It may flare up whenever you try to exercise, or when you're simply trying to get up out of your living-room chair. The pains associated with arthritis -- a condition in which swollen joints cause pain and stiffness -- aren't yours alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, 22 percent of Americans suffer from the condition.
Step 1
Exercise regularly. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition, is often caused by being overweight. Shedding a few pounds may relieve some of the stress on your cartilage and strengthen your bones. Keep in mind, though, that if your arthritis is the result of long-term, repetitive motions -- such as throwing a football or handling a jackhammer -- you don't want to simulate those motions too much.
Instead, it's best to focus on exercise that doesn't require high impact and increasing flexibility while toning muscle. Yoga and swimming are generally high-quality choices in this context, but it's wise to consult a specialist before embarking on an exercise routine.
Step 2
Take some glucosamine and chondroitin pills. The oft-advertised supplements may not do much for you if you have mild arthritis, but could be beneficial if you have more severe symptoms, according to a University of Utah study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine."
In the study, participants reporting moderate or heavy arthritic pain showed a response rate nearly 25 percent better than those given placebo pills. Glucosamine and chondroitin, which occur naturally in the body, helps keep cartilage healthy. They can be found at your local health or drug store in the form of dietary supplements.
Step 3
Drink some alcohol. This may sound silly, but according to a study performed at University of Sheffield and published in the journal "Rheumatology," alcohol can lessen the pain caused by arthritis. The study concluded that participants who drank regularly suffered less arthritis-related pain than those who didn't imbibe often.
The researchers concluded that because alcohol suppresses your immune system, it may block pathways that typically deliver arthritis. Of course, drinking in moderation is always advisable.
Things You'll Need
- Alcohol
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
