If you’ve been living with osteoarthritis pain, you know how difficult it can get to do even the most simple tasks. Sometimes even the symptoms vary from day to day. As of now, a permanent cure for Osteoarthritis does not exist. This is a hard pill to swallow but accepting it will help you in living well with osteoarthritis.
However, you can find ways to reduce the progression of osteoarthritis and live your life comfortably. You can make your own shelter amidst the chaos this condition can bring. The means to manage arthritis does not need to be costly or grand. By taking simple, small steps daily at home, you can go head-on with the condition and find the relief you deserve.
Below are some realistic, simple ways to manage and live with osteoarthritis symptoms.
1) Re-design your home in an arthritis-friendly way
When we talk about re-designing, the logic is more from adding tools and technologies that will make your living with Osteoarthritis easier. Here are some easy ways for the same.
- Switch to smart devices like Google Home or Alexa and invest in compatible lights, fans, speakers, etc. This way you will be able to get rid of mechanical activities like turning the switches on and off again & again and give your joints a well-deserved break.
- Use gadgets such as pill-popping and tablet dispensers that will make your life easier as compared to handling tablet bottles and taking out pills from a packet.
- Start using mechanical aids such as automatic jar openers, dishwashers, electric can openers, etc. that will make your day-to-day tasks
- Add lightweight cups and crockeries for ease of grips and ditch the unnecessary heavy utensils
2) Let your joints move
The first thought that comes to our minds when we experience joint pain is to rest it out. But, this is where the logic becomes flawed. When you move your joints, the blood flow around your bones improves and the degrading tissues heal better or at least do not get damaged further.
Now, you do not have to go to an extreme and start running or participate in a marathon, simply take walks where you’re able to move your joints with care. You can also go swimming or practise yoga daily. The idea is to not let the affected joints rest and for the inflammation to go down & not set in.
3) Consume balanced meals
Foods rich in vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, etc. are good for healing from osteoarthritis. Take charge of your diet and add plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fish, and lean meats. Don’t shy away from healthy fats such as avocados and healthy oils like olive oil. Things that you do need to stay away from are unhealthy foods, fast food, alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, etc. They’re bad for your joints and hamper your day-to-day living with osteoarthritis.
4) Try hot packs or cold packs
Hot packs are known to increase the blood flow in your joints and ease stiffness and pain. Similarly, cold compresses tend to decrease swelling significantly. Try hot packs & cold packs and see what gives you the best results.
5) Know your limitations
One of the most uncommon yet the best tips to live with osteoarthritis is to know your limit. Notice your pain level and which task you’re comfortable with. The goal is to move your joints but not overdo it. For reference, if you take brisk walks for 5 days then cut it down to half. You can also explore more sedentary ways to manage your osteoarthritis pain & symptoms. The more you’re in sync with your body, the better you’ll have an idea of your limitations.
6) Get good sleep
Your body’s healing process is at its peak when it’s sleeping. A good night’s sleep will help you reduce joint pain & inflammation. Make yourself and your joints comfortable by using pillows and comforters that take off the pressure from your joints. The use of warm lights and soothing music can also aid you in sleeping better.
7) Positive mindset all the way
Your mindset affects your mood significantly. It can have a massive impact on how well you function and how you feel. So, keeping a positive attitude and approach towards managing osteoarthritis will take away the power it might hold on you. Focus on tasks that you enjoy. Meet your friends, spend time with your family, and develop hobbies that you can do even after having arthritis. Start focusing on your abilities rather than the things you cannot do due to osteoarthritis pain.
These small steps might not seem big but can help you answer the question of “how to live with osteoarthritis?” You can also take safe and effective supplements like three60+ Pain Relief & Joint Mobility tablets. They help you in reducing joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness from within.
To master the art of living with Osteoarthritis, use these 7 self-care tips to your advantage. Osteoarthritis pain might be difficult to manage but it should not consume your entire life. Use these hacks to simplify your day-to-day.
