The At-Home Arthritis Guide: Movement, Diet, Stress & Joint Support

Managing arthritis day-to-day can be a lot to navigate, especially not knowing where to start. Arthritis is a very common condition and, naturally, many choose to deal with it very differently. The main thing to keep in mind is that whether you choose to add exercise, a diet change or stress management to your lifestyle, do it in a way that feels like an easy addition to your routine.

Each of the options below have their own benefits. A gentle way to start is with a natural topical option like H-Arthritis Formula. It falls into any routine seamlessly and is made from natural plant-based ingredients to support your skin.

What Exactly is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints (where our bones meet one another), causing the cartilage between them to wear down. How this happens can differ from person to person depending on the type of arthritis that they have. It is most common in adults but children and teens can develop arthritis too.

It affects joints like:

• Feet, fingers, and hands
• Ankles
• Wrists
• Hips
• Lower spine

Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can include:

• Swelling
• Pain that feels persistent
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Warmth in the joint area
• Redness

Daily Routines to Help Manage Arthritis

Alongside doctor’s recommendations, many aim to incorporate lifestyle changes to help manage their arthritis. This can be done through exercise, changes in your diet or just by managing stress in general.  

Diet and Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Arthritis is commonly associated with inflammation. Knowing which foods can trigger inflammation and which can help reduce it can be helpful in managing arthritis.

Foods and drinks that may contribute to inflammation include:

• Drinks or food that is high in sugar
• Wine and other alcohol
• Overly processed food like anything that's baked or fried, fast food or cereal
• Food that is very high in salt

Foods that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties include:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• A Mediterranean diet that includes beans, whole grains, fruit and vegetables
• Food that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish and flaxseeds

Movement and Low-Impact Exercise

Doing low impact activities like walking, yoga, cycling, swimming and water aerobics can help strengthen your joints and offer your muscles some more support. Along with having a good diet, these activities can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is always advised when managing your arthritis.

If you have arthritis, you may also want to avoid activities which are tough on the joints, such as:

• Jumping
• High-impact cardio or sports
• Heavy weight lifting
• Doing repetitive movements
• Running

Hot and Cold Therapy

Using hot and cold therapy can help with pain management.  ‘Hot’ is used for when you feel stiff or achy. ‘Cold’ is used for swelling. Here’s how you can do it:

Hot Therapy:

• Used for the morning stiffness or before you do an activity
• Heat pads
• Hot baths
• Warm showers
• Using a warm washcloth

Note: Do not use heat therapy if you have an injury or if the area is swollen.

Cold Therapy:

• Ice packs applied after activity can help with swelling
• Using frozen vegetables in a packet
• Ice, but always use something to put the ice in like a towel and never apply ice directly to your skin

Always be careful of how long you apply hot and cold therapy to ensure that you do burn yourself or get frostbite.

Natural Topical Options Like H-Arthritis Formula

Many consider a natural approach to help manage arthritis, using complementary products alongside medication. Some strong medications can come with side effects, which is why it's worth looking into gentle complementary options. H-Arthritis Formula is a natural plant-based product that is applied to the joints as part of a daily care routine.

Stress Management

Stress can play a role in inflammation and is worth managing as part of overall arthritis care. Dealing with arthritis often brings on its own stress as the pain, aches and medical bills can take a toll.

Dealing with stress could look like:

• Speaking to a friend
• Journaling your thoughts
• Going for walks
• Getting outside
• Meditating

What's Worth Your Time And What Isn't

What’s worth your time is trying the above, not all at once, but at a pace that you’re happy with and that can fit into your routine easily. Some options that have very little evidence of supporting arthritis symptoms and should be avoided are:

• Ignoring your pain and trying to push through it
• Any type of smoking
• Using a copper bracelet
• Excessive heat (like doing hot yoga) - this can put unnecessary strain on already inflamed joints

Trying A Natural Remedy For Arthritis

When using topical products for arthritis you want to make sure that they are safe to use on your skin. H-Arthritis Formula is gentle to use on your skin and can be used at home.

How H-Arthritis Formula cares for your skin:

• Made from pure essential oils and homeopathic ingredients
• Gentle on the skin and absorbs quickly
• Can be used on joints all over the body
• Applied at home, making it a convenient option

When To Get Your Arthritis Checked

You should see a doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms of arthritis, or if you find that your symptoms are worsening.

These symptoms could look like:

• Persistent pain, swelling and inflammation that lasts days or a month
• Your joints are red or warm when you touch them
• You’re experiencing difficulty moving your joints
• Stiffness and tenderness
• You notice your symptoms flaring up several times within a month

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know I Have Arthritis?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, go and see a doctor. They will be able to assess whether you do have arthritis or send you to a specialist to do tests.

What Age Do You Get Arthritis?

It is more common to develop arthritis later in life, but it does not only happen as we get older, it can happen at any age.

What Causes Arthritis?

It is not fully understood as to what the root cause of it is, as there are so many different types, each with their own contributing factors.

How Does H-Arthritis Formula Work?

You can apply H-Arthritis Formula to the area 3 times a day. As part of your daily routine. It is a gentle, natural topical option that is easy to incorporate into your day.

Is Arthritis Hereditary?

No, but genetics can play a role. If there is a family history of arthritis you may be more likely to develop it at some point, but it is not something you are born with.

Sources

Arthritis Foundation. What Is Arthritis?
Mayo Clinic. Arthritis
Cleveland Clinic. Arthritis
Dr PJ Smith. Treating Pain with Ice and Heat
Healthline. Natural Relief From Arthritis Pain

Note; This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Any joint pain, swelling stiffness, warmth or redness that persists or worsens should be assessed by a qualified medical professional. H-Arthritis Formula is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.