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We’ve all heard our parents and grandparents quip about arthritis in their knees or fingers keeping them from stooping down or opening jars. Unfortunately, although many people try to make light of the issue, arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause serious problems for those who receive an arthritis diagnosis. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with arthritis, today’s tips from Healths Edge can help you maintain some sense of normalcy.
Consider Relocating
Relocating to a home in a new location can be beneficial for those living with arthritis. A change of climate can help reduce pain and inflammation, making it easier to move around and enjoy activities. Additionally, certain therapies such as cold therapy and humidification may also be more effective in different environments. To start looking for a new place, use online rental listings to get a feel for what’s available. These websites can also show you how much you can expect to pay for apartments in that neighborhood..
Support Your Joints
Arthritis is a catch-all term for any number of diseases that cause joint inflammation. Although you may not be able to “cure” arthritis on your own, eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and spices like turmeric and ginger, as well as taking supplements including omega-3s and vitamin D, can help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.
Move Frequently
The American College of Rheumatology recommends daily exercise for those with all types of arthritis. This can help keep your joints from getting stiff, and, importantly, daily exercise can reduce pain and help you sleep better each night. Look for low-intensity exercises that increase strength and flexibility.
Use Adaptive Aids
Adaptive aids can easily blend into your daily life and they are usable by all members of your family. A few examples for those with arthritis include easy-grip knives, an electric can opener, grab bars, and a hands-free headset. You’ll also want to replace your heavy cookware with lighter options that make cleanup easier.
Consider Home Modifications
Your home is supposed to be a safe haven, but not all houses are built with arthritis in mind. A few home modifications you might consider include grab bars, a raised toilet, an adjustable bed, improved lighting, lower countertops, and an emergency alert system.
Adapt to Your Surroundings
There are only so many adaptive products and home modifications you can make. You also have to learn to adapt to your surroundings. This might mean using your shoulder to open swinging doors instead of your hands or swapping your bedcovers out for those that don’t have to be made manually each day. There are many options on the market for easy-to-make bedding.
Reconsider Your Current Job
Arthritis can make it challenging to do routine things, which might include requirements of your current job. While you can request accessible accommodations, you can also consider looking for a different type of work or even becoming an entrepreneur. If you choose to start your own business, forming it as an LLC may be a wise decision for those looking to protect their personal assets and limit personal liability.
An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, separates personal and business finances, making it less likely that a lawsuit or debt related to the business will affect personal finances. Additionally, starting an LLC allows for potential tax benefits and can lend your business more credibility in the eyes of customers and investors.
Keep Medical Records Organized and Accessible
Organizing and keeping track of medical records related to arthritis can be a daunting task. It is essential to have good record keeping to ensure accurate, up-to-date patient care and records that can be referenced easily in the future. PDFs are often the preferred file format since you can save them on your smartphone and access them without Wi-Fi.
Reduce Stress
Inflammation is a response to stress. It makes sense, then, that people with chronic arthritis reduce stress as much as possible. A few suggestions here provided by the CreakyJoints blog are to understand what you can do, nap when possible, take a bubble bath, maintain organization, and assign chores to your family members.
Talk to Your Friends and Family
There’s no shame in being diagnosed with arthritis or any other chronic healthcare condition. Make a point to talk to your family about the way that you feel and how your arthritis affects your daily life, both mentally and physically. Let them know that your flare-ups may be unpredictable and that their help would be greatly appreciated, especially during times of high pain.
Arthritis is no laughing matter, and it’s one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world. Keeping your medical records organized, finding a new home, adapting to your surroundings, and being open with your family are just a few ways that you can help manage what may feel at the moment like the unmanageable.