Those aches and pains that come from arthritis can be a burden with activities of daily living for seniors and even younger adults. Those who suffer may feel confused by all of the conflicting information about best practices for dealing with arthritis.
Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type that is often diagnosed in your later years, you can benefit from a few lifestyle guidelines that will help keep your symptoms in check and allow you to live life to the fullest. Consider the following three tips when developing a daily management plan for your arthritis.
1. Eat the Right Foods
While there may not be one ideal diet for arthritis patients, the best diets incorporate foods from all major food groups that include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products. Try to avoid a lot of saturated fat, as too much can increase inflammation and contribute to conditions such as heart disease and high cholesterol. Focus on whole foods that are minimally processed and stay away from sugar, refined grains, and artificial ingredients as much as possible.
2. Pace Your Exercise
Participating in intensive, high-impact exercises such as running and lifting heavy weights may not be the best choice for those suffering from arthritis. If you have any type of joint pain, choosing low-impact exercises such as swimming, yoga, or even gentle walking can help alleviate stiffness and pain while not pushing you past what you can handle and causing more pain.
3. Track Your Pain and Stiffness
There are many apps and programs created that help chronic pain patients track their symptoms and even organize them in a convenient chart that they can share with their healthcare team. If you don’t feel up to the task of learning a new app — or if it feels too much like a chore compared to the amount of pain you are in at this point — enlist a caregiver to help you track your pain and level of joint stiffness every day. This can help you discover patterns in your diet, exercise, and other activities of daily life that may be triggering episodes of pain.
Personalized, In-Home Care for Seniors With Arthritis
Though arthritis is not an easy condition to live with, it can be managed with medication, gentle exercise, and some small lifestyle changes that will keep you feeling your best. Don’t be afraid to mention any changes in symptoms to both your caregivers and your medical team! Get in touch with Home Helpers of Drexel Hill today for more information.