Tips for Arthritis Management - WelbeHealth

Arthritis can make everyday tasks feel tougher, but there are ways to manage it and feel better. From small lifestyle changes to simple exercises, these tips for arthritis management can help reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is when your joints feel stiff or painful. It can make it harder to move or do the things you love. While there’s no cure, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and keep your body moving.

Arthritis Management Tips to Feel Better

1. Stay Active with Gentle Exercises

Moving your body helps keep your joints flexible and builds muscle to support them.

• Low-Impact Exercises: Walking, swimming, or yoga are easy on your joints and help reduce stiffness.
• Stretching: Spending just a few minutes stretching every day can improve your range of motion.
• Strength Training: Light weights or resistance bands can strengthen muscles around your joints.

Try to stay consistent and listen to your body, taking breaks when you need them.

2. Eat for Joint Health

What you eat can affect your arthritis and overall health.

• Include foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon or walnuts, which may reduce inflammation.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants.
• Cut back on sugary drinks and processed foods, which may worsen inflammation.

A good diet supports your joints and helps maintain a healthy weight, easing extra pressure on them.

3. Use Heat and Cold Therapy

A little warmth or coolness can do wonders for achy joints.

• Heat Therapy: Use a heating pad or take a warm bath to relax muscles and improve circulation.
• Cold Therapy: Ice packs or cold compresses can reduce swelling and numb pain.

Try these methods after activity or when your joints feel particularly sore.

4. Find Ways to Reduce Stress

Stress can make pain feel worse, so it’s important to find ways to relax.

• Practice deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind.
• Take part in hobbies or activities that make you happy.
• Spend time with friends, loved ones, or support groups to share your feelings.

Caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your body.

5. Consider Helpful Tools and Supports

Certain tools can make your daily life easier and take the strain off your joints.

• Use jar openers, pens with larger grips, or reachers for hard-to-grab items.
• Wear supportive shoes or braces to protect your joints.
• Talk to your doctor about devices like canes or walkers if needed.

These small changes can relieve stress on your joints and help you feel more comfortable.

6. Work with Your Doctor

Your doctor can help find treatments that work best for you.

• They may recommend physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage pain.
• Regular check-ins can track your progress and adjust your care plan as needed.
• If needed, your doctor can discuss surgical options for long-term relief.

Having a trusted healthcare partner can make a big difference in managing arthritis.

Take Control of Your Arthritis

Living with arthritis isn’t easy, but you’re not alone. By following these arthritis management tips and making small, steady changes, you can reduce pain and enjoy more activities you love. Start with one tip today and see how it helps improve your day.

It’s your life. Live it your way.

WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help your loved ones age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost, while helping you navigate life as a caregiver. To see if you qualify, call: (888) 750-0248 | TTY 711 or visit: welbehealth.com/contact