All over the United States, one out of 25 working-age adults (18 to 64-year-olds) face workplace limitations due to their arthritis. This can be extremely difficult for anyone, but it’s especially trying for someone who is expected to perform physical labor for their occupation.
According to recent surveys, it’s estimated that work tools and power tools cause an average of almost 400,000 visits to the emergency room every year. Not only are you at danger of hurting yourself when you work with power tools, but your arthritis makes your job that much harder. Luckily, there are some things you can do to deal with your arthritis and make your job just a little bit easier.
Exercise
Exercise might bother your joints at first, but regular movements help maintain your joint flexibility. Weight-bearing exercise like running and walking can be damaging, so try low-impact exercises. Things like swimming or even tennis can help. Playing tennis for fun can also help women burn 169 calories in 30 minutes and 208 calories in 30 minutes for men. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.
Be social
Having an active social life can help you deal with your arthritis mentally. You might be facing limitations with work and even with everyday life, and that can get frustrating and sometimes downright depressing. Bottling up those feelings and isolating yourself will only make things worse. There are more than 134,000 people employed by the U.S. party and event planning industry, so there’s bound to be a party, wedding, or special event you can go to once in a while with your friends to get out of the house.
Eat fish
Inflammation is typically one of the biggest problems people with arthritis face. So, anti-inflammatory agents can be extremely beneficial. Certain types of fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which are great at fighting inflammation. Experts recommend at least three to four ounces of fish twice a week to help fight inflammation. You can find the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna.
Try acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that involves inserting needles into specific points on your body. It’s supposed to reroute energies and restore balance to your blood. It also helps increase blood flow which is great for your health for many reasons. Acupuncture is the most researched complementary therapy, and the World Health Organization recommends it for more than 100 different conditions.
Control your weight
Excess weight isn’t great for many parts of your body, and that’s especially true for your joints. Your knees, for example, might be aching simply because of the extra weight on your body. If you want to relieve the pain you’re experiencing from arthritis, even 10 pounds will help.
Try new things
Finally, you should try switching up your routine when it comes to pain relief once in a while. Experimenting with new techniques to manage your pain can be incredibly helpful. You can apply an ice pack, take a warm bath, meditate, try deep breathing exercises, or even listen to music. Changing your habits just might help your pain go away.
Everyone experiences pain differently, and everyone’s experience with arthritis is unique. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you. You can also listen to experiences from others to better understand the symptoms and circumstances of others.