Arthritis is a very common condition, affecting an estimated 54 million Americans. It’s characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, which can make even the simplest daily tasks challenging.
Arthritis is chronic, and there are more than 100 different types. It affects everyone differently, which means effective treatment looks different for everyone, too.
At Bryn Medical, our team is committed to helping you find ways to manage your pain and keep moving. We offer a variety of arthritis treatment options, from rehabilitation, platelet rich plasma, Chiropractic care and trigger point injections.
But managing arthritis often means more than simply finding a medication that works. If you have arthritis, try these lifestyle modifications to improve your pain and your quality of life.
Prioritize physical activity
Arthritis can make daily activities painful, but participating in regular exercise can actually improve arthritis symptoms over time. Consider adding low-impact physical activity to your routine to keep your joints mobile and minimize pain and stiffness.
Activities like water aerobics, swimming, and biking can be good options for people with arthritis because they don’t put a lot of strain on joints. Gentle stretching routines can also improve flexibility and range of motion.
If you struggle to find ways to exercise that don’t increase your pain, physical therapy or occupational therapy could help you build strength and increase mobility until you’re able to exercise comfortably on your own.
Strive to maintain a healthy weight
Carrying extra body weight puts stress on your joints, so being overweight or obese can exacerbate arthritis. If you’re above your recommended weight range, losing weight could decrease your joint pain.
If you’re at a healthy weight, strive to maintain it so you don’t put your joints under extra pressure.
Making small lifestyle changes can help you shed extra pounds and keep them off long-term. Committing to an exercise routine and eating a nutritious, balanced diet are two ways to lose weight naturally and safely.
Take a closer look at your diet
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition, and treatment is often focused on reducing inflammation to minimize pain. Some foods naturally have anti-inflammatory properties. Add these to your diet to help you fight the symptoms of arthritis.
A few foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits include:
• Beans
• Fish
• Fruits and vegetables
• High-fiber foods
• Nuts
Along with eating a balance of anti-inflammatory foods, consider adding natural supplements to your diet. Some supplements, like capsaicin and turmeric, may have benefits for people with arthritis. And vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K and calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc all play a role in promoting overall wellness.
Talk to our team at Bryn Medical to find out which lifestyle modifications might work best for you. Schedule your free consultation online or call our Chattanooga, Tennessee, office at 423-301-9662 today.