For anyone living with a chronic condition, medication can make a world of difference to ease your pain.
According to Arthritis Society Canada, there’s also a lot you can do to manage pain without drugs.
Physical activity – Regular physical activity can help relieve arthritis symptoms, reduce pain and
improve your overall health. While moving sore joints might seem counterintuitive, exercise can
strengthen your muscles, which is crucial to supporting your joints. Stay as active as your health
allows. Some physical activity is always better than none.
Meditation – While meditation can’t take away pain, research shows it can help you approach
and manage it in a healthy way.
Heat and cold therapy – The use of gentle heat may help relax muscles and stimulate
circulation, thereby decreasing pain. Cold therapy – in the form of frozen gel packs or ice – can
reduce inflammation and swelling during a flare up (be sure to put a towel or something
between the skin and ice pack). After using heat or cold, gently move the sore joint to reduce
stiffness.
Rest – While physical activity can be beneficial, resting is also important. Listening to your body
and resting when you notice pain, swelling or increased heat around an affected joint can
reduce the length of a flare up.
Massage therapy and acupuncture – These treatments have been helpful for some people.
Consult your physician before trying them for yourself and use a registered practitioner if you
do.
For more information, visit Arthritis Society Canada at arthritis.ca.
