Arthritis can be very painful from the two bones rubbing together; from osteoarthritis to the swelling of the joints from rheumatoid arthritis, while you are undergoing treatment you can make changes to improve your overall state and reduce the pain.

Here are four ways you can cope with your arthritis on a day to day basis:

1. Diet

Both kinds of arthritis affect your joints in your hands, arms, and knees as well as other areas like your spine and hips. These parts carry a lot of weight, so it is encouraged to maintain a healthy weight. The heavier you are, the more pressure you put on your joints. It can become tough for you to run errands and participate in activities.

Your diet can also affect the swelling of your joints and the state of your bones. Avoid fats as much as you can and focus on eating lean meat and low-fat dairy products. Foods rich in omega-3 like tuna can help reduce the inflammation of your joints.

Another way you can reduce inflammation via your diet is to take turmeric shots. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can feel like a pain reliever to those who have all that pressure in their joints.

2. Exercise and physical therapy

While moving around with your bones rubbing together sounds incredibly painful, it is vital to maintaining your muscles and bones. Along with your medication and treatment, do some light exercise. If you are going through physical therapy, you might have a plan you should follow as homework when you are at home. Stick to what your physiotherapist prescribed and avoid skipping days because of your mood and feeling. If you are not working with a physiotherapist, consider meeting up for a consultation for a shortlist of what you can do given your current capabilities.

3. Compress

When your joints are painful, support your medication with a hot/cold compress (depending on your doctor’s advice). Try to keep both kinds on hand in case you experience a different kind of pain. A compress might not relieve the pain; that is the medicine’s job. The compress can make you feel comfortable and the pain, bearable. You can also use a compress if you experience any stiffness, as a precaution.

4. Warm water therapy

If you have access to a hot spring, taking the trip can help with the pain. The mineral properties in the water along with the heat can relieve you of your symptoms. Repeated visits can become a part of your treatment. However, not everyone has access to a hot spring that is mineral rich – others may not even have hot springs.

A compromise can be taking a warm bath or exercising in a heated pool. For the bath option, stay in it for at least an hour. You can also add salts for muscle pain and inflammation, with ingredients like eucalyptus or lavender. For pool exercises, make it a point to be with a physical therapist to make sure your movements work the affected areas.

By actively working on these areas, you can reign back the pain to a manageable level.

Sources:

https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Arthritis/

https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/tips/warm-water-therapy.php

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/turmeric/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/diet/