If You Have Arthritis Stop Doing These Things
By Paul Rothbart
Having arthritis can make life pretty difficult. Chronic pain is distracting and can make your job, chores, and hobbies feel impossible. It's important to stick with your treatment plan and work with a good healthcare provider. Those are things that you should do. There are other things you may be doing that you should stop immediately. They can hinder your ability to manage your condition.
Stop Being Inactive
There are many arthritis sufferers who feel that they have to stop exercising as well as cut out all physical activity. Nothing could be further from the truth and in fact, a sedentary lifestyle is as harmful to people with arthritis as it is for anyone else. Naturally, you never want to push yourself beyond your current capabilities and there will be days when you have to take it easy. But it is important to stay active to the level you can do so. This will keep you healthy which is beneficial to your treatment.
Stop Eating Poorly
Although what you put in your body has nothing to do with having arthritis, there are people who neglect their healthy diets. It may be a method of self-soothing or perhaps they feel it no longer matters. Eating properly and keeping your weight in a healthy range is extremely important if you have arthritis. Being overweight places extra stress on the joints and can make them ache more and even damage them. It only takes a few more pounds for this to happen so watch what you eat.
Stop Pushing Past Your Limitations
Nobody wants to feel limited. Especially if you were very active and athletic before your arthritis, you may push yourself too hard. Although it's important to remain as active as you can, trying to go beyond what you are capable of can be dangerous. Putting too much strain on your joints can bring on unbearable pain and do damage to them. It may be irreversible and then you could find yourself with even greater limitations. Get your exercise and stay active but always be mindful of where the line is and don't cross it.
Stop Snubbing Mobility Aids
Walkers, canes, and wheelchairs are designed to help you get around and maintain your independence. Refusing to use them because of your pride can make your pain and condition worse. They are just aids, not a part of your personality. Just as people drive cars for long distances, people with arthritis may use a mobility aid to get from place to place.
Arthritis can be very painful. Medical treatment, medications, and proper management can help you live a full and healthy life even with the condition. Do what you need to do and stop doing what you shouldn't.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Seminole, Fla.