Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. This condition usually manifests in the fingers, knees, elbows and ankles. If you have arthritis, you must know how it feels every time you walk, run or even reach out for an object. Without proper maintenance and check-ups, your condition can worsen as you age. Your joints will suffer too much pressure as well as wear and tear, making it difficult for you to function normally.
To get rid of the pain temporarily, your doctor can prescribe you with anti-inflammatory medications to keep you comfortable. However, you cannot rely on using them forever because of the known side effects. Some remedies have been tried and tested to be as effective as such medications in managing this degenerative disease. Here are some tips to help you manage arthritis.
Have regular steam showers
If you have arthritis, even the simplest things like walking can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. That is why at the end of a tiring day you should find a way to relax your body. Studies say that spending thirty minutes a day inside a steam shower can help promote blood circulation in your muscles and joints. So why not to look around for a model that will suit your lifestyle and health condition.
Diet and exercise
If you are on the heavy side and you happen to have arthritis, you need to find ways to get rid of all the excess weight. The heavier you are, the more pressure you put on your back, knees and joints. Diet and exercise are known to be the most effective method for losing weight. Once you have successfully done this, you will soon feel less pain in your body.
Apply a cold compress
If you experience pain and discomfort in certain body parts, you must do something to get rid of the pain and swelling. Using an ice pack or a cold compress and applying it on the affected area can reduce swelling and reduce pain. Do not forget to wrap the cold pack using a towel to avoid ice burns.
Yoga and meditation help
Studies say that taking yoga and meditation classes can help relieve some of the pain that you are feeling by eliminating stress in your life. Yoga enables you to improve your flexibility, while regular meditation gives you a better mindset. You can start taking yoga classes for beginners at your local dance club and take some time to meditate at home.
Try adding turmeric to your diet
Turmeric or otherwise known as yellow ginger is one of the most popular spices that originated in India. It is used to add flavour to individual dishes like curry, but it also comes with a lot of health benefits. The main ingredient of turmeric, which is curcumin, is said to be very effective in reducing inflammation. Adding a teaspoonful of this spice can help alleviate painful arthritis.
Arthritis is a painful condition to bear the rest of your life, but it does not mean that you cannot do anything to improve your way of living.