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 Living With Arthritis - Self Management Tips
If you have pain, stiffness or swelling around a joint for more than two weeks, you may have arthritis. While there is no cure for most types of arthritis, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can often decrease the pain and limit joint damage and make living with arthritis easier. Here are some self-management tips: 1. See your doctor. Get an accurate diagnosis. There are several types of arthritis. Immediately begin a management program that is appropriate for the type of arthritis that you have.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. The prevalence of arthritis increases with increasing weight. Research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing arthritis. Extra weight can put damaging pressure on your knees and hips.
3. Be active. Physical activity decreases pain, reduces stiffness, improves range of motion, and delays disability. Get at least 30 minutes ofmoderate physical activity at least three days a week. You can get activity in 10-minute intervals. Examples of moderate exercise include walking, dancing, yoga, tai chi, and swimming. Exercising in the water can help increase your strength and range of motion while the water’s buoyancy reduces the wear on your joints.
4. Protect your joints. Avoid joint injury to reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis. People who experience sports or occupational injuries or have jobs with repetitive motions like repeated knee bending are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
5. Take your medication. If your doctor prescribes medication, take it when you are supposed to.
6. Learn more about what you can do take better care of yourself with arthritis. For more information, see the following website sites:
Sources: “How to Care for Yourself,” Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org and “Arthritis,” CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion – www.cdc.gov/arthritis/
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