(RxWiki News) Are you one of the millions in the United States with arthritis?
If so, then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some strategies for you.
If you're dealing with arthritis pain, take action with these five steps:
1. Keep Your Joints Safe
According to the CDC, when you injure your joints, you're opening yourself up to new or worsened arthritis. Who wants that?
So, take action by choosing activities that are easy on your joints.
If possible, stick with low-impact activities like swimming, cycling and walking. And make sure to avoid repetitive motions and always wear your seatbelt.
2. Manage Your Weight
In general, carrying more weight on your body is harder on your joints over time. So, losing weight can make a big difference in your joint pain if you have arthritis.
In fact, losing just 10 to 12 pounds can help physical function and pain in those who have arthritis, according to the CDC.
How do you lose weight? Regular exercise and a healthy diet are a great start, and your healthcare provider can help you with more tailored strategies.
3. Get Moving
As we age or deal with physical pain, we're tempted to slow down or even completely stop our physical activity. But really, we should do just the opposite if we want to manage arthritis pain.
The CDC says physical activity is a "critical component" in managing arthritis.
Your activity doesn't have to be earth-shaking. Just getting up and walking each day can help.
And always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
4. Stay Informed
Learning to manage your arthritis is key to actually managing the pain over the long term. But where do you start?
Fortunately, the CDC has put together a list of arthritis self-management resources that you can access for free.
5. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Whether you already know you have arthritis or you're just concerned about some related symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Why? Because your doctor can give you advice that's unique to your situation. Together, you and your doctor can build the perfect arthritis pain management strategy.
