Living with arthritis can be challenging any time of year, but once the hustle and bustle of the holidays arrive, joint pain and stiffness can grow even worse. The Orthopaedic Specialists team understands that there’s no time for limitations during the holidays, and we’re here to help you find lasting relief.
Arthritis is not a single condition, but it’s the name used to refer to numerous conditions that affect joint health. Inflammation is the most common symptom of arthritis, which can affect virtually any joint within the human body.
Here are some additional signs and symptoms of arthritis:
Symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe. They can flare up during times of heavy joint movement, or can remain steady no matter how active you are. Some people can manage their symptoms through self-care, while others need professional intervention to achieve lasting relief.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can help manage arthritis symptoms this coming holiday season.
The best way to manage arthritis symptoms is by careful planning. If you’re like most people with arthritis, you’ve probably already learned how to work around any limitations your joint health presents.
You may perform gentle stretching before moving around throughout the day. You may use special household tools, such as shoe horns and jar openers, to reduce strain on your joints. Or perhaps you have a daily routine that incorporates periods of rest to give your joints a break.
However, the holidays can make routines feel out of balance. If you travel or host loved ones in your home, the shape of your days might be more challenging to control. Having a plan is the best way to make progress this holiday season with ease.
As the holidays approach, consider whether the following efforts might help you enjoy the season with less joint pain.
The holidays can be busy with a long list of family and community obligations. While these events can bring joy, they can also take a toll on your body. Consider scheduling time into each day to focus on yourself and give your body a break.
You don’t have to go to sleep to achieve rest. Simply sitting down, stretching, and focusing on relaxing your muscles can go a long way toward relieving the stress of the day.
First, don’t feel as though you have to complete the same level of holiday preparations that you might have in years past. Create a list of holiday tasks and think about which options can be scaled back or eliminated.
Review the remaining tasks and decide how you can break them up into smaller steps. For example, if you’re preparing a big holiday meal, break up the shopping and prep work over the course of a few days to make it more manageable.
You probably already know that highly processed foods and those that contain a lot of sugar can trigger an arthritis flare-up. However, some foods also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can ease arthritis symptoms.
Consider adding options like walnuts, leafy greens, salmon, and berries to your holiday meal planning. These foods can reduce swelling in your joints and make the holidays easier to enjoy.
For people with arthritis, staying active can help keep their joints moving freely. It's important to choose exercises that don't place undue stress or strain on your joints. Swimming, walking, and yoga are all options, and many great videos are available online to inspire you.
At the same time, pushing too hard can cause further damage. Be sure to listen to the messages your body is sending and avoid punching beyond your limitations.
If you’ve tried all kinds of self-care solutions but are still living with joint pain, the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialists can help. We offer a wide range of arthritis treatments, from physical therapy to joint injections, bone marrow treatment, and even surgical solutions, including joint replacement.
Give us a call today to book a visit. We also offer easy online booking, which takes just moments to complete.
