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Managing Arthritis Pain How You Can Stay in Control of Your Arthritis
by Maureen Wright, RN, CRRN, CCM
Have you ever ridden on a roller coaster and felt like you were out of control?
LIFE can be like a roller coaster for those of us with Arthritis. There are good
days and bad days. It is what we do with what we have that counts.
Arthritis affects nearly 70 million Americans. There are more than 100 types of
arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis. There are
numerous arthritis treatments to help manage the pain as well. Arthritis is a
major cause of chronic pain and leading cause of disability in the United States.
Did you know that the word arthritis literally means "joint inflammation?"
Inflammation and pain are involved in most types of arthritis. Aching,
throbbing, nagging, sometimes sharp pain - arthritis hurts!
It can make simple, daily activities like opening a pill bottle, getting out of
a chair or even walking difficult. There is no cure for arthritis but there are
things you can do to help manage arthritis pain symptoms.
See your doctor: Know what type of arthritis you have. Early diagnosis
is important to proper treatment and prevention of permanent joint damage. Follow
your doctor's advice.
Keep a Positive Attitude: Make a plan for managing your arthritis. Take control.
Arthritis is a condition that requires your participation in ongoing care.
Control your weight: Increased weight adds stress on joints in your back, hips,
knees and feet. Less weight will reduce this stress.
Exercise: Stay fit! Exercise regularly to build muscles and keep joints moving
well. Inactivity can increase your weight gain and your pain. Exercise (even
walking 30 minutes a day or 10 minutes 3X a day) can increase strength and
stability in weakened muscles and mobility in your joints. Remember the saying
"Use it or lose it" - Then MOVE it!
Relax your muscles: Stress increases muscle tension, pain and feelings of
helplessness and depression. Try relaxing by tensing and releasing muscle
groups. Start at your head and work down to your toes. Deep breathing also helps
to reduce stress.
Use assistive devices: Specially designed tools, called assistive devices, can
help you perform basic activities. Long handled reachers, padded cooking
utensils, etc., are available in stores, catalogs, and online.
Avoid improper positions: Using good posture and good body mechanics will help
protect your joints. Don't slouch in your chair; keep your head, neck and back
straight, your legs uncrossed and your feet on the floor. This will help you
reduce unnecessary pain.
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