Pain due to osteoarthritis may flare now and then. You may have to try various self-care techniques so that you can cope up with these flares in pain.
The various self-care techniques are as follows.
Eating Healthy Diet
You can cope with arthritis better if you follow a healthy diet. A diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits may help you in controlling your weight and in maintaining your total health. But there is no particular diet that is proven to be effective in treating arthritis.
Usage of Assistive Devices
Assistive devices can be of great use in helping you to go about your day today activities without giving much stress to the painful joint. You can take the stress off your hip or knee by using a cane. Grabbing and gripping tools can make it easier for you to work in kitchen if you are experiencing finger arthritis. You can get suggestions from your occupational therapist or your doctor regarding which assistive device you can use
Taking Medications As Suggested
You can reduce the intensity of the discomfort by taking medications as suggested rather than waiting for pain to develop.
Avoiding Grasping Actions
You can avoid grasping actions, which may strain joints in your finger. For instance, you can use a purse with shoulder strap instead of using a clutch-style one. Then you can loosen a jar lid using hot water and giving pressure from your palm instead of twisting forcefully using your joints.
Maintaining Proper Posture
Poor posture can lead to uneven distribution of weight and can strain muscles and ligaments. The simplest way for improving your posture is through walking. Certain people feel that swimming too aids in improving their posture.
Using Suitable Footwear
If you are having arthritis in your back or weight bearing joints it is important for you to wear cushioned shoes that are comfortable and those, which aptly support your weight.
Using Stronger Muscles and Favoring Larger Joints
For example, you can open a heavy glass door by leaning into rather than pushing it. Then while picking up any object squat down with your back straight.
How to cope up with osteoarthritis?
Different medications and other measures are vital in managing disability and pain. Apart from these another most important component is your own attitude. Your own capability to manage disability and pain that arise due to osteoarthritis will determine the impact of osteoarthritis on your day-to-day life. You can follow these ideas to cope up with osteoarthritis.
• You should have a positive attitude
• You can practice some relaxation techniques
• You should always know your limits