Arthritis Tips

Arthritis can be a debilitating disease. Take control of the disease and your life by being proactive in your everyday life. Protect your joints with these arthritis tips.

• good posture- stand with your weight evenly distributed on each leg, with feet about shoulder width apart, keep your shoulders back (expand your chest) and your head up looking forward
• eat a balanced diet
• exercise regularly- walking/swimming is great exercise
• do gentle range of motion exercises daily (helps improve flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, endurance)
• do strengthening exercises (strong muscles around your joints help to support and protect the joints) don’t use heavy weights
• aerobic exercise (stationary bike) helps to improve heart fitness, controls weight, improves overall body function
• pace yourself-don’t take on too many activities in a day
• lose weight- excess weight puts increased stress on your knees
• no high heels
• wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, especially when exercising
• rest when tired, especially if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis
• use a raised toilet seat
• use assistive devices for everyday activities (for opening jars, brushing teeth, putting on socks…etc)
• protect your joints- use the largest or strongest joint possible when doing a specific task
• prevent hand deformity by avoiding excessive pressure on the small joints of the hand
• avoid heavy lifting if possible (bend your hips and knees and lift with your legs, not your back, keep the object close to your body, don’t twist)
• extend your joints instead of contracting them
• change positions regularly
• sit instead of stand
• don’t be bashful about asking for help when you need it
• let your pain be your guide- respect your pain
• maintain a positive attitude