As someone who has been recently diagnosed with arthritis, you may have underestimated the impact this disorder. However, if you're finding it difficult to manage the symptoms of the condition,
you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways you can protect your joints, alleviate pain and lessen the impact of arthritis on your day to day life.
Why Do We Need To Take Steps To Manage Arthritis Now?
A recent report from the charity Arthritis Care has predicted that cases of osteoarthritis are set to double by the year 2030. In just under 20 years, over 17 million people in the UK could be struggling to cope with constant pain from stiff, painful joints.
This is partly because the country's population is ageing at a rapid rate; in little under 20 years, over 50% of UK residents are expecting to be over 50 years old. This will undoubtedly place a great strain on our healthcare system, so many professional clinicians are now urging the country's policy-makers to take action now by putting comprehensive strategies in place that will outline how arthritis is to be treated and managed in the future.
That said, plenty of studies have been carried out in the last few decades that helped doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals develop better long-term care plans for people suffering from arthritis. As such, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and many other leading industry bodies have released comprehensive guidelines that instruct clinicians on how to manage the pain associated with arthritis and lessen its impact on the patient's quality of life.
Unfortunately, there is no €cure' for arthritis - but there are ways of dealing with its symptoms.
Look After Yourself
First and foremost, you need to take good care of yourself. Following a balanced diet will help you manage arthritis symptoms and keep you healthy. Eating the right foods will keep your weight in check, too, which means your weight-bearing joints won't be placed under extra strain. Though there are no studies that suggest eating any particular foods will reduce pain and inflammation, it is advised that patients eat several portions of oily fish per week in order to keep their intake of omega 3 polyunsaturated acids at an optimum level. You may also benefit from taking multivitamin supplements.
Exercising will also help to keep pain at bay. Walking, cycling and swimming will get your heart pumping and help keep you in good shape. However, make sure you don't place unnecessary strain onto your joints, as this could worsen your condition.
Make Practical Changes To Your Home
Sufferers can make practical changes to their living space if they are finding household tasks to be unmanageable. For example, if you're struggling to stay mobile, installing hand rails throughout your house may be of benefit to you. If you find even the most menial of cleaning tasks a challenge, try to spread your housework load over a few days (or, better still, ask your family to carry out the jobs that you find the most difficult).
Preparing food is often a tricky and painful process for those with arthritis, so it's crucial that you adapt your kitchen to your needs. Perhaps you could consider fitting lever taps instead of standard turning taps, or using sponges with long handles for washing up. You may also wish to invest in automatic jar and can openers if your hand joints are particularly affected by your arthritis.
Most Importantly - Ask For Help When You Need It
We've listed some basic pointers here that'll help you keep tabs on your condition, but if you feel you need more support, don't be afraid to ask for it. Your GP will be able to talk you through effective pain relief methods and may even be able to suggest alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and osteopathy, if you'd like to try out new treatments (though bear in mind that there is little scientific evidence to suggest that these types of therapies have any profound effect). A qualified physiotherapist will also be able to help you put together an effective exercise programme that will keep you flexible and strengthen your muscles and joints.
you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways you can protect your joints, alleviate pain and lessen the impact of arthritis on your day to day life.
Why Do We Need To Take Steps To Manage Arthritis Now?
A recent report from the charity Arthritis Care has predicted that cases of osteoarthritis are set to double by the year 2030. In just under 20 years, over 17 million people in the UK could be struggling to cope with constant pain from stiff, painful joints.
This is partly because the country's population is ageing at a rapid rate; in little under 20 years, over 50% of UK residents are expecting to be over 50 years old. This will undoubtedly place a great strain on our healthcare system, so many professional clinicians are now urging the country's policy-makers to take action now by putting comprehensive strategies in place that will outline how arthritis is to be treated and managed in the future.
That said, plenty of studies have been carried out in the last few decades that helped doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals develop better long-term care plans for people suffering from arthritis. As such, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and many other leading industry bodies have released comprehensive guidelines that instruct clinicians on how to manage the pain associated with arthritis and lessen its impact on the patient's quality of life.
Unfortunately, there is no €cure' for arthritis - but there are ways of dealing with its symptoms.
Look After Yourself
First and foremost, you need to take good care of yourself. Following a balanced diet will help you manage arthritis symptoms and keep you healthy. Eating the right foods will keep your weight in check, too, which means your weight-bearing joints won't be placed under extra strain. Though there are no studies that suggest eating any particular foods will reduce pain and inflammation, it is advised that patients eat several portions of oily fish per week in order to keep their intake of omega 3 polyunsaturated acids at an optimum level. You may also benefit from taking multivitamin supplements.
Exercising will also help to keep pain at bay. Walking, cycling and swimming will get your heart pumping and help keep you in good shape. However, make sure you don't place unnecessary strain onto your joints, as this could worsen your condition.
Make Practical Changes To Your Home
Sufferers can make practical changes to their living space if they are finding household tasks to be unmanageable. For example, if you're struggling to stay mobile, installing hand rails throughout your house may be of benefit to you. If you find even the most menial of cleaning tasks a challenge, try to spread your housework load over a few days (or, better still, ask your family to carry out the jobs that you find the most difficult).
Preparing food is often a tricky and painful process for those with arthritis, so it's crucial that you adapt your kitchen to your needs. Perhaps you could consider fitting lever taps instead of standard turning taps, or using sponges with long handles for washing up. You may also wish to invest in automatic jar and can openers if your hand joints are particularly affected by your arthritis.
Most Importantly - Ask For Help When You Need It
We've listed some basic pointers here that'll help you keep tabs on your condition, but if you feel you need more support, don't be afraid to ask for it. Your GP will be able to talk you through effective pain relief methods and may even be able to suggest alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and osteopathy, if you'd like to try out new treatments (though bear in mind that there is little scientific evidence to suggest that these types of therapies have any profound effect). A qualified physiotherapist will also be able to help you put together an effective exercise programme that will keep you flexible and strengthen your muscles and joints.
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