Living with arthritis can definitely be challenging at times. Undoubtedly, your doctor has already provided you with a list of things you can do to simplify and make your life easier while living with this disease. You have probably been advised as to what foods to eat to minimize inflammation flare-ups, and you have probably already engaged in certain exercises to help the pain and discomfort. Below is a list of things that you should avoid if you are living with arthritis:
1. Jumping. Sure, you can jump to conclusions, but don’t make a habit out of jumping rope!
2. Tennis. Maybe a couple of minutes on the Wii video game system will be fine, but to get out on the court and aggravate your elbow for an appreciable amount of time is not advisable.
3. Running. Put aside the running shoes and grab your walking shoes instead. Walking is one of the safest, easiest, and most enjoyable forms of exercise. Grab a buddy and make an afternoon of it.
4. Before taking aspirin, acetaminophen, or NSAIDs regularly, please talk with your doctor first.
5. If you are experiencing any pain, now is not the time to be a hero. Be sure to consult your doctor right away.
6. Put out that cigarette. Toxins from smoke actually create stress on your connective tissue.
7. If you are not already enjoying a healthy diet, start one today! Excess pounds can put added stress on your joints, aggravating your arthritis.
8. Say “no” to the lemon with your water. It does add a hint of flavor, but the acidity in it has been shown to bring on arthritis pain.
9. Break a big task down into several smaller ones, making sure to rest between them.
10. Do not stand for long periods of time. Be sure to sit and take regular breaks. Avoid kneeling and squatting, as well.
11. When opening a door, use a larger part of your body, such as your hip or shoulder instead of with your arm or hand.
When living with the pain of arthritis, you may often feel as if your quality of life has depreciated. Now is the time to stay informed, keep a positive frame of mind, consult with a doctor in whom you trust, and learn to accept the disease by changing the way you think about it. Look for ways to readjust your life positively. For example, if you have problems in reaching for something now, invest in one of those practical “reachers” or grabber devices to do that for you! If you have always peeled your potatoes by hand, now may be the perfect excuse to get an automatic potato peeler! Realize, too, that there may be times during which you will have to ask for help from someone. Chances are, you will have more than enough opportunities to return the favor in kind.
Remember that arthritis does not have to rule your life! You can choose how you deal with it and still enjoy a quality life simply by making a few changes. After all, hasn’t it been said that change is good?
(Information for this article was found at http://www.arthritis-glucosamine.net/blog/arthritis-donts.php and http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/arthritis/osteoarthritis/what-you-can-do/modifying-activities)
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