How can you prevent and manage arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are steps you can take to prevent it and manage its symptoms. Here are some tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts added pressure on your joints, which can worsen arthritis pain. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce the strain on your joints and prevent further damage.
• Stay active: Regular exercise can help keep your joints flexible and reduce arthritis pain. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are especially good for people with arthritis.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation in your body, which can ease arthritis pain.
• Protect your joints: Use proper body mechanics when lifting heavy objects or doing other activities that could put strain on your joints. Wearing supportive shoes and using assistive devices like canes or splints can also help.
• Try hot and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to sore joints can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. You can try using a heating pad, taking a warm bath, or using an ice pack.
• Take medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage arthritis pain. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications or recommend other treatments like physical therapy or joint injections.

By following these tips, you can prevent arthritis from getting worse and manage its symptoms more effectively. However, it's important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or if your symptoms are getting worse.