(NC)-For those who suffer from arthritis, it’s hard to know when a flare up of pain will occur or how intense the flare up will be. All forms of arthritis are serious and can affect many aspects of a person’s life. Though it is unclear why pain strikes when it does, there are some things one can do to help and try to avoid flare ups from occurring.
1. Avoid lifting heavy objects – Lifting heavy objects can put a huge strain on your joints and muscles, which in turn may cause arthritis pain to flare up. Try using carts or carriers with wheels in order to move things.
2. Take the time to laugh – As odd as it may sound, laughter can help ease pain. When we laugh, our body releases endorphins, pain-relieving hormones that can give you the feeling of euphoria.
3. Learn to relax – Pain can cause stress and tension – mentally and physically. Taking the time to relax can help lower your blood pressure, adrenalin flow and respiratory rate. When our muscles relax, similar to laughing, our bodies release endorphins that can help ease pain.
4. Don’t overdo it – Remember to pace yourself throughout the day. Prevent exertion by separating daily tasks into manageable amounts. Always take breaks when necessary – they don’t have to be very long – even a five minute break can help you re-energize.
5. Lead a healthy, balanced diet – Diet has a major impact on how you look and feel – for those suffering from arthritis, having a diet that’s full of vitamins and nutrients is key. Make an effort to consume foods known to have anti-inflammatory properties to help with arthritis symptoms, such as tart cherries. Not only can they help relieve pain, but taste great as well.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
