6 Helpful Tips For Managing Your Arthritis

Whether you are 40 or 70, living with arthritis is not always easy. The pain and stiffness in your joints can make everyday activities, such as walking and cleaning, more difficult. Even though there is currently no cure for this health condition, it can be managed. Here are six helpful tips for managing your arthritis.

1. Participate in Low-Impact Exercises

When your joints are stiff, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. However, working out a few times a week can actually strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility, easing your arthritis symptoms. If you participate in low-impact exercises, such as yoga, swimming and walking, three or four times a week, you will find relief. Avoid engaging in activities that involve repetitive motion like jumping and running. 

 2. Do Not Skimp on Sleep

Adequate rest becomes even more important when you suffer from arthritis. If you sleep eight hours each night, you will be more relaxed and less likely to experience pain in your joints. If you have trouble falling asleep, do something relaxing before bedtime such as taking a hot bath or meditating. 

3. Add Fatty Fish to Your Diet

Do you enjoy eating salmon and tuna? If so, you are in luck. Fatty fish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which helps decrease inflammation in your joints. If you eat fish at least two times a week, you can improve your arthritis symptoms and feel a lot better.

4. Watch Your Weight

If you have arthritis, it is very important to watch your weight. If you are carrying around excess weight, it will just put extra pressure on your joints. Losing even a few pounds can relieve stress from your joints and improve your condition.

5. Use Heating Pads

Heat can relax your muscles and decrease inflammation in your joints. When you feel pain or stiffness in your joints, try applying a heating pad to the area for approximately 20 minutes. Afterward, your joints should feel a lot better.

6. Get a Massage

If you are experiencing a lot of pain and stiffness, consider getting a massage at a chiropractor's office. An experienced chiropractor like Summit Chiropractic will know exactly which pressure points to hit and will relieve a lot of pain from your joints.

Living with arthritis is certainly not a walk in the park. However, if you make a few changes to your lifestyle, you can manage your arthritis and feel a lot healthier.