5 WAYS TO REDUCE ARTHRITIS PAIN

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY JOINTS

EAT RIGHT According to the folks at Arthritis Health: “Research suggests following an antiinflammatory, plant-based diet that emphasizes unprocessed, whole foods may help relieve arthritis joint inflammation, thereby reducing stiffness and pain.” Indulge in a sampling of fruits, leafy greens, nuts, tofu, whole grains and green tea.

BE ACTIVE “Physical activity is a simple and effective, drug-free way to relieve arthritis pain,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Still, it’s important to protect your joints by choosing low-impact activities like walking, bicycling, swimming and tai chi.

MANAGE YOUR WEIGHT Since those extra pounds can put more stress on weight-bearing joints, “being overweight can increase complications of arthritis and contribute to arthritis pain,” explain experts at the Mayo

Clinic. “[But] making incremental, permanent lifestyle changes resulting in gradual weight loss is often the most effective method of weight management.”

GO HOT AND COLD Keep the heat wraps and ice packs handy. Per the Arthritis Foundation: “Warming tissues eases pain by increasing blood flow to affected areas, which decreases inflammation, relaxes tight muscles and eliminates waste products, like lactic acid, that cause stiffness and soreness. Cold decreases blood flow to reduce swelling, slows the transmission of pain signals through nerves and inhibits inflammatory chemicals.”

REDUCE STRESS “Dealing with a painful chronic condition like arthritis can cause stress and anxiety, which only increases the intensity of your pain,” say the orthopedic surgeons at New York Bone & Joint Specialists. “Meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques calm the mind and help you cope with stress and pain.”