Living With Arthritis
1 | Stay Active. Avoid staying in one position for too long. For example, if working at a desk, get up and stretch every 20 minutes. Do the same when sitting at home.
2 | Cut the Stress. Avoid movements or positions that put extra pressure on your joints. For instance, opening a sealed lid can be challenging if you have arthritis in your hand. One proper way to open the jar is to set it on a cloth, lean on it with your palm, and turn the lid using your shoulder instead. Consider purchasing a wall-mounted jar opener that clasps the top, leaving both of your hands free to twist the jar open.
3 | Find Your Strength. To protect your finger and wrist joints, push heavy doors with your shoulder or the side of the arm. To reduce hip or knee pressure when walking upstairs, lead with your dominant leg going up and the more vulnerable leg going down.
4 | Plan & Organize. Make your daily life as simple as possible. Eliminate unnecessary movements (for instance, get clothing that doesn’t need ironing). Organize your work and storage areas by frequently used items and make everything within easy reach.
5 | Use Adaptive Aids. In the kitchen, consider using automatic can openers and mixers. In the bathroom, eliminate scrubbing using electric toilet bowl cleaners and spray-on mildew remover in the tub. Other available devices can help you avoid unnecessary stooping, bending, or reaching.
6 | Make Some Changes. A grab bar installed over the tub and a suction mat can go a long way for many arthritic people. Putting a bathing stool in the tub is also a good idea for people with arthritis in the legs.
7 | Invest in Plant-Based Topicals. Made with potent plant extracts and other soothing ingredients, plant-based topicals come in multiple formats and concentrations. Most research on these natural products suggests that their primary benefit is not a numbing or pain relief agent. Instead, they help reduce the inflammation that triggers arthritis pain.
Your Mental Outlook Is Everything
Your determination can significantly impact how you feel and how well you cope with the condition. Try to do something you enjoy every day. Spend time with friends. Cultivate hobbies that you can do even with arthritis. Focus on your strengths rather than your disability – and keep an open mind about trying new alternatives.
Got a viable solution we did not mention on the list? Feel free to share your findings in the comment section below – anything helps!
