Arthritis Secrets

There are many things to learn (or re-learn) when dealing with arthritis. From the importance of exercising regularly to understanding your arthritis medications, you will benefit from being fully informed. You will be more likely to follow your doctor’s suggestions if you fully understand why and how they will benefit you.

Accepting that you have to live with arthritis is a necessary, and often difficult, first step. Fighting or denying the pain and discomfort you are feeling can not only add to your stress and pain, it can cause you to leave untreated something that may worsen without attention.

Information is key to effective management of arthritis. Do not be afraid to ask questions: often it is fear of the unknown that makes an arthritis diagnosis so frightening. There are ways to manage arthritis pain and there are strategies to prevent pain and inflammation from worsening.

Learn as much as you can about your particular type of arthritis, and actively work with your arthritis treatment team. In this way you will feel in control and you’ll understand the various regimens suggested for treatment. You’ll find plenty of information both online and off-, as well as from your arthritis care giver. Arm yourself with as much information as possible. Learning from the experiences of others is also helpful, not only for information but also to help you fee less alone in coping with your ailment.

There are myriad tools and techniques for dealing with arthritis, and you may find you need to experiment (with the oversight of your doctor) to find what works best for you. Moreover, you may find some things work better at some times than others. For instance, some days exercise or stretching may seem to help relieve your discomfort, while other days such activities may exacerbate it.

You will have noticed that leading an active life has become more difficult, however it’s more important now than ever to keep your muscles and joints working. Even daily tasks can be challenging during a flare-up, and swollen, tender joints can make such formerly simple things as dressing, washing or brushing your hair and climbing stairs difficult and painful. You will need to adjust to a new schedule which takes into account how you are feeling and what you are capable of an a given day. You may find that some physical therapies help ease your pain and keep your body as flexible as possible.

Fatigue is also very common with arthritis, and respecting your limits is important. If you push yourself, your body may no longer have the capacity to recover that it once did, and you risk injury or permanent damage to your joints.

You may also need to enlist the help and understanding of those closest to you. Your family and anyone with whom your regularly spend time may benefit from a heartfelt conversation with you. Be clear about what is going on with you and your arthritis, and ask for their help and patience. You may need extra assistance and more down time, and your family will need to honour this so that all of you can live within your new ability level, making the best of things. Always remember to keep your mind on what is important - you may not be able to leap up a step of stairs, but enjoying time with friends and family need not be given up.