If you suffer from arthritis or other degenerative condition of the joints, you may well be wondering what natural measure you can take to relieve the pain or discomfort associated with this condition. Here are some pointers that should help:
- Keep Moving. Movement, however little, will help yourjoints to function better. Activity helps keep joints healthy. Cartilage - the tough gristle that protects the ends ofbones - depends on joint movement to absorb nutrients and remove waste. A well designed exercise program can not only decrease pain and discomfort, but also increase your flexibility and overall fitness. You will find a numberof helpful exercises on The Arthritis Society of Canada's website: www.arthritis.ca.
- Be Proactive. Learn to listen closely to your body and stop any activity that causes you pain. Alternate heavy or repeated tasks with easy tasks or breaks in your daily schedule.Take advantage of the many helpful devices for people with arthritis . For example, use carts instead of carrying heavy loads and use a chair with a straight back, high seat and arms so that you can 'push off' into a standing position.
- Control Your Weight. By reducing stress on the joints, controlling your weight helps to prevent arthritis of the knees and other weight-bearing joints. Keeping the pounds off also helps to reduce knee pain if you already have arthritis.
- Use heat and/or cold. The application of heat or cold to sore joints can provide temporary relief for the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Heat helps to relax aching muscles and cold can numb the area, reducing pain.For best results, time your use of heat or cold to coincide with your most intense episodes of pain or stiffness. For example, when you get out of bed in the morning, or following exercise.