the medicinal route, there is a wealth of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs available. While this option may seem like the easiest and most effective available, it’s important to understand what you’re putting in your body.
Before you decide to take this type of medication, you may want to do your research. The Arthritis Foundation has a helpful infographic that explains the side effects of each OTC drug you may take.
Or take some natural supplements
Not everyone wants to take OTC drugs. Luckily, there are some natural alternatives to heavy medication that you may wish to try. The Arthritis Foundation suggests a long list of supplements that could help you to manage your pain.
For instance, SAM-e has the same pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties as many OTC drugs. You may also find that including fresh ginger in your diet works wonders. The root has been shown to have anti-inflammatory side effects and boosts your general health.
Practice the art of self-care each day
Do you practice self-care? Do you even know what it is? If you’re a busy person with a lot on your plate, you may find it hard to take a moment to look after yourself. However, doing so could be essential to your overall health when living with arthritis.
The UK National Health Service guidelines suggest that you practice self-care. That means taking control of your own health, listening to what your body needs, and give it just that.
Make small changes to your diet
While a new diet won’t cure your arthritis, it could help you to manage it and deal with some of the symptoms caused by the condition. Experts suggest that the best foods for arthritis strengthen your bones, reduce inflammation, and improve your immune system.
That means including things like fish, broccoli, garlic, and soy in your diet could be a great place to start. It should go without saying that what you eat and your health are intrinsically linked. Making sure that you give your body what it needs in terms of vitamins and nutrients is just plain common sense.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support
Do you talk to those around you about how your arthritis is affecting you? Trying to keep your feelings about the condition inside is a mistake. It means that the entire burden of your arthritis falls on your shoulders.
Your friends and loved ones are there for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and ask for some help and support. You may only need someone to lend an ear when you’re feeling low. It’s not a huge thing to ask of someone and it could make all the difference. You’re not alone.
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