Do you suffer from osteoarthritis? Most adults will experience arthritis at some point in their lives, which can cause pain, discomfort, and other symptoms. Maintaining healthy habits is essential to help keep your body functioning as well as possible for your age. This article will explore how keeping active and making simple lifestyle tweaks can be beneficial when managing osteoarthritis flare-ups. Read on to learn more about what steps you can take today to stay healthier with arthritis!
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What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, otherwise known as “degenerative joint disease,” is a common disorder that affects joints of all types in the human body. This gradually destructive form of arthritis typically targets the hands, knees, and hip joints, but it can affect any joint in the body. A specialized cushioning tissue covers joints to reduce friction when they move; over time, this tissue breaks down and causes cartilage to disintegrate due to abnormal wear and tear.
As cartilage breaks down and is further worn away, the bones become raw and painful. Without cartilage protection between them, bones rub against each other, resulting in severe pain that can be debilitating. Fortunately, treatments available for those suffering from osteoarthritis can help ease their pain and promote healing of the affected areas.
Best Ways To Stay Healthy With Osteoarthritis
Maintain Proper Hydration
Proper hydration is essential if you’re living with osteoarthritis and want to stay healthy and active. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body operating normally, and it’s especially important for people suffering from this condition. As lack of hydration causes back pain and stiffness in the joints, dehydration worsens these symptoms and can make movement difficult.
Proper hydration is a preventative measure that should be practiced regularly for optimal benefit. Accordingly, monitoring your daily water intake is essential: having a glass of water standing by you as a reminder or setting alarms on your phone can help you reach the recommended level of 8 glasses daily. Additionally, getting rid of sugary drinks such as sodas and refreshing your diet with more fruits and vegetables can also help improve overall health when dealing with osteoarthritis.
Exercise Regularly
It can be challenging to stay healthy with osteoarthritis, but regular exercise can relieve the pain and stiffness that comes with the diagnosis. Exercise helps reduce inflammation and strengthen weak joints. Additionally, since physical activity releases endorphins known to increase feelings of well-being, regular exercise can also improve overall mental health.
To get a workout tailored to your needs, it’s best to consult your doctor or a physical therapist for an individualized plan to prevent further damage. Incorporating a mixture of cardiovascular activities and strength training will create an effective routine that you can use proactively and reactively in managing the progression of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is an essential part of staying healthy with osteoarthritis. Eating fresh, minimally-processed foods and limiting saturated and trans fats are essential to reducing inflammation in the body. Additionally, consuming food rich in Vitamins C, D, and E is beneficial as these increase the production of substances that help keep joint cartilage healthy.
Taking steps to incorporate nutritious foods into one’s diet can go a long way toward improving overall health while living with osteoarthritis. Healthy sources of protein like fish and plant proteins should be consumed frequently as they help cells repair themselves to reduce stiffness associated with the condition. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables also provide fiber and antioxidants to maintain joint health. Lastly, it is beneficial to eat regularly so that joints get rest and pain relief throughout the day.
