Arthritis: Eight Tips to make Day-to-Day Life Easier
by David Napoli, M.D.

Did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability over the age of 65?  Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body.  There are many types of arthritis with osteoarthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and occurs following trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or simply as a result of aging.  Here are eight tips to make life with arthritis a little easier.

1.  Pay attention to symptoms, see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.  If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it's time to see your doctor. These symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly. Only a doctor can tell if it's arthritis. Ask for a specific diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have. There are more than 100 types, each of which has different treatments. Getting the right treatment requires getting the right diagnosis.  Lifestyle changes, physical therapy, surgery and/or medications may be suggested by your physician.
2. Start early!  The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the better. Early treatment can often mean less joint damage and less pain. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments that may include medication, weight management, exercise, use of heat or cold, and methods to protect your joints from further damage. See your doctor for an early diagnosis and immediate treatment plan!
3. Shed the pounds and avoid excess stress on your joints.  Assistive devices can make tasks at home and work easier. Staying close to your recommended weight also helps relieve damaging pressure on hips and knees.  By losing those extra few pounds you won’t just look better, you’ll feel better, too.  Excess weight can mean more pain, no matter which form of arthritis you have.
4. Get moving!  Exercise helps lessen pain, increases range of movement, reduces fatigue and helps you feel better overall. Your doctor, a physical therapist, or other specially trained health professional can show you range-of-motion exercises and strengthening exercises that are good for arthritis.  Don’t forget to enjoy your exercise!  Choose your favorite spots and make plans to walk them at least once a week. Walking is the ideal exercise for most people with arthritis. It burns calories, strengthens muscles and builds denser bones – all without jarring fragile joints. Sign up for a class that makes exercise fun – country line dancing, ballroom dancing, swimming, yoga or tai chi.
5. Don’t forget to stretch.  Stretching is a simple way to keep joints and muscles flexible. It relieves stress and can help enable you to maintain your daily activities.  If you are still feeling a bit stiff after exercising, contact a certified massage therapist and treat yourself to a good rub down. The benefits vary from person-to-person but may include decreased pain and increased circulation, energy and flexibility. And besides, it just feels good.
6. Bone up!  Stock up on your favorite source of calcium. A diet rich in this important mineral can help decrease your risk of osteoporosis. If you don’t like drinking milk, or want some variety, try consuming more milk products, such as yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Or add powdered milk to puddings, gravies, shakes and other recipes. Other good sources of calcium include broccoli, salmon (with the bones) and kale.
7. Check out your medication options.  In the past two years, the FDA has approved several drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other arthritis-related diseases. If your current medication isn’t working as well as you’d like, or if it’s causing unacceptable side effects, ask your doctor about these new medications. Remember to take your medication just as your doctor prescribes. If you’re tempted to stop because you feel it’s not working or you believe it’s causing side effects, call your doctor first. It can take weeks – or even months – for the full benefits of a medication to become apparent, and some side effects ease over time. Stopping a medication abruptly may not only cause you to miss out on its benefits – in some cases it can be dangerous.  Be sure to tell your doctor about the medications you’re taking, both prescription and over the counter. Don’t forget to mention any nutritional supplements you’re taking, too. All medications, even natural ones have the potential to cause side effects or to react adversely with each other.
8. Have a good laugh.  Read a book of jokes, rent a funny movie or watch your favorite TV sitcom or stand-up comedian. Laughing, even when you have severe pain, can relax muscles, reduce the pain and even boost your immune system.

About the contributor: David Napoli, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with Blue Ridge Bone & Joint.  Napoli specializes in hand and wrist disorders and injuries, as well as general orthopedic surgery.  He serves on the medical staff at Pardee Hospital.  Much of the information in this article, and more tips can be found on the Arthritis Foundation website at www.arthritis.org.

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