Arthritis pain is the leading cause of work disability. Did you know that more than 350 million people have arthritis globally, with 58.5 million adults in America? While there is no cure for this condition, physical therapy, medications, and surgery help patients with arthritis by improving some of the symptoms.
However, the most effective way to deal with arthritis is to follow a treatment combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. This article discusses a list of lifestyle changes that could help reduce your arthritis pain.
Exercise Regularly
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common types of arthritis with common symptoms of joint pain and stiffness in one or more joints.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage ( the hard and slippery part which covers the end of bones) to break down, while in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints. Orthopedists suggest that regular exercising greatly impacts reducing the symptoms of these types of arthritis.
Regular exercising helps in strengthening, promotes flexibility, reduces joint inflammation, and fights against chronic fatigue.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Dietary habits and nutritional supplements do have an influence on patients with arthritis. Eating a variety of nutritional food can reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms.
Experts suggest opting for a Mediterranean-style diet which includes nuts, fish, pulses, olive oil, and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Omega-3 enriched fatty foods can help reduce the inflammation that’s a major symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. People also opt for various types of supplements like collagen peptide supplements to improve their joint health.
Some studies also suggest a connection between chronic inflammation and saturated fatty foods like red meat, dairy products, poultry, and butter. Moreover, vitamin D has also been linked with arthritis. Low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is so imperative for patients with arthritis. Excessive weight can put stress on joints, especially knees and thighs, which could further worsen the pain.
“Being just 10 pounds overweight increases the force on your knees by 30 to 40 pounds with every step you take,” say experts at Johns Hopkins University. If you are overweight or obese and have arthritis, start working on shedding some pounds with a practical goal in mind.
Many people fail because of their high expectations. Start with the aim of shedding 5% of your body weight, and once you achieve the goal, gradually increase your expectations.
Try Yoga
Medical experts highly recommend that patients with arthritis add yoga to their daily routine. Performing different yoga asanas can help improve joint flexibility and reduce joint pain.
It also builds muscle strength and improves balance. Moreover, it also helps boost both mental and physical health, which helps you cope with painful symptoms of arthritis.
Bottom Line
Arthritis pain can be quite severe and can hurt your quality of life. While professional treatment might help reduce the symptoms, introducing some lifestyle changes is equally important for fast recovery. Make sure you follow the above-mentioned suggestions and do not let arthritis affect your quality of life.