Arthritis is known as the painful inflammation that accompanies joint disease. There are several different types of joint diseases that exist and affect millions of Americans each year. The three most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and childhood arthritis. The exact cause of arthritis isn’t well known, but the factors that can contribute to the development of this disease include age, lifestyle, weight and genetics. It can affect a few of the joints in the body or many of the joints, depending on the case.
If you’re someone with arthritis, there are some things you should know about what may be considered a “do” or a “don’t.” To learn more about these do’s and don’t, keep reading below.
What are some things you should do if you have arthritis?
- Move your body — While counterintuitive, one of the best things you can do for your arthritis is to keep moving every day. Your joints become stiffer and more painful with less movement, so using your joints as much as possible can help keep your condition from escalating.
- Use heat or cold packs — Many arthritis sufferers report that using heating packs or ice packs can temporarily alleviate some of the pain or discomfort they experience. If you’re a person who deals with arthritis, you may benefit from implementing heat or cold therapy of your own to help manage your discomfort.
- Take precautions during cold weather — Cold weather can often trigger an increase in arthritis symptoms. However, taking appropriate management precautions can help you keep moving even when it’s cold out.
What is something you shouldn’t do if you have arthritis?
- Smoke — Smoking can cause even more connective tissue and joint issues in the body, so if you have arthritis and you’re a smoker, it’s a good idea to lessen your smoking or stop altogether.
Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness is ready to help you manage your arthritis
Our team at Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness can offer you a unique and customized physical therapy experience. We value our patients so much that we strive to provide each one with a personalized treatment plan that caters to their individual lifestyles, habits and future goals. If you’re someone who experiences chronic arthritis, we can provide you with the treatment plan you need to effectively manage your condition and work toward the relief you’re looking for at any one of our several locations. We can help you integrate simple yet strategic movements into your everyday routine so that your health can significantly improve.
During our physical therapy sessions, our physical therapists will guide you through your treatment with the utmost care and focus, making sure that you’re completing your exercises or movements with accuracy and efficiency for the best results.
Are you ready to take the first step toward managing your arthritis? Do you want to learn about some more of the arthritis do’s and don’ts? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.