Arthritis can cause a great deal of pain and stiffness, which can make tasks you once took for granted difficult to perform. You might not only struggle to dress yourself each morning, but the smallest physical acts can be exhausting.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to relieve your pain, improve your function, and support your mental health. Keep reading to learn how to improve your quality of life when living with arthritis.
Avoid Sitting in the Same Position
Sitting in the same position for a long period of time can lead to unwanted pain and stiffness. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting at a desk at work or watching TV on the sofa, you should aim to get up onto your feet every fifteen minutes to stretch your muscles and joints.
Use Various Aids
There are various aids that can support your new way of life. For example, if you find it difficult to open a can, you should purchase an electric can opener. You could also buy a combi-reacher to grab various items off the floor or at a height, which can prevent you from bending or stretching.
Also, if you’re worried about getting tired or achy when navigating your way across a busy store or a crowded location, you always have the option to use a personal electric vehicle, which you can learn more about at www.zingerchair.com.
Ask for Help When You Need It
Don’t allow pride to stand in the way of a better quality of life. While you might be eager to maintain your independence, you still shouldn’t be afraid to ask your loved ones for help as and when you need it. So, ask a friend or relative to help with a specific task if you’re struggling with the health condition, such as completing household chores, opening cans, or buying groceries.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can place great pressure on your joints, which can increase your pain and stiffness. To alleviate any pain, you must maintain a healthy weight to avoid exacerbating your health condition. If you are currently overweight, losing as little as ten pounds could decrease stress on your knees, hips, and ankles.
Modify Your Home
Moving across your home can be difficult if you are struggling with arthritic pain. For this reason, you might need to make various modifications to your home. For example, you could mount a grab bar over a bathtub, bed, or an armchair, which could help you to stand up and sit down without hassle or fuss. You also could add a suction mat into your tub to prevent slipping, and you could install a shower seat to take pressure off your joints.
Use Your Strongest Joints
Rather than placing extra pressure on your weakest joints, you should attempt to use your strongest muscles and joints when performing daily tasks. For example, if you need to push open a door, protect your tender wrists and fingers by using the side of your shoulder or arm instead. You also can decrease pressure on your knees or hips when climbing stairs by leading with your strongest leg.
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