8 Things You Shouldn’t Do If You Have Arthritis 

Arthritis can be a challenging condition, with painful and uncomfortable flares up, often making it difficult to enjoy everyday activities. Let’s be honest. Certain activities can make arthritic symptoms worse, so it’s crucial to understand what triggers may lead to pain and inflammation. Frankly, engaging in these activities should be avoided at all costs.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. For what it’s worth, those who suffer from this condition may experience a decrease in mobility due to joint swelling and stiffness.

Naturally, these people must take extra special care when it comes to their physical activity.

That said, there are still lots of things you can do to manage your symptoms and stay healthy. Here are some things you should avoid if you have arthritis:

1. Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

It may be tempting to ignore the signs of arthritis, but this is not recommended. Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms and contact your doctor for an assessment as soon as possible.

2. Don’t Avoid Exercise

Many people think that exercising with arthritis is too painful, but in fact, regular physical activity is essential for managing pain and improving joint function. Speak to your doctor or physiotherapist about suitable exercises that are right for you.

Things You Shouldn’t Do If You Have Arthritis 

4. Skip High-Impact Activities

High-impact activities such as running or jumping can be very hard on arthritic joints and might not always be worth the risk. Instead, opt for low-impact options like swimming or biking.

3. Don’t Overdo It

Arthritis can cause fatigue, so it is important to pace yourself throughout the day and rest when needed. Get plenty of sleep each night, and make sure to schedule regular breaks from activities that are too strenuous for your joints.

4. Don’t Skip Out on Nutrition

Eating a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help minimize inflammation caused by arthritis and decrease pain levels over time.

Make sure you include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil in your meals every day.

On the other hand, it is important to avoid processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars, which can worsen arthritic pain.

5. Steer Clear of Cold Weather

Cold weather causes muscles, ligaments, and tendons to stiffen up, leading to joint stiffness and pain that could last days after the cold snap has passed. If possible, try to remain indoors when temperatures dip too low outside.

6. Take Breaks from Repetitive Tasks

Repetitive tasks such as typing or using tools all day long can lead to swollen joints due to overworking certain areas of your body.

So make sure to take regular breaks for stretching or moving around to give your joints a break every now and then!

7. Don’t Isolate Yourself

Having arthritis can make it difficult to participate in social activities due to fatigue or pain flare-ups. Still, it doesn’t mean that you have to become isolated from family and friends.

Reach out to them often through phone calls or internet chat services so that you can still stay connected when unable to leave home due to health reasons.

8. Don’t Give Up

Living with chronic illness can feel overwhelming at times, but don’t give up hope!

There are numerous treatments available that can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis, such as medications prescribed by a doctor or alternative therapies like massage therapy or acupuncture that may make daily life more manageable for those living with this condition.

By following these tips, you can continue to lead an active and healthy life with arthritis. Remember always to discuss any changes in your symptoms and treatment options with your doctor so that you can find the best strategy for managing your condition!

Further Reading