The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities, may it be osteoarthritis, gout arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions cause pain that can last on and off for a lifetime. Listed below are top ways to avoid arthritis; simple lifestyle changes that will spare you from misery.

Take care of your joints.
Try to find ways to reduce the activity of lifting and carrying at work or at home. Use pulleys and push carts when transferring objects from one place to another. As much as possible avoid tasks that can put too much stress on your hips and knees. Be careful in joining sport activities that can put you at risk for injury.

Avoid bad body posture.
Practice good posture, whether you are sitting or standing. Good posture protects the joints in your neck, back, hips and knees.

Watch your weight.
Body fat can add excessive pressure on the joints. Try to be fit and maintain an active lifestyle. Exert efforts in maintaining an ideal weight. Something as simple as taking early morning brisk walks or something more intensive such as strength- training or yoga is good. Stretching exercises and swimming are some of the best ways to keep joints and muscles in good condition.

Love citrus.
Clinical studies have shown that vitamin C and other antioxidants found in orange and other citrus fruit can significantly reduce chances of getting arthritis.

Drink lots of water.
To lubricate the joints and increase their ability to absorb shocks, you should increase your oral fluid intake. Drink water instead of soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water every day increases urination, facilitating toxic excretion from the body.

Treat your bones.
Calcium must be a part of your daily diet. Drink milk. You may also try other dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. But if milk does not exactly appeal to your taste, or if you happen to suffer from lactose intolerance, other good sources of calcium include salmon, anchovies, and broccoli.

Wear the right shoes.
When buying any footwear, always place comfort on top of your list. Choose shoes that are well added and those that have space to wriggle your toes. Leathers are more advisable than the usual types we see in the market.

Rest.
Give yourself a break. Have enough sleep. Take time occasionally to indulge yourself with relaxing activities. A warm soak in the tub at the end of a tiring day can help de-stress your muscles and joints. Visits to a massage therapist can do much to improve your body’s energy and flexibility.

Fight the cold season.
Protect your joints from the cold winter season by wearing appropriate clothes to keep them warm. In case you need to be out for a prolonged periods, seeking comfort from thick gloves and thermal underwear will be of help.

Know more about the disease.
It would not hurt to do a little reading if you have concerns about arthritis. Knowing the disease process is always an advantage. As arthritis is a condition associated with pain, reading and research will give you ideas on how to prevent and manage such.

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