By: Jim Konerko
Arthritis is really not just one disease, at least so say many health providers. There are many variations of arthritis, that affect a variety of individuals. For that reason, among others, there is no known cure for the disease we classify as arthritis. But if you suffer from one of those many forms of arthritis, there are some steps you can take to help in the battle against the ailment.
The first and best step, if you have or think you have arthritis, should be to see your doctor. Your doctor or health provider can diagnose the problem, and can suggest the proper treatments. Since there is no one cure for every type of arthritis, knowing more about your problems can help pinpoint what steps should be taken. Your doctor will be able to advise as to what treatments you may need.
Next step, stop smoking! Smoking can cause the immune system and bone structure to break down. It certainly causes arthritic symptoms to worsen, such as irritation and swelling in joints, which can result in infections. Plus, studies show that quitters of smoking had a lower risk of developing arthritis later in life.
Next, start exercising. Stretching exercises such as yoga and tai chi are wonderful for arthritis sufferers. Also, strength conditioners such as swimming or water aerobics work wonders. Even walking for an hour a day can be of tremendous benefit for arthritis pain. Adult Education classes in all types of exercises are often offered, often specifically for arthritis sufferers.
Changing your diet can be extremely beneficial for arthritis suffering. In fact there are many stories of people enjoying permanent relief from arthritis, simply from changing their diets to one that includes more fruit and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables contain calcium and antioxidants that can help relieve the painful effects of arthritis. Also, a proper diet, with exercise, will help you lose weight, which will be another great benefit.
Joining a support group can be both beneficial and fun. There are millions of others who suffer from arthritis, who want very much to share their feelings about it. You can get good tips on what helps and what doesn’t, and get lots of support from caring friends. And there are many groups that meet over the internet, if you can’t travel. You can do a search over the internet for arthritis support groups and find one you like.
One overlooked action that can be quite beneficial is meditation. There are many books and tapes on relaxation and meditation that you can get. Relaxing and meditating can be a wonderful help to unwinding and getting your mind off of the pain.
Let me mention a couple of other, lesser used therapies. A very popular form of an exercise and meditation combination, is Qigong. Qigong combines breathing properly with slow body movements, designed to release the energy stored inside you and improve health. Qigong is in fact practiced in hospitals throughout China, and by many health care providers here. Another Chinese medical practice is acupuncture, which involves inserting needles into certain energy spots of the body, to promote treatment. Even though these practices are not widely accepted in Western medicine, they should be researched for their possibilities, because many people have gotten instant and long-lasting relief from arthritis and other ailments from their use.
None of the above should be regarded as treatments. But employing some of the preceding tips may help in relieving the pain associated with arthritis.
