Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints in the body, and there are many different types of arthritis that manifest in different ways. If you have arthritis, you will already know that it can be very painful, and in many cases, can
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints in the body, and there are many different types of arthritis that manifest in different ways. If you have arthritis, you will already know that it can be very painful, and in many cases, can become a debilitating and life-limiting condition. There is no definitive cure for any type of arthritis, but there are many ways to manage and treat the condition to limit the impact it has on your life and prevent it from worsening in the future.
The best way to address your arthritis pain is to work with a specialist rheumatologist who can help you to find the treatment path that will deliver the best outcomes for your individual situation. This may include lifestyle or dietary changes, in conjunction with assistive devices that make your daily life more manageable. You may find that certain medications are helpful in managing your arthritis, and surgery may even be an option in severe cases. Here, we explore some of the ways in which patients have found success in dealing with arthritis pain:
Techniques to manage Arthritis
There are many different ways to deal with the pain of arthritis, and you may find that you obtain relief from your pain with one of the following techniques:
- Changing your shoes. It may sound simple, but if you have arthritis in the joints of your toes and feet, a change of footwear can make a world of difference. There are 26 bones and 33 joints in each human foot, as well as more than a hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments, so it is easy to see how problematic joint pain in this area can be. Shoes that do not support the feet correctly or offer enough cushioning can lead to extra pressure being placed on the bones and joints in the feet, and this can cause the pain of arthritis to worsen. Wearing shoes that protect and cushion the feet properly, including arch support, can help to relieve arthritis pain and prevent long term problems developing in the future. This is even more important when you are exercising, and it is worth seeking expert advice to ensure that the shoes you wear are suited to your feet and to the type of exercise you are doing.
- Exercise. Exercise is a very important part of a treatment plan for arthritis, but the type of exercise that is recommended for you will depend upon the type of arthritis you have. For rheumatoid arthritis, for example, a plan that includes regular and intensive weight-bearing exercise can be very helpful. Alternatively, if you have osteoarthritis, you will be advised to increase your aerobic activity signi