Living with a chronic health condition like arthritis may mean that you need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle to manage your disease and improve your health outcome. It can be stressful to navigate through all of the information out there, but if you work closely with your team of health care providers, you can reduce your symptoms and find ways to increase your wellbeing.
A care provider for chronic disease management can help you to more easily manage the symptoms of a long-lasting condition and coordinate your medical care with your self-management efforts. They put your health and comfort first, so you get advice on an individualized plan and the best treatments possible for you. This is one of the biggest steps you can take to find relief and continue living your life as you want. Check out these tips that will help you manage your arthritis symptoms and feel better.
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Speak With Your Doctor
The first step in managing any chronic illness is to pay a visit to your doctor to get a diagnosis. They may run tests like bloodwork and imaging to get an accurate picture of your current health and pinpoint what the problem is.
If you are found to have arthritis, you may be directed to see a specialist or a team of doctors that will manage your care together. You can benefit from the assistance of a care provider to coordinate your appointments between your general practitioner and additional doctors.
Once you receive a diagnosis, it’s essential that you attend all of your appointments and take any medications that your doctor prescribed.
Work on Your Self-Management Skills
You are the primary person in charge of your own health, so learn as much as possible about the condition you have. Attend workshops and explore all the resources at your disposal. You may learn new techniques on how to manage your pain and reduce stress levels.
It’s also a good idea to educate yourself so you can take control of your health and be an active participant in any decisions that are made. Communicate openly with your health care provider and let them know about any supplemental therapies you have discovered before you try them.
Stay Physically Active and Manage Your Weight
Get some exercise each and every day. Staying active can reduce your pain levels and significantly improve your quality of life. The more you move around, the easier it will be to keep your range of motion and joint function high. Low impact exercises are best as they will be gentle on your joints.
Excess weight can add stress to your joints, causing more pain and a greater risk of experiencing an injury. By maintaining a good diet and keeping to a healthy weight, you will feel better and move around more easily.
Be Gentle on Your Joints
Be mindful of the activities you choose to engage in. Go easy on your joints to protect them and keep them in good shape. When you exercise, opt for movements such as walking and swimming. Avoid high-impact actions that can increase your chance of injuring your joints.
Keep a Positive Mindset
Keeping track of your physical health and staying current with your doctor appointments is crucial for chronic disease management, but you can do even more.
A positive mindset will do wonders for your mood, as well as your physical health. Engage in hobbies that you find enjoyable, reach out to a supportive friend when you need someone to talk to, and practice daily self-care.
When you make an effort to stay in high spirits, you can more easily manage any difficult days. You will feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Start to pay attention to how you feel throughout the day. You may even want to keep a journal to track your symptoms, pain levels, and moods. This will help you to notice any patterns.
When you take the necessary steps to care for yourself, you can greatly improve your total well-being. Living with a chronic disease like arthritis doesn’t have to control your life. Get the assistance you need to take back control and effectively manage your symptoms so you can focus on what’s important.
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