Managing Early-Onset Arthritis

We typically associate arthritis with old-age. It’s just something that happens when the body ages and the joints wear out. But that’s just one type of arthritis. There are others, and they can start much earlier in life – even during your teens. 

You can’t cure early-onset arthritis, but you can manage it better. Here’s how. 

Learn Self-Management Skills

When you have early-onset arthritis – also called rheumatoid arthritis – it can leave you feeling like you’re not in control of your body. That’s why many medical professionals who oversee these cases emphasise the importance of self-management skills. 

These include all sorts of techniques that reduce stress, improve your mood, manage pain, and help you feel in control of your health. 

Be More Active

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When you are in pain, the last thing you feel like doing is going for a walk or swim. But it turns out that exercise is one of the best ways to deal with arthritis pain. The more you move, the healthier your body is overall. Plus it also helps you to avoid chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Currently, the physical activity guidelines recommend that the average person gets around 150 minutes of exercise per week. If you get that much, you’re doing well. 

Protect Your Joints

While exercise is good overall, the wrong type can be harmful. It is critical, therefore, to protect your joints. 

First, seek out low-impact exercises and sports – things like cross-training or swimming. 

Next, support your exercise regime with anti-inflammatory products and foods. Use the best CBD oil you can find and use it on your joints both before and after you exercise. 

Finally, learn proper exercise technique from a trained instructor. Don’t go into it without the knowledge you need to do it correctly. 

Find Ways To Take The Pressure Off Your Joints

Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for people with arthritis. The more pressure on your joints, the more difficult you’ll find your life.

Things like remembering to eat fruit as a snack and talking regular walks can all help keep your body in the best condition it can be. 

Speak To Your Doctor

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If you have joint pain, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about what you can do to alleviate it. The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis of your condition. You could have rheumatoid arthritis – in which case, you need to go on a special programme of lifestyle interventions. Doctors can help reduce pain, minimise joint damage and help you improve your overall quality of life. Some clinics even offer active seminars where you can learn about dealing with arthritis pain and living with the condition. 

When you discover that you have early-onset arthritis, it can come as a bit of a shock. You don’t expect somebody to tell you that you’ve got a disease you thought was lurking for you somewhere in your distant future. The good news, though, is that there are all sorts of interventions you can use to overcome the problem. 

This is a collaborative post.