Arthritis is one of the most common ailments among people over the age of sixty-five years old, and can be a very painful condition. There are three main types: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, each with different causes, and none of which have a “cure.” There are, however, ways to help ease the daily pain of arthritis. Here are seven tips and arthritis remedies to try.
- Stay hydrated. Having plenty of water in the body helps to regulate movement of toxins and build up in the blood, which (particularly with gout) can cause spot-specific inflammations.
- Taking NSAIDS (Advil, ibuprofin) helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Always talk to your doctor about how many is safe to take each day.
- Stay active, or get active. Physical activity—always at a level you’re comfortable with—helps to keep joints lubricated and moving, which reduces stiffness and pain.
- Weight management. Heavier, thicker fat tissue causes strain and stress on the joints (increasing pain and levels) and also causes stress on the cardiovascular system (by having more tissue for veins and arteries to reach).
- Range-of-motion exercises. Activities that stretch the muscles—such as yoga or ballet, always at your own level—can drastically help increase flexibility. And if you’re more flexible, you’ll be less stiff, and that means less pain!
- Wearing the right shoes. This can make a big difference, particularly for those with gout, whose feet tend to be most affected (especially the big toe, which can become very swollen and painful). If necessary, look into getting a cane but always talk to your doctor, and get fitted for one that is appropriately sized (using someone else’s cane can further irritate muscles and joints if it is too short or tall).
- Getting plenty of rest. When we are tired, any pain or ailments are exacerbated, and this includes arthritis. Being able to lay down with your feet up for the right amount of time each night can make a big difference. When you’ve had enough rest, your body is able to more effectively repair itself.
- Acupuncture. This long-used form of medicine (though not “conventional”) has been known to greatly reduce pain and tension caused from arthritis.
