Tips to Manage Arthritis & Inflammation
Discovering effective ways to tackle arthritis later in life might seem overwhelming, yet by adopting some tips, seniors can effectively handle arthritis, and Inflammation to improve their overall well-being.
Navigating the challenges of arthritis as a senior may seem daunting. Still, with adept strategies and the proper support in place, it's possible to not only manage the condition but also preserve and enhance one's quality of life. In this article, we delve into tips to empower seniors in their journey with arthritis, from management techniques to advice on sidestepping flare-ups.
Tips to Manage Arthritis:
Stay Active: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining joint health and mobility. Choose low-impact activities that are easy on the joints, like walking, swimming, and bicycling. Weight-bearing exercise is generally better, as tolerated. If walking is too much, try walking in a pool allowing buoyancy to reduce the impact on your joints.
Manage Weight: Eating a balanced diet and staying within a healthy weight range helps reduce joint strain and improve physical function. New research suggests that most Americans are trying to eat better and get more exercise–excellent news!
Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being; getting enough rest can help reduce arthritis symptoms. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Keep a Positive Attitude: Living with arthritis is a journey, and patience is essential. With the right strategies and support, symptoms become manageable, so favorite activities can still be enjoyed. Try and do a little more each day--but if you have a bad day don’t beat yourself up--keep positive
Stay Connected: Because seniors with arthritis may become less active, it can lead to isolation. It's important to stay connected to friends and family for emotional support. Take a look at new groups to join at senior centers or health clubs, where you may find other people who are also suffering from arthritis and may provide you with additional support.
Inflammation
Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in a wide range of health conditions, from obesity to heart disease and, notably, arthritis. What's concerning is that inflammation, when it becomes systemic, can turn chronic, persisting for months or even years. This chronic inflammation is a significant driver of arthritis-related pain. If you've ever cut your finger, stubbed a toe, or suffered from a throat infection, you've likely encountered the telltale signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, pain, and warmth. This is acute inflammation, the body's natural response to injury, illness, or infection, and it typically resolves by itself. Imagine this inside your body surrounding your joints.
Chronic inflammation, which persists over an extended period, can be harmful and is associated with various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. Balancing the body's inflammatory response is crucial for overall health. Listen to your body. Inflammation is generally protective and part of the body's defense mechanism. If it hurts when you do something, it might be time to let that joint fully recover before you try doing it again.
5 Ways to Avoid Arthritis Flare-Ups and Reduce Inflammation
Arthritis tends to have moments when symptoms get worse, followed by periods when they get better. It's essential to be aware of what might cause flare-ups and take steps to avoid triggering them in the future. These same steps may help in lowering inflammation.
- Take Medications as Prescribed: It's important to take medications as a doctor prescribes to manage symptoms effectively.
- Manage Stress: Stress can make arthritis symptoms worse. Find ways to manage stress, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Limit foods that trigger joint pain and inflammation, such as fried or grilled food, sugars, refined carbohydrates, full-fat dairy products, processed meats, salt, shellfish, and red meat.
- Overdoing Exercise: Staying active is good, but overdoing it can trigger flare-ups, especially exercises that involve the joints. Be sure to warm up and take it slow.
- Watch the Weather: Cold, rainy, or humid weather can aggravate joint pain. Use heat and pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed to help alleviate the pain.
It's important to note that while these strategies can help reduce chronic inflammation, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a tailored approach, especially if you have specific medical conditions or concerns.
Comfort Keepers® Can Help
At Comfort Keepers, we believe every person has an inner spark. It's something age and illness cannot take away. We go beyond daily care needs to nurture those unique qualities and bring about a sense of hope, connectedness, purpose, and, most importantly, joy.