Living with arthritis can be a debilitating experience where even the simplest activities seem impossible. Thankfully, there are many ways to alleviate symptoms. 

Arthritis is an umbrella term encompassing over a hundred different types of rheumatic conditions that affect joints. More specifically, it refers to the inflammation and degeneration of joints, which can cause severe pain and stiffness. This condition can last a lifetime, so it’s important for arthritis sufferers to learn as much as possible about managing their pain so they can lead more active lives. 

Some of the most common types of arthritis include: 

• Inflammatory arthritis
• Degenerative or mechanical arthritis
• Connective tissue disease (CTD)
• Infectious arthritis
• Metabolic arthritis
• Septic arthritis

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, the perfect time to explore this all-too-common health issue in greater detail. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms of arthritis as well as tips for managing arthritis pain.

Symptoms of chronic arthritis

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, the condition can develop gradually or suddenly. Symptoms also vary, although some of the most common include: 

• Constant or irregular pain in one or many parts of the body 
• Red and swollen skin in the affected areas that feels warm to the touch
• Persistent or intermittent stiffness, possibly after exercise or a period of inactivity
• Difficulty moving joints, for example, while standing up from a chair

At times, chronic arthritis can make everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or dressing feel like an immense struggle, and this frustration can leave patients feeling exhausted and helpless. But the good news is that there are many safe and effective coping mechanisms that can make the pain more manageable. 

Eight tips for managing chronic arthritis 

Just because you suffer from chronic arthritis, that doesn’t mean you can’t live a comfortable, pain-free life. You simply have to learn how to manage your condition effectively. To help you in your endeavors, here are eight simple tips for living with chronic arthritis. 

• Stay active 

Regular movement and physical activity can help relieve arthritis pain. Aside from improving your mood and quality of sleep, staying active can also improve weight control, brain function, and bone health, all of which help reduce the long-term symptoms associated with this condition. 

Popular forms of physical therapy for arthritis include walking, swimming, tai chi, and yoga. Before beginning any sort of exercise regimen, however, you may want to consult a healthcare professional to ensure the activity you choose is tailored to your specific type of chronic arthritis. 

• Take care of your joints

Injuries can worsen the chronic pain caused by arthritis so it’s important to take care of your joints. Although physical exercise is recommended, you should choose low-impact activities that won’t place too much stress on your joints. Similarly, you try to avoid joint damage caused by repetitive motion and wear protective gear while practicing sports. 

• Eat a healthy diet 

Certain foods can help reduce inflammation and promote good joint health. Try to follow a Mediterranean diet full of ingredients like: 

• Olive oil 
• Whole grains
• Legumes 
• Fruits and vegetables
• Fish 
• Nuts and seeds 

On the other hand, you should avoid eating overly processed foods that contain refined carbohydrates or added sugar. Such ingredients have been shown to increase arthritis pain.

• Manage your weight 

Excess weight can put a strain on your body and, more specifically, place unnecessary stress on your joints, especially in areas like the hips and knees. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for individuals suffering from arthritis, as fatty tissue (also known as adipose tissue) can stimulate the production of inflammatory proteins. 

• Consider alternative therapies

Alternative therapies may reduce pain and target areas of inflammation caused by chronic arthritis. Popular holistic treatments include acupuncture and massage therapy, although they may not be effective for everyone. You may also want to try taking anti-inflammatory herbal remedies, such as devil’s claw, turmeric, ginger, and chamomile. 

• Ask your doctor about surgery 

Depending on the severity of your condition and whether other treatments have been successful, you may consider undergoing specialized surgery. Your doctor may recommend an osteotomy, joint fusion, synovectomy, or total joint replacement. 

• Take medication

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can help control the inflammation and pain caused by chronic arthritis. Analgesics like Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms. Similarly, creams and ointments that contain counterirritants like menthol can also relieve pain. In more severe cases, you may be prescribed stronger drugs such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, or corticosteroids. 

• Go For Regular Checkups 

Last but not least, you should schedule frequent checkups with a health professional to ensure you keep your chronic condition under control. The sooner you identify symptoms associated with arthritis, the easier it is to slow down its development. Plus, you’ll be able to manage your condition much more efficiently if you meet with your doctor on a regular basis. 

As you can see, arthritis doesn’t mean that you can’t lead a healthy, active, pain-free life. All it takes is a little knowledge and a little work. And maybe just a little help.

How to make chronic conditions manageable 

Living with a chronic condition is difficult enough as it is. The last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to afford your medications. As the cost of prescriptions continues to rise, trying to balance a serious medical condition alongside your finances is becoming increasingly difficult – but it doesn’t have to be. 

ModRN Health offers our customers significant cost savings on their prescription medications thanks to our easy-to-use price comparison tool. Simply sign up, compare prices, download a voucher, and present it to your local pharmacist.

So what are you waiting for? Create a free ModRN Health account today and start enjoying up to 80% savings on your prescription medications.