How Can I Relieve My ARTHRITIS?
1. Getting exercise. Exercise is important for relieving pain and maintaining joint function. It is also vital in strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving blood flow. In order to avoid additional pressure on the affected joint(s), you can mix weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercises, such as aquatic exercises or bicycling. Your physical therapist will prescribe targeted exercises to you that you can do both during your PT sessions and on your own time. Cartilage receives its nutrition from joint fluid, so the more you exercise, the better. 2. Taking your vitamins. The Arthritis Foundation states that there are amultitude of benefits in taking glucosamine and chondroitin vitamins. Glucosamine is naturally made in the body and helps support the cartilage by retainingwater and preventingwear. Therefore, taking additional glucosamine vitamins can help with damaged cartilage. Some studies have also shown glucosamine to slow down joint damage altogether. 3. Avoiding certain foods. Did you know that some foods actually increase the body’s natural inflammatory response? Fried foods, soda, processed foods, and foods with high
sugar content and high fat can cause the inflammation of your arthritis to worsen. By cutting out these foods, you can help naturally relieve the inflammation in your body. 4. Taking calcium and magnesium supplements. These are vital minerals needed for hundreds of processes in your body. Having enough calcium and magnesium allows you to build strong bones while simultaneously reducing irritated nerve endings, thus decreasing pain. If possible, find supplements that are in powder form that can be easily digested and help your body’s intake of these essential minerals. 5. Getting plenty of rest. Sleep is a time for our body and brain to repair itself. Making sure you are getting enough sleep is important. By allotting yourself 7-8 hours of rest each night, you are able to allow your body to repair and decrease pain. If you or a loved one is suffering from arthritis (or you think you might be), contact Kerrville Physical Therapy Center today. We will get you started on a treatment plan that will help restore your mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
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