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Living Well With Arthritis

Small strategies can make a big difference. Try our tips to maintain an active lifestyle and learn what helps with arthritis pain.

Living with osteoarthritis can be challenging. Joints affected by osteoarthritis may feel achy, painful, or stiff. However, this diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up the lifestyle you love. We have four tips on what helps arthritis pain to keep you from slowing down.

By incorporating these habits into your life, you will protect your joints, reduce discomfort, and improve your mobility.

Don’t get too comfortable for too long

Holding one position for too long increases the risk that your joints will stiffen up. Make it a rule to get up and stretch every 15 minutes, whether you are working at your computer, reading, or watching television.

Lead with your strength

Protect more delicate finger and wrist joints. Use your strongest joints and muscles to perform tasks. When you are opening heavy doors, push with your arm or shoulder, not your hand.

Prioritize and simplify your tasks

Organize your routine to minimize movements that are difficult. Keep your cooking and cleaning supplies within easy reach. You might find it helpful to have multiple sets of cleaning supplies. If you have multiple bathrooms, consider a separate cleaning kit for each bathroom.

Embrace labor-saving tools

Pharmacies, medical supply stories, and online outlets stock all kinds of gadgets and devices that can make daily activities easier. Long-handled grippers are designed to help with gardening and reaching out-of-the-way items. Rubber grips can help you more easily operate faucets, pens, toothbrushes, and eating utensils.

In the end, by incorporating some new habits into your life, and taking advantage of available resources, you can continue to enjoy daily life on your terms. For more information about keeping your joints healthy and maintaining your lifestyle with arthritis, consult with your physician.

When to seek treatment for your arthritis

Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.

Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MNPlymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

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