How do I know if I have arthritis?
A common set of symptoms for arthritis includes pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain can increase gradually, or come on suddenly, and is often intermittent. However, as there are different types of arthritis, there are also varying symptoms, so it is best to consult a medical professional for a valid diagnosis.
What is the best wasy to manage arthritis?
There are many actions you can take in your daily life to manage arthritis that can help you live an active, productive life with less pain:
Be More Active
Exercise has been shown in many studies to be as effective as pain medication to reduce stiffness and pain of arthritis. Exercise, of course, also offers many additional benefits for your health such as reducing risks of heart disease and diabetes, and improving mood and joint function. Do as much exercise as your health allows. And enjoy the benefits!
Maintain a healthy weight
Losing weight if you need to can reduce pressure on painful joints, and improve their function. Even losing 10% of your weight can make a big impact!
Protect your Joints
Be kind to yourself by performing activities that are easy on your joints. Swimming, water aerobics, walking and bicycling are terrific forms of activity that are easy on the joints.
Higher risk activities like contact sports or heavy lifting can damage joints and lead to developing or worsening arthritis symptoms. Always wear protective equipment including knee pads or braces to protect your joints during activity.
What can chiropractic do for my arthritis symptoms?
Gentle chiropractic adjustments can provide fast relief for painful joints. And, since chiropractic is so effective at restoring functionality of the joints, a treatment or series of treatments can improve the function and mobility of the joint, and help reduce inflammation. "Our goal is always to get your joints moving as smoothly as possible", says Dr. Cole. "When you have optimal function, you also have less pain."
If you are curious about how chiropractic can help you with symptoms of arthritis, please make an appointment at Cole Chiropractic Clinic today. Dr. Cole is glad to sit down with you to discuss your particular situation.