About Arthritis
As the nation’s #1 cause of disability, arthritis affects nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children. Over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions damage the joints and often other organs.
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Discovering Nature's Solutions for Arthritis Discomfort
Living with arthritis pain can be challenging, but it's essential to understand that complete pain elimination might not always be feasible. Rather, the aim should be to effectively manage and reduce the impact of pain on your daily life.
Here are some holistic approaches to consider:
1. Nourish Yourself: Embrace an anti-inflammatory diet rich in plants. Various studies highlight the potential of diets like Mediterranean, vegan, and others in decreasing inflammation and pain.
2. Embrace Movement: Regular workouts, both aerobic and strength training, can work wonders. Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and a couple of strength sessions every week. If you're new to exercising, consider consulting a physical therapist.
3. Take Mindful Breaks: Intersperse intense workouts with milder activities like walking or cycling. It aids muscle repair and rejuvenation.
4. Prioritize Posture: Alleviate pain by correcting your posture. Physical therapists can guide on proper standing, sitting, and moving techniques.
5. Heat and Cold Therapy: Use heat to increase blood flow and relax muscles, and cold to reduce swelling and inflammation. For best results, alternate between both.
6. Complementary Therapies:
Acupuncture: While results are mixed, many studies indicate acupuncture's effectiveness in managing chronic pain.
Massage: Opt for deep-tissue massages or myofascial release to relieve pain and tension.
Psychotherapy: Address emotional aspects of pain, enhancing overall well-being.
Hypnotherapy: Focus and relaxation can potentially reduce pain. Research supports the benefits after multiple sessions.
Biofeedback: Learn to control stress reactions, such as heart rate, which can subsequently control pain.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Recognize and address problematic behaviors and thoughts related to pain. It empowers individuals with techniques and coping mechanisms for pain management.
Effects of Arthritis
Cause of Disability
In the United States, 23% of all adults, or more than 54 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion.
Workforce Effects
Sixty percent of US adults with arthritis are of working age (18 to 64 years). Arthritis can limit the type of work they are able to do or keep them from working at all.
Global Impact
In fact, 8 million working-age adults report that their ability to work is limited because of their arthritis. For example, they may have a hard time climbing stairs or walking from a parking deck to their workplace.
Promoting Interventions That Reduce Arthritis Pain
American Arthritis Foundation recognizes several proven approaches to reduce arthritis symptoms:
Be active. Physical activity—such as walking, bicycling, and swimming—decreases arthritis pain and improves function, mood, and quality of life. Adults with arthritis should move more and sit less throughout the day. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week is recommended.
Protect your joints. People can help prevent osteoarthritis by avoiding activities that are more likely to cause joint injuries.
Talk with a doctor. Recommendations from health care providers can motivate people to be physically active and join a self-management education program. Should your arthritis be interfering with your activities of daily living you may be a candidate to receive many new treatments, and learn how to reverse the arthritis condition.
Learn more about Arthritis:
Arthritis Advice
Get better control of your arthritis with help from our experts. Arthritis can be confusing, but don't worry, we have the tips you need to make it easier to manage.
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