Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among seniors in the United States. The latest statistics reveal that about 54 million adults in the country have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. If your struggle with the condition and are looking for the best ways to deal with arthritis, you have come to the right place. Although there is no permanent cure for this joint condition, there are many things you can do in order to fight the debilitating effects of the condition. This article outlines the best ways to deal with arthritis.

Our understanding of this joint condition has tremendously improved over the past 5 decades. Although arthritis was thought to be one condition in the past, it is now known to be a group of almost 200. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this joint condition that affects millions of American adults. Swelling, pain, and stiffness of joints are the symptoms of this condition.

It happens when the cartilage covering the end of the bones in a joint is worn away due to aging. The ends of the bones will start to rub together and cause excruciating pain. The knees, hips, and fingers are the most affected in this regard. You don’t have to feel helpless just because you have been diagnosed with arthritis. There are many treatment options today than in the past. The best thing is you don’t have to be a passive recipient of treatment like in the past. Here are some things you could do to relieve the pain associated with arthritis when participating in daily living activities.

Physical Exercise

There is concrete evidence today that physical activity may benefit people suffering from arthritis. It will improve your muscular strength and reduce pain over time. Physical exercise can help to restore and maintain your mobility. Walking, cycling, gardening, and day-to-day housework are some of the best activities to reduce the condition. It’s important that you find an activity you are comfortable with doing. In case you were not that active in the past, begin with gentle exercises and gradually increase the frequency and intensity of the exercise.

Coping With The Pain

Excessive use of your joints can worsen the inflammation and pain from time to time. That’s why it’s important to learn to cope with the pain. Heat and cold compresses are great for coping with the pain associated with arthritis. The sensations of cold and heat increase nerve impulses and help block pain signals. Heat and cold compresses will reduce swelling, improve the blood supply, and help improve your mobility.

Supplements

Glucosamine is naturally found in the cartilage tissues. A Glucosamine supplement can help with effective joint repair over time. Experts recommend 750mg of Glucosamine twice a day for best results. Combining Glucosamine with another supplement called Chondroitin can help to improve your joint health in the long run. The recommended dosage of Chondroitin is 600mg twice a day. If you are taking any other drugs at the moment, you should check with your healthcare provider about their interactions with these supplements.

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among senior citizens in the U.S. The aforementioned article provides information on the best ways to deal with arthritis.