5 Ways To Manage Arthritis On A Daily Basis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common health problems that affect elderly people, and it affects about 45,000 people in Singapore. Some of the symptoms that can occur from having this condition include joint inflammation and pain and can cause disability and mobility loss if it is not treated.

If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with arthritis, joint pain and swelling can affect your quality of life significantly. Here are 5 ways to manage the pain that is caused by arthritis to live actively and happily. 

1. Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet 

Inflammation is one of the top causes of joint pain and stiffness amongst people living with arthritis. Thankfully, there are some good foods with anti-inflammatory effects that you can include in your daily meals which will help to manage the pain. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and fatty fish like sardine and tuna are all great to help reduce inflammation effectively.

2. Maintain a healthy weight range 

Extra weight can put more strain on joints and contribute to joint pain and other complications. If you are overweight, it may be good to reconsider your lifestyle as joint pain can improve significantly with weight loss. Start with small changes such as incorporating healthier foods and reducing portion sizes, and slowly get the practice going. These changes will help to build a routine for you to follow, and it can help in the long-term management of arthritis. 

3. Exercise regularly 

Contrary to popular belief, exercise is great for patients diagnosed with arthritis. However, it is crucial to participate in low impact exercises that work the joints, which can reduce pain and stiffness. Swimming, cycling, and brisk walking are some activities which do not place too much stress on the joints. It is also essential to do light stretching when you have the time to do so, as they help move the joints through their full range of motion in a gentle manner.

4. Have sufficient rest 

Staying active to work your joints is important, but so is listening to your body and resting when you need to. Take some time to elevate sore limbs and use ice to reduce the inflammation and sore muscles after your exercise session. It can also be convenient to use a heating pad to apply instant heat relief to your joints to relieve arthritis pain. 

5. Use the right mobility aid 

If you have arthritis and do require more support, do not shy away from using mobility devices such as foldable walking frames, walkers, or canes which are light and portable to help you with your walking. Mobility aids and equipment can make it easier for you to perform your daily tasks and maintain your mobility and quality of life.

Conclusion

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to reduce pain and inflammation and to preserve the function of your joints. Here at The Golden Concepts, we are dedicated to improving the mobility and independence of the elderly and persons with mobility needs. We offer a wide range of mobility aids such as walkers and rollators for those who require additional support while walking. If you or your loved ones tend to be seated for long periods of time, we also offer specialized chairs such as lift recliners for elderly persons to reduce the stress on the body and joints and maximise user comfort. Feel free to reach out to us for any enquiries, and we will be happy to serve you.