Most older adults can relate to the aches and pains of arthritis, which can be caused by a number of factors. The most common form is referred to as osteoarthritis and is the result of years of wear and tear on the body’s joints. Statistics posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that 24% of all adults or 58.5 million people have arthritis in the United States.
Although the joint pain and stiffness from arthritis can be a daily challenge, it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying life—particularly if you have access to the type of wellness programming and amenities you will find at Brandermill Woods.
Medical professionals have developed a number of conventional treatments to control inflammation and slow the progression of the disease, but a number of natural therapies also play an important role. Give these 7 tips a try!
1. Focus on moderate-impact exercises.
Our wellness professionals recommend that exercises for older adults with arthritis should be moderate to avoid putting too much strain on the muscles and joints. Go for activities such as walking, aquatic exercise, yoga and tai-chi.
2. Maintain a healthy weight.
Many of us find ourselves a tad overweight, and losing even five pounds can be helpful in managing arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases pressure and strain on your joints which translates to less pain.
3. Drink plenty of water.
Ensure that you drink plenty of water each day to keep your joints lubricated. With less tension and friction around the joints, the pain of arthritis is less severe.
4. Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.
Arthritis typically causes swelling around the joints leading to pain and deformed tissues. Consuming arthritis-friendly foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger and turmeric can help to ease the symptoms of arthritis by reducing the swelling.
5. Try physical therapy.
Regular physical therapy helps to manage arthritis by targeting the stiffness of the joints, especially in older adults. Over time you will experience improved strength, a greater range of motion and less discomfort.
6. Consider massage therapy.
Many massage therapists offer massages targeting chronic arthritis pain in older adults. Massages help by reducing stiffness while stimulating blood flow to the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints.
7. Experiment with thermotherapy.
Using a mixture of hot and cold treatments will help you determine which works best to relieve your arthritis pain. As a general guide, ice packs tend to be useful for acute cases while applying a hot compress can help relieve chronic pain.
At Brandermill Woods we’re here to ensure you have an exciting retirement supported by wellness programming—for natural and conventional treatment of arthritis. To learn more about our retirement community or schedule a campus tour, contact us today!
