Ways to Combat Arthritis
By Stephen R. Farris
Did you know that there are more than 100 types of arthritis? Arthritis is a rheumatic disease that causes swelling, stiffness and pain in your joints. It may limit how much you're able to move around and be active too.
Millions of people around the world have some form of arthritis and usually affects men and women when they get older. However, it can affect anyone regardless of age. There are two common types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Gout, lupus, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis are all related to the arthritis family.
Arthritis sufferers may have difficulty getting out of bed in the mornings and it takes them longer to do things that were normal to them before. They may have difficulty doing routine things around the house, such as opening jars, making up the bed, cleaning the bathroom or doing outdoor work.
While there is no cure, there are ways to lessen arthritis pain to an extent. Exercise is probably the best way to help loosen up stiff joints and muscles, but you may want to change up your diet, especially if you are overweight and that can also have an affect on your joints too. Here are a few examples to try.
Let's Get Physical
Stretching can be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Doing gentle stretches starting from the top of your body to the feet and help loosen up those tight muscles and stiff joints to allow you to move a bit more freely. Other exercises to try are walking, swimming, cycling or maybe yoga and tai chi. Depending on how far advanced your condition may be, always start any exercise regime off slow. Consult with your doctor or chiropractor before hand.
Changing Your Nutritional Habits
Changing the way you eat and the kinds of foods you consume can prove difficult in the beginning, but your body will benefit greatly by doing so. You should strive to cut out any and all junk food, eating out so much and start buying healthier, more nutritious foods when shopping and cooking. Lean more towards fresh fruits and raw vegetables that are found in the produce aisle. Make sure you are getting protein in your diet as well through chicken, turkey and fish.
Talk with your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic to see what they may suggest nutrition and exercise wise. They can also provide you with chiropractic treatments to help ease the pain in your back, joints and muscles too.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fitchburg, Wis.