Introduction
Millions of people worldwide suffer from arthritis; a condition that can cause severe discomfort and significantly reduce mobility. Most often, it's characterized by inflammation in the joints which leads to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. In this article, we'll explain how you or someone close to you might be impacted by arthritis - plus steps for maintaining an active lifestyle despite any limited abilities.Understanding Arthritis
Did you know there are more than 100 types of joint diseases all grouped under the term 'arthritis'? The two main forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteo is really common and basically just means your joints don't have enough cushioning, but with RA it gets way weirder because that one has to do with an immune system gone rogue attacking our own body.How Arthritis Affects Mobility
Living with arthritis can be a real struggle because it affects our ability to move around and do everyday tasks. Let's chat about the different difficulties those who experience this condition have to deal with.Arthritis can be a real pain - literally. It's common to experience joint discomfort, which may range from mild soreness all the way up to excruciating agony. Plus, it might come and go sporadically; so one day you could feel totally fine only for the throbbing sensations of arthritis to sneak back in later on.Have you ever noticed, if you don't move around for a while your joints can get pretty stiff? Yes, it happens to everyone but sometimes arthritis makes the stiffness worse. It's like our natural movement is all cramped up and we just need some motion to help us break free.When your joints become inflamed, they can swell up and cause major discomfort. It's not fun at all - from sitting down to brushing your teeth in the morning, it can become hard to do anything.Have you noticed your movements just don't seem to be as smooth and coordinated lately? That's because when we lose range of motion, the muscles around that joint become weaker. Not only does this make it harder for us to move our joints, but can also put a strain on staying balanced.The joint function can get worse over time due to arthritis, making everyday tasks seem impossible. Not being able to do the things you used to can be really tough.Arthritis can seriously affect a person's mobility, but that doesn't mean their quality of life has to suffer. If you or someone close to you is living with arthritis, remember it IS possible to stay active and healthy - just make sure everyone understands the limitations so proper management techniques can be put into place.Types of Arthritis and How They Affect Moving Around
You may have heard of arthritis but don't know the specifics. There are way more types than you can imagine, and each one has its own ways to impact your ability to move or get around. Besides having different symptoms, these arthritic conditions also affect joints differently—so definitely check it out.Osteoarthritis (OA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Gout
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Managing Arthritis and Improving Mobility
Living with arthritis can be a struggle, but there are cool actions you and your physician can take to nip the condition in the bud. By bringing some simple lifestyle changes into play, it's possible to increase mobility and reduce pain. Some strategies include:- Medication Got a pain that won't quit? Check out over-the-counter meds to see if they can help. If it's really bad, you might need to talk with your doc about getting something stronger.
- Physical therapy A physical therapist can help you improve your flexibility and strength, so you feel more agile! They'll construct an exercise plan just for YOU that's sure to make a huge difference in how you move.
- Weight management Carrying too much weight isn't just bad for your general health - it can also make arthritis symptoms worse! It's important to watch our diet and keep up a healthy lifestyle, so we don't have to worry about wearing down our joints more than necessary.
- Assistive device Mobility scooters and other assistive devices can be a lifesaver for those needing support with their balance. If you're looking to explore some different terrain, there are even special mobility scooters with off-road capabilities that make adventuring easier.
- Joint protection Protecting your joints with splints or braces is important - they can give you a helping hand while doing activities.
- Heat and cold therapy Heat and cold therapy can be a real game-changer when your joints are hurting. Applying the right amount of heat or coolness could have you feeling better in no time.
- Massage Feel your stress and tension melt away with a soothing massage. It not only relieves pain but improves circulation too.
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