A disorder that women are 3 times more likely to suffer from, rheumatoid arthritis affects up to 1.3 million people in the United States.
Unfortunately, arthritis is also a degenerative disease, which means it gets worse over time. This can lead many patients and caregivers to seek ways to reduce the discomfort and swelling of arthritis.
So, are there ways to reduce the discomfort and swelling associated with arthritis? Keep reading to find out!
What is Arthritis?
First of all! In this article, we will mainly talk about rheumatoid arthritis. We will also discuss osteoarthritis. Why? because these are the 2 most common types diagnosed in the United States.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the body by mistake, leading to the swelling and discomfort associated with this disorder.
Osteoarthritis is more common. It is more closely related to older people and is the "wear and tear" type of arthritis. It usually occurs in the knees, hips, and hands.
Both types primarily impact the joints and are associated with arthritic joint degeneration . This is where the joint and the cartilage around it break down due to wear and tear. The bones of the joints rub against each other, causing discomfort.
Reduce swelling from arthritis
Fortunately, there are many simple diet and lifestyle changes that arthritis sufferers can make to reduce the associated inflammation.
Here are some of the most popular ways that have been leaked by those who suffer from arthritis. Enjoy!
Diet
You are what you eat, and that never gets more accurate when it comes to managing a chronic condition like arthritis.
Research indicates a vitamin K-rich diet and the Mediterranean diet to minimize inflammation. Try to consume fatty fish like salmon, nuts, beans and roasted vegetables. Cut out saturated fats and processed foods, and limit your sugar and salt intake.
Why not add the world famous spice turmeric to your diet as well?
Exercise
You don't need to run a marathon to manage arthritis! Instead, aim for low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, yoga, and cycling. For best results, try to get some exercise each day rather than waiting for the weekend.
Massage
Massage is fantastic for relieving stress but also for promoting blood circulation to areas of the body. And, shock, it's also great for relieving inflammation and associated discomfort.
But make sure the person massaging you is well trained and knows you have arthritis. This will ensure that the massage is targeted to your needs and reduce the risk of your discomfort being inadequately treated.
Way of life
It is well known that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol increase the symptoms of an inflammatory disorder. This is also true for arthritis. If you smoke, it may be worth considering reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke or seeking help to quit completely.
As for alcohol consumption, try to reduce it to once a week and avoid spirits such as gin and vodka. Any alcohol causes dehydration in the system, which can lead to more than a headache the next day if you have arthritis!
Additional help
There is currently no cure for arthritis. But by using lifestyle changes, massage and exercise, and altering your diet, you can help minimize negative side effects like swelling and discomfort. And since these are all good changes for your body anyway, you have nothing to lose! Perfect!
Did you find any of the tips in this article helpful? For more information on arthritis health and swelling management, visit our blog page.