Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain in the joints of the body. When you are diagnosed with arthritis, your doctor may first recommend medications to control symptoms, such as anti-inflammatory pain relievers, steroid injections and immunosuppressants. Eventually, patients may require joint replacement or tendon repair surgeries to manage symptoms. As part of your arthritis treatment, you can make changes to your diet and exercise routine.
Step 1
Take a walk each day. If you are an arthritis sufferer and new to exercise, MayoClinic.com suggests that you start off easy with a daily walk.
Step 2
Work out in the water. Water-based aerobics allow you to exercise without putting stress on your joints. You may try swimming or sign up for a water aerobics class.
Step 3
Find a People with Arthritis Can Exercise class in your area. This program was developed by the Arthritis Foundation and is offered at community centers and fitness facilities nationwide. The program provides modifications on different exercises for individuals with arthritis. If a class is not offered in your area, DVDs are available that demonstrate the exercises.
Step 4
Eliminate possible allergens from your diet. A simple diet of fruits, vegetables, meats and fish should be followed for approximately one month, suggests Jonathan Brostoff, a professor of allergy and environmental health at Kings College in London and featured in "Arthritis Today."
Step 5
Reintroduce foods back into your diet after trying Step 4. If you notice an improvement in your symptoms after a month, you may start to reintroduce restricted foods back into your diet. Eat one restricted food item at a time for several days. If you remain symptom free, eat another restricted item.
