And Living With Arthritis

Step 1 – Diagnosis of Arthritis

The first step in managing your arthritis is to actually have the disease diagnosed in the first place. There are over 100 different types of arthritis . . . sometimes making an accurate diagnosis a little tricky. If you think that you have arthritis but you haven’t had it medically checked out yet, you’d better make an appointment to see your doctor asap.

Step 2 – Arthritis Self Help Program

There are a growing number of arthritis self help programs around these days with lots of useful information about the disease, how to break the cycle of pain, how to deal with the depression which very often accompanies the diagnosis of arthritis, how to manage your arthritis through diet, exercise, stress relief, joint protection, relaxation. Arthritis self help programs are run by the Arthritis Foundation around the country and they really can help you to help yourself.

Step 3 – Get Active

Physical activity really is a great way to relieve the pain of arthritis. You’ve gotta’ keep those joints moving . . . use ‘em or lose ‘em as they say! Joints need synovial fluid for nourishment, and the way to keep this flowing around the joint is through physical exercise.  Low impact exercise is best for people who are suffering from arthritis . . . try walking (if possible), swimming and strengthening exercises. You don’t have to go at it hell for leather either (or as “hell for leather as you can possibly manage”) – just 30 minutes of exercise, 3 times per week can make a real difference. You’ll find that your mental as well as your physical well being will improve.

Step 4 – Maintain A Health Weight

This ties in rather nicely with step 3 don’t you think? If you are carrying a little too much weight, just think of how much extra strain you are putting onto your already fragile joints. Losing just a few pounds really can make a world of difference. It’s a bit of a vicious circle really, because the more your joints hurt, the more you sit around not moving, and the more you sit around not moving (and possibly munching) the heavier you get. If you are having trouble losing the weight then why not talk to your doctor about it, or consult with a registered dietitian.

Step 5 – Eat Healthily

Hmm, looks to me like steps 3, 4 and 5 are all connected. That’s the key about managing your arthritis you know, it really is all connected. Nutrition is very important for your physical and emotional health, and a healthy, nutritious diet will automatically help you with step 4, and then step 3 . . . .

Step 6 – Protect Your Joints

This is something which you really can learn, and will possibly be introduced to in Step 2. There are ways in which we can go about our daily lives and protect our joints at the same time . . . simple ways of re-training ourselves to do things just a little bit differently. You may find it easier to walk if you use a cane, you might find it easier to carry a grocery bag across your forearm or the palm of your hand instead of simply using your fragile fingers. Daily tasks can get easier by simply protecting some of your affected joints. There are specially designed household gadgets which make it easier for people who suffer from arthritis to use . . . . indeed, there are lots of ways one can help oneself in managing arthritis.