Get a grip of your arthritis - Top Ten Tips.
- An apple a day may keep the doctor at bay: But your GP is one of your best friends and needs to know that you are in pain, and where, in order to help find you an effective treatment or refer you to a pain management specialist.
- Baby bear had it right: Take a look at all your furniture and check that your bed and chairs are helping you and not making your pain worse.
- Who's the poser now: Protect your back and the joints of your legs and feet with good posture. Where possible sit to a task instead of bending, take regular breaks from any task.
- Big is better: Cut the stress on smaller joints by making your strongest joints and muscles work harder. Use a backpack instead of a handbag or shopping bag, resting your fingers and wrist. Use your arms to lift heavy objects instead of your hands.
- The lighter side of life: Lose those pounds and reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints, your back, hips, knees, and ankles.
- Let your pain do the talking: Don't force joints which are painful or stiff into an activity that puts excess strain on them. Joints are supposed to move, so do not be afraid of gentle regular exercise, consult your arthritis clinician.
- Exorcise that pain: Exercise releases a natural chemical called 'endorphin' the body's very own morphine, so appropriate exercise can make you feel better.
- The Gadget Show: Arthritis Care catalogues have an amazing range of self-help products and gadgets designed to make everyday tasks much easier. Health workers from all sectors can suggest useful work and home gadgets.
- Mix and match: Different drugs ease different types of pain. can be eased drugs and treatments. Consult your doctor and/or pharmacist the best combination for your condition.
- Why you need an Exit Strategy: Exercise is good for you, but when planning a walk make sure you have a plan in case you run out of puff. Know where the bus stops are so you can cut your walk short should you need to. Apply this thinking to any activity you under take, including household tasks and work activities.
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