During Arthritis Awareness Month this May, our team at AFC Urgent Care Farragut wants you to know what steps you can take to prevent arthritis and how to manage it, if you have it.
How Can I Prevent Arthritis?
The key to treating arthritis in the best way possible is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Therefore, you want to make sure you do what you can to prevent arthritis, such as by maintaining a healthy weight, as added weight can put more pressure on your joints, which can cause them pain.
In addition, you want to eat fatty fish and exercise most days of the week to help improve the mobility of your joints and avoid stiffness. If you have arthritis, exercise can be your best friend—choose joint-friendly activities to stay active with less pain.
Good Exercises for Those With Arthritis
- Stretching
- Walking
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Water exercises
- Cycling
- Strength training
- Hand exercises
What Is the Best Treatment for Arthritis?
Although there is currently no cure for arthritis, there are certain things you can do to help alleviate the pain associated with the medical condition.
Your doctor can recommend the treatment options that are best for you, but treatment may include oral or injected medications, physical therapy, or even surgery in severe cases. It’s also important to implement lifestyle changes, including watching your diet.
Foods That Can Make Arthritis Worse
- Processed foods
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Sugar and certain sugar alternatives
- Red meat and fried foods
- Refined carbohydrates
- Cheese and high-fat dairy
- Alcohol
We are here for you! Visit the AFC Urgent Care Farragut website today to learn about our services and how you can schedule a visit.
