Tackling Pain During Arthritis Awareness Month
By Donna Stark
There are a lot of things happening in the month of May but for now, all of our attention is going to be focused on arthritis. Why? Well, May is National Arthritis Awareness month and since millions of people are affected by this debilitating disease, it only makes sense to give it the attention it deserves. Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in our country and unfortunately, people of all ages can suffer from it. From the young to the old, arthritis certainly knows how to leave its mark, which is why we should learn a little more about it.
National Arthritis Awareness Month
Although arthritis is a common medical condition that many people have heard of, it isn't commonly understood, and that's because the word arthritis actually encompasses over 100 types of joint pain and dysfunction. Since that's a lot to digest, let's start with something more simple, like the symptoms that often accompany it.
- Pain that varies in intensity
- Inflammation
- Stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth
- Decreased range of motion
- Fatigue
- Deformity
Minimizing Your Joint Pain
If you are living with arthritis, there are several ways to minimize the pain, manage your symptoms, and reduce the risk of future joint damage. Check out the following suggestions on how to do so.
- Exercise - Exercise may be the last thing on your mind when your body is hurting but it has been shown to help with arthritis pain. Staying physically active with low-impact exercises can increase muscle strength (which will help provide support to the affected joint) and improve the joint's range of motion and flexibility. Walking, yoga, and swimming are the perfect type of exercises to engage in.
- Diet - A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight which can reduce the excess stress and pressure that is placed on your joints. Choose foods that are anti-inflammatory, such as berries, fatty fish, broccoli, avocados, and green leafy vegetables, and stick with water or green tea for your beverages.
- Chiropractic care - If you are looking for a safe and all-natural alternative for pain relief, look no further than chiropractic care! In addition to helping reduce the pain and discomfort you feel, routine chiropractic care at The Joint Chiropractic can also help reduce the risk of future joint degeneration.
Achieving Optimal Health
Arthritis can make life difficult but by following the suggestions above, you can easily minimize its disruption. And if you are looking for more ways on how to manage this unforgiving disease, just ask your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic. Their goal is to always help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Huntingdon Valley, Pa.