The 8 Best Things To Do For Arthritis

A person who must deal with chronic arthritis faces many life-altering challenges.

The following list consists of important actions to help a person who has arthritis learn to:

• accept their limitations
• better cope
• adjust to life with chronic pain

These eight (-ate) actions can help a person deal with the challenges and maintain a positive attitude at the same time.

#1 - Educate

Knowledge Is Power

The importance of knowledge and understanding of ones own health condition cannot be overstated. In this age of computer technology, more sources of information exist than ever before. Online services and the Internet allow people access to vast resources.

There is much to be learned about:

Mutual Support

Computers also provide a place for mutual sharing and support where people with arthritis can both communicate with each other and learn from each other.

• ask questions
• gain insight
• share common experiences
• draw inspiration
• encourage each other
• build friendships and camaraderie with others with arthritis

Team Approach

Initially your doctor or rheumatologist can also serve as a teacher when he/she provides a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Knowledge, along with informed opinion and insight, shared between patient and doctor leads to the best approach in health care...team work.

#2 - Motivate

Keeping Motivated

When burdened with chronic pain, it is very difficult at times for a person to rise above it. When the pain is consuming, and it hurts just to move, it is easy to become withdrawn. So the question becomes, "How does a person remain motivated?".

Positive Coping Solutions

To rise above the pain:

Can-Do Mindset

In actuality, it often becomes a mindset whereby the person must remind themselves that they still "can" achieve much in spite of the challenges of coping with arthritis and chronic pain. By motivating oneself to continue to be active, a person gains emotionally by:

• warding off sadness and depression
• ending isolation
• avoiding feelings of hopelessness

Remaining active also strengthens a person physically by keeping their joints as functional as possible, countering the damage from arthritis.

#3 - Participate

New Focus

Chronic pain steals away much from a person. It must be remembered though that it does not steal away everything. The person who is living with arthritis and chronic pain still has abilities that remain, and it is those abilities which must become their focus.

Conserve Your Energy

Learn to pace yourself. The pain will be present whether you choose to participate or not, so it makes good sense to utilize your time and energy to do whatever you find most enjoyable and for what is most important. To engage in enjoyable social situations or to participate in activities of daily living (shopping, visiting, working, traveling, etc.) reminds the person that their still is much life with arthritis and it is worth living.

#4 - Medicate

Role Of Medication

A major part of the treatment program for arthritis is medication. There are many drugs and medications which are utilized for treating arthritis and related conditions, and they fall into several classes and categories. Arthritis drug options now include:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• COX-2 Selective Inhibitors
• DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)
• Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids)
• Pain medications (analgesics)
• BRMs (biologic response modifiers)
• Topical medications (balms, creams, gels, lotions, ointments, etc.)
• other medications, including drugs used to treat fibromyalgia, gout, Sjogren's syndrome, and osteoporosis

Depending on your condition, it is probable that different combinations will be tried in an attempt to find the most successful for relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and allowing for the highest quality of life. It is important to take medications as prescribed, regularly and routinely.

Go On To Part 2 --- 8 Best Things To Do For Arthritis --->

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