Simple Ways To Reduce Arthritis Pain
At least one form of arthritis or its related conditions (osteoarthritis, lupus and gout) affects more than one in five adults in the United States — generally more women than men, with the exception of gout, which tends to affect Black men more.
If you have arthritis, joint pain can dramatically interfere with your quality of life and the ability to do those everyday activities you once did with ease. But there are easy, everyday things you can do to help provide some relief…in addition to consulting with your doctor, of course.
Exercise
Arthritis and exercise may not seem like a natural match, but staying active can definitely help your joint pain. “Joints are meant to move, and when they move they’re lubricated,” says physical therapist Patrice Winter, PT, MS, of Fairfax Physical Therapy in Fairfax, Va. Even arthritic joints benefit from motion. The key is to know your limits, Winter says. Understand the range of motion available to you and don’t push past that limit, or you can end up increasing joint pain. And skip the weight-bearing exercises — water-based activities are ideal, especially in warm water.
Work
