Canada
UK
France
Australia
With every new ache and pain, we start hearing the whisper of that dirty work that creeps slowly but surely into so many ears – arthritis! Arthritis is an equal opportunity culprit, coming for both men and women with all type of backgrounds and occupations.
Key Takeaways
- Arthritis has a significant impact on our adult population and an even greater impact on our US military veterans.
- There are many useful tools that can be utilized to help manage symptoms and maintain joint mobility during everyday tasks that may have become difficult and painful.
- Movement is a key to improving arthritis symptoms, decreasing pain and improving overall mobility. A physical therapist can assist with building a comprehensive and individualized home exercise program.
Arthritis has a significant reach, impacting 1 in every 5 adults in America. For the members of our US military, the impact is even greater, affecting 1 in every 3 veterans1. After years of service, it can be frustrating trying to enjoy a well-earned and deserved retirement only to be sidelined because of arthritis symptoms. The good news is that arthritis can be managed, and the symptoms can improve. The secret is movement!
Getting a Helping Hand
Managing arthritis symptoms including pain and joint stiffness can seem like a daunting task, and it can be difficult to know where to start. You can have symptoms in your hands, feet, knees, shoulders, or in several of your joints. Daily activities you used to do without a second thought can start to seem challenging and can be uncomfortable.
Using compression garments can give your joints a gentle hug of support and help manage pain when doing these everyday activities such as unlocking the door or walking up the stairs. Wearing a Mueller Closed or Open Patellar Knee Sleeve can give just enough support to start walking the neighborhood again.
Feeling pain while holding your morning cup of coffee? Wearing gloves such as the Thermoskin Dynamic Compression Gloves can soothe the aches just as the coffee soothes the soul.
Adding a few tools to the daily routine can also make a huge impact. Using a Sammons Preston Reacher can help reach things both high and low without having to lift your arm up overhead or squat down to the floor.
Employing these tools will give your joints some assistance with the movements that have started to become difficult or painful. You wouldn’t go into battle without any gear or equipment, so don’t go into the fight against arthritis unarmed!
Motion is Lotion
Staying active is key to keeping arthritis and its symptoms at bay. But how, you ask, can we keep moving when movement is what is causing the pain in the first place? This can seem like a vicious cycle that can have many people feeling like they are circling the drain. Knowing the right type of movement to start with can break that cycle and be a pathway to more activity.
Starting can be as easy as going for a short walk, even if it’s just a few minutes. The trick is to just get started – once you’re moving, it becomes easier to build up to longer walks and more activity. Moving your body can help improve not only arthritis symptoms but cardiovascular and mental health and help with weight control. Win-win!
To build on daily walks, you can start adding in some strengthening exercises. Don’t worry – you don’t need to immediately run to the gym and load up the weights! A THERABAND Resistance Band Beginner Kit comes with resistance bands that can be used for upper and lower body activities right in the comfort of your own home.
Building muscle is important but we also want to balance strengthening with stretching. A Stretch-Out Strap is another great option that can be used for stretching your hamstrings, calves and shoulders.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Don’t stress – see a physical therapist! They can assess you head to toe and help guide you on where to start, putting a home exercise plan together for you using these and other great tools.
Recap
An arthritis diagnosis often conjures up images of pain, injections, and surgery. The truth is that in many cases, arthritis symptoms can be managed and improved with conservative treatment.
There are many ways to help manage the symptoms while working to strengthen the body and stay active and moving. Incorporating some tools into your daily activities will manage symptoms and help improve your mobility. The more you move, the better you will feel and the more you will be able to do. So, get out there and start moving!
Top Products for Arthritis Care
References
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
