HealthQuest

An estimated 41 million Americans are living with arthritis. Forty percent of those are aged 65 years or better. Arthritis hurts the joints where two bones meet and causes pain, swelling, warm sensations and redness. If you have discomfort for more than two weeks, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor. Since there are more than 100 different types of the condition, your physician can diagnose and prescribe a treatment for your specific needs.

Although there’s not yet a cure for arthritis, there are numerous medications that can help those living with the ailment. A medical professional can also show you range-of-motion exercises that can relieve arthritic pain.

“Eating the proper foods, stretching and resting are a few ways to help make living with arthritis easier,” says Margarette Borg, president of California Home Care. “Yogurt, cheese, ice cream, broccoli and salmon are excellent sources of calcium that are also good for aching bones.”

A warm bath before bed can relieve muscle tension and ease joints to help you get a restful night’s sleep. Also, make sure to wear well-padded shoes with plenty of room for your toes. Quality shoes can make a world of difference in the way you feel. An ice pack can lessen the pain of aching joints. A bag of frozen peas or corn can be used and molded to the shape of your body. There are also numerous assistive devices designed for those living with arthritis.

For more information about living with arthritis, call the Arthritis Foundation toll-free at (800) 283-7800.

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