Living with arthritis can pose challenges when it comes to maintaining strength and mobility. Arthritis is a collective name given to disorders related to the inflammation and pain in the joints. However, with the right strategies and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to preserve and even enhance your strength while managing arthritis symptoms, believes Dr Brian Nantais of the Nantais Family Chiropractic.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:-
- Consult with a healthcare professional
- Regular exercise
- Strength training
- Range of motion exercises
- Pain Management
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Assistive devices and modifications
- Rest and recovery
Consult with a healthcare professional:
- Seek guidance from a medical professional, such as a rheumatologist or a chiropractic expert like Dr Brian Nantais of the Nantais Family Chiropractic at the Elevation Health clinic, who can provide personalised advice and treatment based on your specific condition and needs.
- They can help you recognise the type and severity of arthritis you have and recommend appropriate exercises and treatments.
Regular exercise:
- Engage in a regular exercise routine to strengthen your muscles, maintain flexibility, and improve joint function.
- Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking are generally well-tolerated by individuals with arthritis.
- Work with our expert to develop an exercise plan that suits your abilities and targets the affected joints without causing excessive strain.
Strength training:
- Incorporate strength training exercises recommended by our expert into your routine to build muscle mass, support joint stability, and alleviate strain on your joints.
- Focus on exercises that target the muscles surrounding the affected joints to enhance support and reduce pain.
- Generally, Dr Nantais recommends to start with resistance bands or light weights and gradually increase the intensity as your strength improves.
Range of motion exercises:
- Perform a range of motion exercises to ensure joint flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Gentle stretching, yoga, and tai chi can help enhance joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Avoid overexertion and listen to your body’s limitations to prevent exacerbating arthritis symptoms.
Pain management:
- Work with your healthcare professional to develop an effective pain management plan.
- This may involve medication, topical treatments, or alternative therapies such as heat or cold therapy.
- By effectively managing pain, you can continue your exercise routine and maintain strength and mobility.
Maintain a healthy weight:
- Excess weight can put severe strain on your joints, worsening arthritis symptoms.
- Maintain a proper healthy weight with a balanced diet and everyday exercise to reduce stress on your joints.
- Consult a dietitian or nutritionist to develop a personalised meal plan that supports joint health and overall well-being.
Assistive devices and modifications:
- Utilize assistive devices such as braces, splints, or walking aids to alleviate joint stress and improve mobility.
- Make modifications to your home and workplace to create an arthritis-friendly environment, such as installing grab bars or using ergonomic equipment.
Rest and recovery:
- Allow yourself adequate rest and recovery time to prevent overexertion and minimise joint inflammation.
- Listen to your body’s signals and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits, which can increase pain and discomfort.
Closing Words
In the above ways and with proper guidance, diagnosis and treatment from Dr Brian Nantais of the Nantais Family Chiropractic at the Elevation Health clinic, you will be able to maintain your strength even with arthritis.
