6 Ways To Ease Arthritis Pain at Home
Stiffness and limited mobility from arthritis can turn everyday tasks into painful challenges. This Arthritis Awareness Month, learn how small changes in your daily routine can ease arthritis pain at home.
Arthritis affects nearly 60 million U.S. adults. It impacts the joints and surrounding tissue, often causing pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. As people age, many of the risks associated with arthritis increase. For some, arthritis can lead to chronic pain and limit their independence in later years. If you’re living with arthritis, you’re not alone, and there are ways to make daily life more manageable.
Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes and home modifications can help minimize discomfort and improve your quality of life.
1. Prioritize Low-Impact Exercise
Regular physical activity is crucial to maintaining joint health and flexibility. Low-impact exercises for arthritis, like walking, swimming and yoga, help build muscle and reduce stiffness. Before you start exercising, check with your physician for tips on the best fitness routine for your specific needs.
2. Use Heat Therapy To Relieve Arthritis Stiffness
Heat therapy improves circulation and can reduce joint stiffness. Heating pads, warm compresses and the full-body heat benefits of a warm bath can help relieve arthritis pain. Many people find that starting or ending their day with warmth brings noticeable relief and helps them move more comfortably.
3. Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Joint Health
In many types of arthritis, the body releases inflammatory chemicals that irritate joint tissue, break down cartilage and cause pain and swelling. Making changes to your diet can help ease inflammation and calm the immune system.
Processed foods, added sugars, red meat and refined carbohydrates can trigger inflammation. For long-term arthritis pain management, the Arthritis Foundation recommends adopting a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans.
4. Get Plenty of Sleep
Poor sleep habits can increase inflammation and exacerbate arthritis symptoms. It’s important to balance rest with activity and listen to your body’s signals.
When pain disrupts your sleep, it can create a frustrating cycle, making it even more important to prioritize restful, consistent sleep. Having a supportive mattress and a consistent bedtime routine can help improve the quality of your sleep.
5. Make Arthritis Home Modifications
Mobility limitations can make it harder to navigate your home and increase the risk of falls. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, there are one million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults annually. Making small modifications will reduce the risk of a fall and improve comfort.
Simple modifications include:
- Add grab bars in key areas to improve stability and reduce joint strain.
- Switch to lever-style handles to make gripping easier.
- Upgrade to non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls.
- Install pull-out shelves to minimize bending and reaching.
- Use easy-grip kitchen tools to reduce hand strain.
6. Upgrade To a Walk-In Tub for Arthritis Pain Relief at Home
Bathing with arthritis can be particularly difficult. Stepping over high tub walls and slippery surfaces can be hazardous. Standing while showering may also cause joint pain. Making a one-time investment in a walk-in tub for arthritis can make your daily routine easier.
Walk-in tubs offer many benefits for people with arthritis:
- Low-threshold entry reduces joint strain
- Built-in seating provides comfort and support
- Jets help soothe aching joints
- Warm water immersion supports circulation
- Safety features help reduce fall risk
Explore a Safer, More Comfortable Bathing Solution
As the manufacturer of North America’s No. 1 walk-in tub, Safe Step has more than 15 years of experience helping people cope with arthritis pain. In addition to providing a soothing, secure bathing solution, our tubs have earned the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Certification, which recognizes products that enhance the daily lives of people with arthritis and other physical challenges.
Therapeutic Features Ease Pain
A Safe Step Walk-In Tub also has therapeutic features designed to deliver head-to-toe relief and revitalization. The tub’s ten hydro massage jets deliver targeted, adjustable pressure to relieve aching joints and muscles. MicroSoothe® Air Therapy cleanses and nourishes your skin with gentle oxygen-enriched bubbles. These features work together to create a calming, spa-like experience right at home.
“The built-in features, such as air and water jets, are particularly enjoyable. Once the tub fills, I can simply activate them and relax. It has really given me peace of mind and greatly improved my quality of life,” said Terry B., a Safe Step customer from Cleveland, Oklahoma.
Safety Features Provide Assurance
The walk-in tub also comes equipped with safety features to give you peace of mind. Along with a low step-in height and built-in seating, the walk-in tub has a no-strength locking handle and textured flooring.
Request a Free Consultation
For more information about living with arthritis, check out our Arthritis Resource Guide. Discover how a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can help ease arthritis pain and make bathing safer and more comfortable. Request your free quote today.
