For people afflicted with arthritis, living through painful stiff, and aching joints are their daily reality. Often, the bout of pain can be so intense that it makes so it difficult to move or function normally.
Over 50 million adults and children in the US suffer from arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis. That means, regardless of age, race, or sex, arthritis can afflict just about anyone.
However, if you are suffering from the disease, you don’t have to endure the stiffness and ache. There are several ways to help reduce the pain and still live normally. Apart from sticking to your medical treatment, here are a few things you can try.
Get moving
The less you move and use your body, the harder it will be for your joints. Some simple exercises will help increase blood flow to your body after having been at rest all night and strengthen the muscles that support your joints.
Plus, engaging in non-impact physical activities like walking and yoga boosts the production of the feel-good hormones endorphin which can help you stay relaxed.
You can start by doing normal household chores like tending your garden or cleaning the living room. When you become more comfortable or if you feel you’re up for some challenge, try some aquatic exercises which studies say help those with osteoarthritis improved coordination as well as boost mood.
Try mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation is all about being fully aware of the present and acknowledging your thoughts and feeling, including any pain that comes with arthritis. The key here is to avoid negative thinking, which could worsen stress, and in turn, can put a toll on your physical and mental health.
If you are not sure how to do it, try a guided meditation first to get you started. Breathing exercises can also help improve your focus and make you feel relax. While you’re at it, apply soothing topicals like the Verma Farms Coconut Vanilla CBD cream to aid relaxation.
Consider your diet
A good, healthy diet is no cure for arthritis but it does bring benefits that can alleviate its symptoms. Besides, eating healthy food plus regular exercise can help you maintain a good weight, which is always better for your joints.
Consider adding foods that have omega-3 fats, which help reduce inflammation, as well as whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans. Avoid processed foods as much as you can as they worsen arthritis symptoms.
That doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same menu every day though. For example, you can try upgrading your morning fruit smoothie with our Peach CBD oil which is perfect if your taste buds are looking for something fruity and luscious. Spice up your breakfast experience by trying new dishes.
There are thousands of good recipes online that are suitable for those with arthritis, especially to help battle inflammation.
Get a massage
A massage isn’t just a luxury or reward to pamper yourself. It can support your treatment plan, especially if you get the right type of massage. Studies say that a regular massage can reduce the pain and swelling that come with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also help boost joint function, improve your sleeping quality and make you feel energized during the day.
Be sure to talk to your therapist and your physician to know what kind of massage is good for you. Some massage techniques for example may involve applying strong pressure to your tissues and joints, which could be uncomfortable. Remember that the massage should help alleviate the pain and the stiffness feel better, not worsen them.
Try the hot and cold therapy
Although they are different, alternating between hot and cold treatments can be good for reducing pain and tension in your body. A heat therapy like taking a warm bath or placing a heating pad or warm water bottle on your joints can soothe stiff and aching muscles. It also aids in circulation which in turn curbs inflammation in your body.
Meanwhile, a quick 20-minute cold treatment like using a cold pack compression or wrapping an ice bag with a towel to your aching joints could reduce swelling and pain. This is especially useful if you are suffering from a joint caused by arthritis flair.
