5 Ways to Treat Arthritis

1. Exercise – Exercise lightly for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Do not over-exercise as this can cause strain on joints. Avoid anything that produces pain for up to 1 hour after the exercise is over. Sometimes a quick walk will help, but do not try to “walk off” the pain. Stop when it becomes too much. 2. Posture – always maintain good posture. Sit up straight in chairs and stand with your shoulders back. Never lift with your back – lift with your hips and legs. Never carry something you can push or pull behind you. If something is too heavy for you, ask for help 3. Joint Exercises – Practice daily motions or attend physical therapy regularly. Ask your physiotherapist about hydrotherapy – a form of joint therapy which is gentle on the joints and done in water. 4. Protect your joints – Protect your joints by wearing warm clothing. Braces and joint wraps may also help by giving your joint support. Sleep on a firm mattress, make sure you get 8 hours of sleep every day and avoid sitting in soft chairs. 5. Pain Relief – talk to your doctor about taking arthritis pain like Aspirin or Aleve. You can also use indomethacin, ibuprofen or naproxen for arthritic pain