Did you know that almost 1 in 6 Australians suffer from some form of arthritis? With a statistic like this, there is no wonder that it is the leading cause of disability and chronic pain.
Let’s get clear about what Arthritis is… The term ‘arthritis’ actually covers a wide range of medical conditions. These different conditions all have one thing in common: they impact the joints. The result of this is pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness in the body. Research suggests that Arthritis most often affects the hands, knees, hips, and back. It can affect one joint or many and it can move around affecting the hands one day and the feet the next.
There is still no cure for arthritis, and we haven’t really determined what causes it yet. However, treatment can really help to ease the symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the joints. It can be challenging to manage as it affects everyone differently. We have put together some ideas on how to help manage your arthritis and aids that you can use to help you live better!
Stay active
It can be hard to do but one of the key ways to manage the symptoms of arthritis is regular movement. Research has shown that keeping the joints active can reduce the severity of arthritis. Long-term damage to your joints can be lessened. It has also been shown to help improve your overall health and wellbeing. Not all types of exercise are suited to arthritis however and it is wise to speak to a professional before launching into a mini marathon! It makes sense that any movement that places excessive strain on the joints, can worsen your symptoms. This includes movements like jumping or sharp stops. Instead, look for low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga.
Know your treatment options
Once you are diagnosed with arthritis, your doctor and other health professionals will work with you to tailor a treatment plan.
Treatment options will vary. They may include:
- physical therapy,
- medicines,
- complementary therapies like acupuncture,
- exercise
- counselling.
In some cases, you may need to try a few treatments before working out what’s best for you. Work with the team and get involved in seeking out the best treatment for you, your lifestyle and your symptoms.
Learning how to manage your arthritis
Sufferers of arthritis know that it can make it difficult or even painful to carry out many of the activities you once found easy. These ordinary everyday tasks may include:
- preparing meals,
- walking,
- driving,
- bathing
- dressing.
Part of the issue of course is that the severity of your arthritis symptoms can change from day to day. It is not unusual to be able to button your shirt one day and then struggle with the same task the next. Managing a chronic condition like arthritis can take a lot of energy and persistence. It is therefore not unusual for people with arthritis to feel tired and need regular breaks throughout the day. It’s important to be aware of the tasks that you are struggling with and manage your energy levels throughout the day.
Access arthritis products and use them
There are things that you can do to alter the way you do certain tasks. You can make them easier, and this helps you to prevent fatigue and manage your symptoms. These Arthritis aids can also help you to conserve your energy. They make daily activities simpler and less tiring and more enjoyable! These products for people with arthritis have been designed specifically to help protect their joints. They reduce the effort required to complete a task effectively. One of the huge benefits of these arthritic aids is to allow you to maintain a level of independence that may not be possible without. They can help you carry out tasks that are physically difficult and enable better mobility. There are many different types of aids for arthritis sufferers. This includes adapted
- cutlery and cooking utensils,
- bottle and jar openers,
- tap turners,
- dressing aids
- showering.
Of course, there are also a wide variety of mobility aids including walking frames, manual and electric wheelchairs as well as bars to aid in moving around the home. These can be invaluable to someone who struggles getting around. Having arthritis shouldn’t mean having to miss out on an active social life. But extensive walking or navigating difficult terrains can cause fatigue and may mean missing out on some activities. Walkers and mobility scooters allow people with arthritis to get out and enjoy life while avoiding fatigue or sore joints caused by movement. Explore the range of daily living aids for arthritis sufferers at Hello Mobility. With a wide range, friendly, and experienced customer service team, we will be able to guide you.
If you would like to discuss a home demonstration, we can easily organise that for you too. Email us here or call us on 1800 122 662 and one of our friendly team will organise that for you. We will help you to regain some of your independence and allow you to “Live without Limits”.
