9 Things to Stop Doing If You Have Arthritis

Arthritis is a diagnosis that will accompany you throughout your life. It's like a life-changing event that you have to get used to and learn to adapt to. Let's look on the bright side of this disease and learn more things to start doing to improve our lives!

A wide range of conditions affecting the joints are included under the umbrella term "arthritis," including gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and many more. But there are symptoms that are similar to all of these diseases. Your ability to participate in work, your ability to perform daily tasks physically, and your mental health are all impacted by pain, stiffness, swelling, limited joint range of motion, and sleep disturbances.

"By 2040, an estimated 78.4 million adults aged 18 years and older (25.9% of the projected total adult population) will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, compared to the 58.5 million adults in 2016–2018 (23.7%). "

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In general, arthritis is a life-altering condition that forces those who have it to modify their way of life and adjust to their new circumstances. This article will guide you to the most recent information about what you should and should not do if you have arthritis.

Stop smoking if you have arthritis

Smoking is one of the most researched risk factors that has an impact on arthritis, especially for rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking reduces the response of the immune system and triggers specific types of rheumatoid arthritis.

It is interesting to note that passive smoking has also been studied as a potential trigger for rheumatoid arthritis. The results are debatable, though, as some researchers support them while others disagree. The lack of evidence supporting the idea that passive smoking is a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis may stem from the fact that the effects of passive smoking were not studied in children.

Stop drinking alcohol or reduce consumption of it

Alcohol consumption has a negative impact on arthritis. Drinking alcohol regardless of the type of it especially negatively affects those who have an onset of gout or feel the first symptoms of gout. You must reduce or refuse any type of alcohol if you do not want to provoke episodes of arthritis.

Stop thinking that food has no impact on arthritis: review your diet

When it comes to gout, it is essential to reduce purine consumption. Uric acid, which is the byproduct of purine, damages your joints. Meat, seafood (anchovies, cutlass fish, cod, globe fish), dried yeast, peas, and Lactobacillus supplements are foods high in purines. Try to avoid these products and enrich your diet with grits, chicken, fresh vegetables and fruits, olive oil, potatoes, and eggs (use in moderation).

People with rheumatoid arthritis are advised to follow a similar diet. The progression of rheumatoid arthritis can be slowed down by going vegetarian for a while, cutting back on red meat, and eating more vegetables and oily fish. Furthermore, because coffee increases the production of rheumatoid factors, it may also be a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

In general, eating the right foods will help you control your weight. Normalizing body mass index is always preferable in order to lessen the strain on the joints.

Stop thinking that a passive lifestyle reduces pain

It is crucial to control the amount of time spent sleeping and exercising after receiving an arthritis diagnosis. The notion that you should always rest is incorrect. Can you recall experiencing any particular type of stiffness when you wake up early in the morning? This is because your joints were passive all night.

It is always necessary to lubricate joints. When the joints are moving, synovial fluid is produced within the joints. So the movement should be a major part of the day, followed by a little bit of rest.

Stop thinking that you cannot exercise

In the pathophysiology of arthritis, movement is crucial. But during exercise therapy, dose-response management is crucial. Because arthritis stiffens joints and decreases mobility and amplitude of movement, it weakens the muscles that surround the joints.

The main aim of people who have been diagnosed with arthritis is to keep moving and strengthen muscles to keep joints healthy.

What kind of exercises can I perform with arthritis?

There are plenty of exercises that can be prescribed for people with arthritis. Here are a few groups of exercises that you must include in your daily lifestyle:

• Strengthening exercises
• Cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises
• Balance exercises will enhance your neuromuscular coordination and increase proprioception.
• Mind-body exercises (Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates)

Receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints are called proprioceptors, which are responsible for the understanding of touch, position, movement of the body parts, and balance maintenance.

Stop hesitating when you need medications

Take painkillers to help manage any persistent pain you may be experiencing. Medication regimens, however, need to be tailored based on your cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk factors. All medications must be prescribed by your doctor. Use this to help control pain, enhance range of motion, and slow the progression of arthritis.

Stop thinking that adaptive aids are not for you

People with arthritis, particularly those who have arthritis in their hands, often find it difficult to perform everyday tasks like opening jars, using spoons, or brushing their teeth because fine motor skills are needed. Although it only makes up a small portion of our daily lives, it is crucial for people to have happy, fulfilling lives.

With the help of modern technologies, we can access a wide range of helpful tools and adaptive aids for use in day-to-day activities. Do not hesitate to purchase these adaptive aids if you have the chance. By using adaptive aids, you can experience less pain and feel more at ease.

Stop destructive thinking, stay positive

Arthritis can stop you from your favorite activities, especially physical. Consequently, destructive thinking, depression, and anxiety can take control of your mind. Encourage yourself to find different activities, practice mindfulness, try to talk to someone who cares about you, and tell them what is on your mind. To have someone you can talk to is a life’s gift because it can help deal with difficult situations.

Do not think that arthritis and pain will go away

Living with arthritis is like being on a roller coaster. There may be good days as well as bad ones. If you can learn how to handle difficult days, though, everything else will flow more naturally.

You can feel better with the support of physical therapy, adaptive aids, movement, medication, and mindfulness. Use all of these therapies without hesitation to improve your quality of life.