If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from arthritis, you know that finding ways to effectively manage the pain that comes with your condition is central to maintaining your mobility and overall quality of life.
In this post, you’ll learn about a few strategies that can help you ease arthritis pain and live well with it.
Tip #1 Make Positive Lifestyle Changes.
While the medications and other treatments that your primary care provider prescribed can help manage arthritis pain, the very things that you do on a daily basis have a significant impact on the outcome of your condition.
Having a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise can help with gradual weight loss and reduce your risk for flare-ups. Weight is of particular concern because the additional strain on your affected joint can cause further damage to it. Excess weight and chronic inflammation also go hand in hand.
If you smoke, it’s time to snuff the habit. Cigarette smoke makes arthritis pain worse, as it triggers the body to release cytokines, which are key modulators of inflammation.
Tip #2 Work Closely with Your Primary Care Provider.
Your primary care provider is an integral part of your healthcare team. They are not only there to coordinate your care and monitor your condition; they also serve as your accountability partner – to provide you with support and guidance, ensure treatment adherence, and reinforce healthy lifestyle changes.
Tip #3 Learn to Cope with Stress.
Research suggests that stress compounds the discomfort associated with arthritis, as it can cause endocrine and immune system dysfunction, leading to sustained low-grade inflammation.
While it can be easy to be pulled down by your negative thoughts when dealing with arthritis pain, always keep in mind that focusing on them will only make things worse. It will not only exacerbate the pain but also contribute to the progression of your condition.
There are many things you can do to cope with stress. Employ relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. Surround yourself with people you love and who support you. Additionally, consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group; your primary care provider may be able to recommend one for you. Respond to unwanted thoughts by taking positive action.
Primary Care Provider in Wellington, FL
At Advanced Medical Clinic, our team includes a board-certified internal medicine provider and a board-certified family nurse practitioner, who have helped scores of patients suffering from arthritis and many other chronic health problems live and thrive with their conditions.
Call us today at (561) 434-1935 or book an appointment online to arrange a consultation with Dr. Gunawardene or our family NP, Shariffa Gunawardene. We look forward to providing you with the high-quality health care you deserve!
