6 Tips to Better Manage Arthritis

The Centers for Disease Control have a program that can help people manage their arthritis. The program acknowledges self-management activities and strategies for dealing with the symptoms. Practicing the right strategies can help manage this condition. Below are six tips you can consider for managing your arthritis better.
 

1. Exercise Regularly

This is an effective and easy way to relieve your arthritis symptoms. Daily physical activity can improve the quality of life, reduce pain, elevate mood, and enhance function in arthritis patients. This tip can support your bone strength and good nighttime sleep. It can also help you lose weight. Regular exercise can lower your risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes. Ask your doctor about the type of physical activities you can perform.

2. Be Open to New Self-management Tactics

Being part of a self-management education group for arthritis can teach you the right skills to manage your arthritis symptoms. This can help you make more informed decisions about your general health. The new tactics you learn can help reduce your stress levels and improve your mood. You can learn how to communicate better with your friends, family, and healthcare provider.

3. Communicate With Your Doctor

You should talk to your doctor once arthritis symptoms start. An early diagnosis results in early treatment, which can tone down the symptoms. It can also prevent the ailment from worsening. Early treatments are good for patients with gout, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Managing the symptoms can help improve your quality of life.
 

A good doctor-patient relationship can help you become more active in managing your arthritis. Regular appointments can make sureensure the treatment plan works for you. This is important in patients who already have chronic ailments, such as heart disease.

4. Protect Your Joints

Injuries to your joints can lead to or worsen arthritis. That is why it is ideal to choose activities that are not hard on the joints. Swimming, walking, and cycling are a few joint-friendly, low-impact activities. They do not stress or twist the joints too much. Joint injuries from vehicular accidents, sports activities, or work can make you more prone to osteoarthritis. Wearing protective gear, knee protectors, or seatbelts can help prevent joint injuries.
 

5. Maintain Your Ideal Weight
 

Weight loss can help reduce joint stress. Maintaining your ideal weight can also help reduce joint pain. Your knees and hips are your weight-bearing joints. Losing at least 10 pounds can help an arthritis patient function better. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help you achieve this goal.
 

6. Stabilize Your Mood
 

Pain in the joints can affect your mood. You can manage your arthritis symptoms better if negative feelings do not take over. Feelings of uselessness and hopelessness may prevent you from concentrating on making your symptoms go away. Meditating and talk therapy can help relieve the negativities and achieve better health.

Managing arthritis symptoms can help you achieve a better quality of life. At Copeland Chiropractic, we make sure our patients get the right diagnosis and treatments for their joint conditions. You can visit our clinics in Toppenish, Yakima, and Richland, Washington, for an in-person consultation. Please call us at 509-865-5636 to schedule an appointment or inquire about our arthritis treatment packages