Arthritis is an equal opportunity disease. Most of us know someone who is suffering from some form of the disease – it may even be you. May is arthritis awareness month so let’s shed a little light on living with the disease.
There’s no getting around it, arthritis will affect your life. Living with pain and for some, limited physical abilities, is devastating. But there are lots of people who have come before you who have carved some great pathways for coping with such difficulties, and it all starts with keeping a positive attitude and surrounding yourself with the help you need.
Your Body and Arthritis
Begin with learning what works best for your body. You don’t want to shut down, in fact you want to keep moving, but you have to learn how to do that in a way that best protects your joints and reduces your pain. It starts with good posture both in a standing and sitting position. Next is balancing rest and activity and respecting your disease and what your body signals are telling you. Pain is your body’s way of signaling you that there’s a problem. If you’re in the midst of an activity and your pain increases then you may need to do a little less next time.
Consider asking for help reorganizing your home. Make sure the items that you need access to frequently are within easy reach. Self-help devices can make lots of tasks so much easier and take stress off your joints.
What Should Home Look Like for the Arthritis Sufferer?
For the elderly person suffering from arthritis, if you’re still able to live independently, look for a senior living community that provides a safe environment where you can still maintain an active lifestyle. At Parkview Senior Living, the courtyard and walking trails are nice and flat, every apartment bathroom is appointed with handrails and other safety equipment. Your laundry is taken care of for you and the bed is made for you every day. Delicious meals are provided so you never have to cook again if you don’t want to, and with an indoor fitness center and group fitness classes, you can experience just the right level of fitness to keep you healthy and fit.
Discuss a pain management plan with your doctor and the possibility of physical therapy, which can have tremendous long term benefits. Online forums may also be beneficial, allowing you to chat with others living with your same condition, so you don’t feel so alone. And don’t be afraid to lean on friends and family for much needed love and support.
Looking for information, support or just to connect with people here locally in Tennessee? Click here and view what’s happening in our great state and also find out what’s happening on a local level as well. You’re not alone!
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