How to cope with Arthritis? 6 Tips

My mother is a long term sufferer of Joints Disease. She has off and on painful exacerbation's due to which she walks with difficulty. As a medical student I used to see her visiting the ortho time and again for her Knee Osteoarthritis. He prescribed him a number of medicines especially the expensive once a month capsule and Vitamin D ampules. She begins praying Salah on the chair and avoid sitting on the ground for long hours. She kept telling us to have a Calcium Rich Diet and Exercise Daily. I see her coping the Knee and Back Pain constantly along with household chores so that she can rest afterwards which alleviates her pain to some degree.

Arthritis is a combination of diseases usually affecting the joints and support system of the body. Osteoarthritis is the commonest affecting the joints of Knee, Hips and Spine leading to painful activity.

Following are several ways to help the patient having less pain, great mobility and a fulfilling life.

Exercise:

When the ortho advised exercise to my mother ,
                                      “How can I exercise! my knee hurts on simple walking?”is her first reply. This is the common misconception of the patients. As we all know that exercise built up Stamina, Cardiovascular fitness and Enhances mood.  It has a miraculous effects on the joints also, if done in a proper way. It enhances joint flexibility, decreases stiffness and swelling. It is vital for circulation within the joint which promotes healing and help tone up the muscle support system of the Knee.You can also check out 5 Smart Exercises to Support Your Knees for further reading.

Weight Control:

Healthy Diet

Maintaining Ideal weight is important for the arthritis sufferers. Extra weight put stress on the joints.

                                1 pound of weight put an additional 4 pounds of pressure on knees.
Aerobic exercises  like Walking, Biking, Gardening, Raking the leaves are all low impact activities and helps to maintain good bone health. Do invest in buying a good pair of workout shoes and it benefits in the long run. Doing small household chores for yourself also helps to stay active.
You can also read

10 Easy Tips to watch your weight at home 

 Heat:

Change in Weather usually worsen the symptoms of Arthritis causing stiffness and pain in the joints. This can be overcome by applying Hot packs or Heating Pad. Taking Warm Bath before sleep helps in relieving the pain symptoms and decreases the swelling.

Massage Therapy:

Massaging the painful joint with the light hand in the morning and at bedtime with the Olive/Eucalyptus Oil is a ritual performed daily by the most joint pain sufferers,is found to be beneficial in the long run.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D provides the building blocks i.e Calcium for the bone strength. As told my mother had also been advised Vitamin D. Women in our part of the country is deficient of vitamin D instead of the ample Sunlight available here which is the Richest source of  the Vitamin.               

Bee Venom Therapy:

It may help soothing the pain. Bee Venom Therpy(Apia Therapy) has been shown to reduce the arthritis symptoms.See Sting the pain away for more information

Hydration:

Maintaining a good Hydration is mandatory for joint mobility. Drinking plenty of fluids before and after exercise, eating a lot of fresh fruits especially Cherries, Citrus fruits helps a lot in the joint mobility.

All in all, Arthritis is a progressive debilitating disease usually controlled by the right approach in view of Medications and Lifestyle. Consult your Physio and Ortho before tracking on a new exercise program. Remember  the old saying

“if you rest you got rusted”.

Daily Adequate Physical activity helps in maintaining the joint flexibility and also strengthens the muscle support system of the body leading to healthy joints and bones.

Stay Healthy and Stay Aware.