Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that the vast majority of people will have to face at some point. As you age, you will have to deal with bone loss and the deterioration of the cartilage and tissue in your joints. This is the primary cause of the pain associated with arthritis. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce arthritis pain and even restore your joints to their former strength. So, letās take a look at 4 important health tips for adults with arthritis!
Use Surgery As a Last Resort
Many people assume that they will need to get replacement surgery to fully restore their joint tissue. Thankfully, this is not always the case. For example, if you experience joint pain and arthritis in your knees, there are several non-surgical knee replacement alternatives available.
This is why surgery should be treated as a ālast resort.ā If you have arthritis pain that prevents you from doing daily activities like standing, sitting, walking, or grasping objects, you may need surgery. However, you should still talk to your doctor before opting for any invasive measures.
Evaluate Your Lifestyle Choices
Arthritis is not always preventable, but there are many choices that you can make to delay the onset, reduce the symptoms, or even avoid the condition entirely. Most people donāt realize that the lifestyle choices they make have a direct impact on their joints and overall bone health. Making better decisions can help prevent arthritis or ā if you already have the condition ā reduce the pain.
Studies show that weight has a significant impact on joints, especially the joints in the knees, ankles, and hips. If your BMI is high, you should consider diet and low-impact exercise to get your weight to a healthy level. Additionally, avoiding processed, fried, or junk food can help you maintain better overall health. This is not just good advice for older adults; itās also a great health tip for the whole family!
Consider Taking Vitamins and Supplements
While making adjustments to your diet is a great way to stay at a healthy weight and get more vitamins, your bones and joints may not be getting everything they need. Taking a daily multivitamin is a good way to accompany a healthy diet. However, there are also specific supplements that can help fight arthritis in your body.
Two of the most common arthritis supplements are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These elements are present in cartilage, which helps cushion joint tissue. Additionally, you might consider taking fish oil and Curcumin supplements.
Donāt Be Afraid to Move
Many older adults feel like the more they move, the more they risk experiencing pain or even worsening their condition. While high-impact exercise or rapid movements can put additional strain on weak joints, you shouldnāt be afraid to move around. In fact, keeping your body moving helps your joints stay healthy and operational. If you try to avoid arthritis pain by keeping parts of your body still, you could be doing more harm than good.
So, try to stick to a regular, low-impact exercise regimen. If you have arthritis pain in your hands, donāt shy away from activities that require you to grasp or hold objects. To reduce pain and discomfort, you can also take anti-inflammatory medication before you engage in certain activities. As always, be sure to consult your doctor before making any drastic changes for your health!
