Living With Arthritis Joint Pain
Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that attacks the joints in the body, causing inflammation and pain. The inflammation could be caused by previous injury, age or by an infection. Arthritis joint pain can slow a person down and seriously affect one’s quality of life. Though the pain patterns and severity differ for each patient, doctors have several things arthritis sufferers can to do alleviate arthritis joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.
It is commonly recommended to exercise to reduce arthritis joint pain. Depending on the type and severity of the arthritis, exercise will have a profound effect on the pain one feels. Many with arthritis complain of worse symptoms in the early morning, just after waking up. This is because the body has been at rest for a long time and the joints are stiff and sore. Get your body in motion and it will tend to stay in motion. If you stop using it, you could lose it, and the longer you stay inert the easier it is to simply remain not moving. Of course, exercise may be painful for your joints, so it seems like a paradox; endure pain so you won’t have as much pain. But the more you move, the easier it will become. If you are overweight and have arthritis joint pain, it is even more important for you to exercise and lose weight. Think about the added pressure your joints suffer from even an extra five or ten pounds. Your joints and body will hurt less as you lose weight.
If exercising doesn’t seem like it is an option because of the severity of your arthritis symptoms, start small. Walking is an easy and excellent way to exercise. It is easy on your joints and can be done at your own pace. Consider using an at-home walking system if the cold weather or distance from a resting spot deters you from going out. Another joint-friendly exercise is swimming or water aerobics. Being in the water takes pressure from your joints can even feel therapeutic as you wade in the water. Studies have shown that exercise is one of the best ways to get relief from arthritis joint pain.
You may also consider taking a supplement for joint health in addition to moderate exercise. There are several supplements available on the market today that promote joint health and flexibility. When taken over a period of time, many arthritis sufferers claim to have noticeably less pain in their joints. Consider changes in your diet as well, which could lead to less pain as well. Marine oils have been linked to joint health. When you experience less pain, you are more able to exercise and rehabilitate your joints.
After you exercise, you may feel more stiffness. Warm baths, massage, ointments or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can relieve this temporary soreness. The more you exercise the more you’ll notice the stiffness and pain ebbing quicker and with less help. Though it may seem counterintuitive, exercising and movement is what will keep you mobile for years to come, despite arthritis.