30-Second Summary
- Arthritis is difficult and painful to deal with.
- There are many ways you can help manage the symptoms of joint disorders such as arthritis or osteoarthritis.
- You should avoid unhealthy practices such as eating too much sugar or gluten and living a sedentary lifestyle.
11 Things to Stop Doing If You Have Arthritis
If you struggle with arthritis, then you know exactly how much of an impact it can have on your life. Not only does arthritis affect your physical health, but it can affect your mental health too.
Painful and stiff joints can stop you from living the life you want to live. It can prevent you from getting out and doing things you enjoy.
Plus, chronic pain can trigger or exacerbate depression[1].
If you have arthritis, then there are things you can do to help yourself. But there are also things you should avoid. Here are 11 things you need to stop doing if arthritis is affecting your life.
Avoid Eating Added Sugars.
Even if you don’t have arthritis, it’s important not to have too much sugar. Arthritis can be worsened[2] by consuming sugar. Remember to always read the labels on your food to check for sugar content, and avoid anything too high in sugar.
Replace sugary drinks like pop and juice with water instead, which will help keep stiff joints lubricated.
Avoid Gluten
Bread and pasta may taste amazing, but they can impact the symptoms of your arthritis. This is because gluten might be inflammatory. And since inflammatory foods are the last things you should be eating if you have arthritis, then taking care not to eat too much gluten can help manage your systems.
This doesn’t mean you have to cut gluten out entirely! It just means you may want to be mindful about eating less.
Stop Avoiding Exercise
If you have arthritis, then you may be under the impression that exercise is a bad idea. But you couldn’t be more wrong! Exercising is a great way to build strength in your muscles, bones, and joints. And the more strength you build up, the less your joints will be painful. So start exercising and feel for yourself the difference it can make.
Stop Performing High-Impact Activities
While working out is important for those who have arthritis, it’s equally important to make sure you’re doing the right kind.
If you’re doing high-impact workout, those aren’t going to help you. Things like running, jumping jacks, and jumping rope can all make your joints feel worse.
Instead, aim for low-impact workout for arthritis pain. Things like yoga and tai chi could improve movement and flexibility. Even going for a walk is a great, relatively low-impact workout that’s easy to do.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
People with inflammatory arthritis in particular should avoid drinking too much alcohol. But anyone with joint issues should also cut down on their alcohol intake.
Alcohol might also increase your risk[3] of getting osteoarthritis. So, even if you don’t have arthritis, you may want to consider cutting back.
Again, you don’t need to eliminate alcohol if you don’t want to. But decreasing the amount you consume can benefit your health significantly.
Stop Avoiding Mobility Aids
Many people who struggle with arthritis and other mobility issues feel nervous about relying on mobility aids. It can be hard to admit that you need assistance, and it could feel like a step backward.
But needing a cane, walker, or wheelchair isn’t anything to be ashamed of. Anything that’s going to help you get back to the things you enjoy should be celebrated. Don’t hesitate to purchase a mobility aid. Using it is going to make your life better.
Stop Eating Salty Foods
Getting a little salt in your daily diet is fine, but you don’t want to consume too much of it. Salt can make your inflammation act up, which, of course, will make your joints painful and stiff. Consuming too much salt can also make you more at risk for rheumatoid arthritis.
Avoid foods like canned soups, processed meats, pizza, and some cheeses as these foods all tend to be pretty high in salt.
Stop Avoiding Joint Support Products
Some people feel that relying on anti-inflammatories to help their arthritis means that they’re not handling their illness the right way.
But the opposite is true. There’s nothing wrong with needing anti-inflammatory medication, especially if it’s going to make your life better.
You may want to discuss with your doctor possible non-surgical treatments that could work for you. Looking into joint supplements like Osteomd could also be beneficial and help you get your life back on track.
Avoid Living a Sedentary Lifestyle
Being sedentary may seem like it’s the right choice if you have arthritis. But sedentary lifestyles don’t help your joints get stronger.
It’s important to get out and about when you can, and not just for your physical health. Your mental health will benefit from getting out and moving around too.
While you should make sure to get enough rest, moving your body as much as you can, may help lessen the symptoms of your arthritis and keep you mobile.
Stop Stressing Out
Reducing stress is easier said than done. But stress can also affect your immune system, as well as make your symptoms feel worse. That’s why it’s important to reduce as much of your stress as possible.
If you’re not sure how to reduce your stress levels, then consider practicing mindfulness, making time for things you enjoy, and consider speaking to a therapist to help manage your mental health.
Quit Smoking
If you have arthritis and you smoke, then make this your sign to start weaning yourself off. Smoking can make your joint pain feel worse, as well as lessen the effectiveness of any treatments you may be on.
Even smokers without any chronic illnesses should consider quitting. But if you have a condition like arthritis, then you’ll want to start quitting right away.
Conclusion
Joint disorders and all their variations are incredibly difficult to deal with. If you struggle with arthritis, then making sure to live a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain activities and triggers will help you manage your symptoms. Also, you should consider looking into the top joint pain supplements on the market to help you feel your best.
Reference:
1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083251/
