Three Ways To Live Better With Arthritis

Arthritis is a difficult chronic illness to manage. You may experience severe pain, limited mobility, joint stiffness, and swelling; these may limit your ability to accomplish even basic tasks. However, living with arthritis does not mean that you cannot still lead an active, healthy lifestyle. If you work with your doctor and physical therapist to manage your pain and come up with some adaptive strategies, you can still lead a full and happy life.

Educate Yourself

As soon as you are diagnosed with arthritis, you should try to learn everything you can about the illness, treatments, and options. Learning what lifestyle changes you can make can help you find new ways to manage your illness and accomplish your goals. Being proactive with your health can help you mitigate pain and come up with new ways to adapt to your limitations.

Learn Your Strengths And Weaknesses

Once you are diagnosed with arthritis, it can feel like your life becomes limited. However, you still will have many strengthens to measure against your weaknesses. After your diagnosis listen to your body and figure out ways to improve your strengths to compensate for any physical weaknesses. For example, if your hands are arthritic, use your stronger forearms to accomplish routine tasks like opening doors.

Use Adaptive Aids

Once you understand your strengths and weaknesses invest in adaptive aids. Simple things like dexterity kits, reaching aids, and button or zipper aids can make all the difference in completing the routine tasks that can be a challenge for people living with arthritis.

Living with arthritis does not mean that you can’t do all the things you want to do. You just have to adapt to the challenges you now face. By educating yourself, learning your strengths, and using adaptive aids you can still live your best life.