If you have ever woken up stiff, sore and achy, or been able to
predict the weather by how your joints felt, you probably have
arthritis.
Many people have the idea that arthritis is just something you have to live with. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help manage your arthritis, make it less painful, and slow its progression.
Arthritis is not really a disease, but it is the process of joints degenerating, or breaking down. This can happen from injuries, excessive stresses on the joints, or a lack of proper movement of the joint. These take time to show up, which is why arthritis is usually seen more in older people.
Your joints have a layer of cartilage between the bones. This cartilage provides a smooth surface so the bones can glide smoothly over each other. In arthritis, this cartilage breaks down, gets thinner, and loses its smoothness. All this leads to stiffness and achy joints.
So what can you do about it?
A warm shower to get moving. It will help get your joints and muscles warmed up and ready to move, especially first thing in the morning, or after a period of inactivity.
Simple stretches and exercises to keep moving. A simple slow relaxed stretch will help loosen up stiff muscles. To keep your joints moving, go through a full range of motion in all directions. Yoga classes can be excellent too.
Drink plenty of water. Cartilage is largely made up of water, and much of its weight-bearing ability comes from water. Water is also an essential part of the fluids that lubricate your joints.
Natural supplements can also be beneficial. Omega-3 oils and antioxidant vitamins help reduce inflammation, and may ease pain for arthritis sufferers.
Glucosamine has been shown to help arthritis. Make sure you have a quality source. I like Adeeva.
Try manual therapy. Massage can help loosen up your muscles in ways you can't do yourself with stretches. Physiotherapy can help show you some home exercises and other therapies. Chiropractors can also be very helpful. They often get a negative reputation, but they know a lot about joints and muscles, and can help your joints move and function better. Talk to one!
Lose weight if you are too heavy. Extra pounds equals extra pounding on your joints. And of course that extra pounding leads to joint damage and arthritis.
Exercise to strengthen the stabilizing muscles that support your joints. You may consider joining a gym or finding a trainer or therapist who can guide you. However, even just walking counts! Swimming is also great, since it is easy on your joints and allows for more movement than you would have outside of the pool.
Follow these recommendations and take control over your arthritis!
Many people have the idea that arthritis is just something you have to live with. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help manage your arthritis, make it less painful, and slow its progression.
Arthritis is not really a disease, but it is the process of joints degenerating, or breaking down. This can happen from injuries, excessive stresses on the joints, or a lack of proper movement of the joint. These take time to show up, which is why arthritis is usually seen more in older people.
Your joints have a layer of cartilage between the bones. This cartilage provides a smooth surface so the bones can glide smoothly over each other. In arthritis, this cartilage breaks down, gets thinner, and loses its smoothness. All this leads to stiffness and achy joints.
So what can you do about it?
A warm shower to get moving. It will help get your joints and muscles warmed up and ready to move, especially first thing in the morning, or after a period of inactivity.
Simple stretches and exercises to keep moving. A simple slow relaxed stretch will help loosen up stiff muscles. To keep your joints moving, go through a full range of motion in all directions. Yoga classes can be excellent too.
Drink plenty of water. Cartilage is largely made up of water, and much of its weight-bearing ability comes from water. Water is also an essential part of the fluids that lubricate your joints.
Natural supplements can also be beneficial. Omega-3 oils and antioxidant vitamins help reduce inflammation, and may ease pain for arthritis sufferers.
Glucosamine has been shown to help arthritis. Make sure you have a quality source. I like Adeeva.
Try manual therapy. Massage can help loosen up your muscles in ways you can't do yourself with stretches. Physiotherapy can help show you some home exercises and other therapies. Chiropractors can also be very helpful. They often get a negative reputation, but they know a lot about joints and muscles, and can help your joints move and function better. Talk to one!
Lose weight if you are too heavy. Extra pounds equals extra pounding on your joints. And of course that extra pounding leads to joint damage and arthritis.
Exercise to strengthen the stabilizing muscles that support your joints. You may consider joining a gym or finding a trainer or therapist who can guide you. However, even just walking counts! Swimming is also great, since it is easy on your joints and allows for more movement than you would have outside of the pool.
Follow these recommendations and take control over your arthritis!
