Arthritis is a prevalent condition, with at least 54 million Americans currently experiencing its effects. The inflammatory disorder reduces flexibility, movement, and causes chronic pain in the joints. While there is no cure, taking certain actions will decrease discomfort and make everyday life easier.

Do:

Learn more about the condition.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but only five common forms. Knowing about which condition you have will help you treat it.

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form and it is most likely to occur after age 50. Cartilage is a tissue that connects the joints at many locations throughout the body. However, it wears down from overuse, causing pain in the joints that bear weight. Osteoarthritis usually affects the spine, hips, knees, and feet. Morning joint stiffness is common but often subsides after 30 minutes. However, pain and limited range of motion will make activities like combing hair, bathing, and dressing more difficult.
• Psoriatic: Fewer people experience this condition, and it makes itself known in a different way. Patchy red and white scales will usually appear on the skin before any joint pain occurs. But, it may only be experienced in one or two joints in the body.
• Lupus: While it’s a form of arthritis, lupus is also an autoimmune disease that affects organs along with joints. The immune system malfunctions, attacking the body, causing inflammation, joint and chest pain, and hair loss. Onset begins as early as age 15, and predominately affects African American women.
• Rheumatoid: Like lupus, this is also an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, while also sometimes creating visible lumps on the body. Morning stiffness might last all day, and pain can be felt throughout every part of the body, including the neck and jaw. Many with this condition will also experience fatigue and a lack of appetite.
• Gout: When the body produces more uric acid than the kidneys can process, the acid crystals build up in the joints, causing pain and stiffness. It usually starts with the big toe or elsewhere on the foot. But, gout can also affect other joints, including the ones in the fingers. Stress, drugs, and consistently eating foods with high levels of uric acid will make the condition more likely to occur. The first occurrence will last up to 10 days, but attacks will become more frequent as time goes on. Without treatment, gout will damage the kidneys.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight places more stress on the joints, increasing pain. Maintaining a healthy diet will help you lose weight and may reduce several symptoms, including pain and inflammation.

Exercise.

Remaining inactive will weaken muscles and provoke joint pain. A consistent workout regimen will reduce irritation, stiffness, and improve range of motion. Physicians or physical therapists will suggest low-impact aerobic exercises, like walking, stretching, swimming, and stationary cycles. Working out also has the added advantage of increasing potential weight loss.

Don’t:

Overexert yourself.

While exercising has its benefits, doing the wrong workouts will worsen symptoms. Avoid sports with repetitive motions, like swinging a bat in baseball or serving in tennis. High-impact exercises exacerbate joint discomfort, so it’s best to avoid activities that involve jumping and running.

Smoke.

Arthritis is a stressful condition, leading many to turn to smoking to ease their frustration. However, cigarette toxins not only affect vital organs but they also further damage cartilage, resulting in increased pain.

Smoking also leads to other joint disorders, including tendonitis and bursitis. The damage cigarettes do to the body will leave smokers more vulnerable to sprains and broken bones. Nicotine decreases blood flow to tissues and the development of bone-forming cells, slowing the healing process.

Have a negative attitude.

Arthritis can be a source of frustration because it affects your quality of life. You can combat negative thoughts by spending time on positive activities, such as seeing friends and family and relaxing with movies to improve your mood. Working out increases the brain’s production of endocannabinoid, adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine, which will encourage feelings of joy and self-confidence while decreasing levels of stress, sadness, and even pain.

With help, arthritis symptoms can be reduced. If you have concerns about caring for your condition, reach out to Urgent & Primary Care. For over 20 years, their physicians have answered questions and provided solutions to those experiencing arthritic discomfort. Serving Albany, NY, and the surrounding areas, the practice gives patients one-on-one attention and follow-up support. Visit their website for more information or call (518) 463-8262 to make an appointment.