Change Your Lifestyle

• Avoid all impact-loading activities such as jumping, running, etc.
• Reduce any climbing activities such as stairs, climbs, etc.
• Avoid all activity that causes you any prolonged discomfort.
• Practice good posture by standing up straight, and pushing your head back.
• Avoid stooping when upright.

Cold and Hold Treatments

Cold or heat treatments can be used to decrease the pain and increase muscle flexibility when you have arthritis. Cold or heat treatments can be combined with any of the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.

• It decreases blood flow
• It may help decrease swelling
• May help reduce overall inflammation
• It improves motion
• Will decreases joint ache

You can purchase a gel packs that can be kept either cold in your freezer or heated in a normal microwave.

How do I Remain Consistent When Doing Exercise?

• Look for an exercise class or gym; your doctor can advise you.
• Vary your exercise routine so you do not get bored, and rotate your exercises.
• Make a plan. What time will you do them? How Often? Write it down.
• Find an exercise friend, or use an exercise DVD.

Help Control Pain with Pharmacy Medications

Simple tasks may be hard to do when your joints hurt. Some self-help devices shown below may aid minimize pain, stress, discomfort and may help you in accomplishing some of your daily tasks.

• Long-handled grabbers to help pick things up
• Sock and shoe sliders to aid with getting dressed
• Orthotics to help you improve foot alignment
• Wrist and Hand Splints
• Large grips for pens, or use those made of rubber, garden tools and any other hand-held objects.

Weight Control and Diet

• Never eat before going to bed
• Avoid red meat and processed meat
• Eat fruit and veg daily
• Cut down on acidic food stuffs

Use Medication

A large part of the treatment for arthritis is medication. Many medications and drugs are used for treating arthritis, and they fall into a number of classes and categories.

  • NSAIDs known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
  • Corticosteroids. Beware long term use will cause other problems such as Osteoporosis
  • DMARDs which are Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
  • COX-2 Inhibitors
  • Topical medications such as cream, balms, gels, ointments, lotions
  • Pain medications referred to as Analgesics
  • BRMs which are Biologic Response Modifiers
  • Other drugs include treatments used for gout, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis

Arthritis can range from an annoyance to chronic. If you require further advice please visit our Rheumatoid Arthritis Forum

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