Aarthritis-37 Coping Strategies-[Part-2]

 

Aarthritis-37 Coping Strategies-[Part-2]

 

Put on a scarf.

Not around your neck, but around the elbow or

knee joint when it aches. "A wool scarf is your best

bet," says Jacobs. Be careful not to wrap it too

tightly, however; you don't want to hamper your

circulation.

Pull on a pair of stretch gloves.

"The tightness caused by the stretchy kind may, in

fact, reduce the swelling that often accompanies

arthritis," says Ward. And the warmth created by

covered hands may make the joints feel better.

"Wearing thermal underwear may have the same

warming effect on joints," says Grayzel.

Get electric gloves.

Hunters use these battery-operated mitts to keep

their hands toasty on cold mornings in the woods.

"The gloves just may do the trick to keep your

hands warm and pain-free," says Jacobs. She

recommends keeping them on all night while you

sleep.

Try a water bed.

According to the National Water Bed Retailers'

Association in Chicago, many owners claimed in a

study that their rheumatoid arthritis "was helped

very much by a water bed." And Earl J. Brewer, Jr.,

M.D., former head of the Rheumatology Division

of Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, believes

he knows why. "The slight motions made by a

water bed can help reduce morning stiffness," he

says. "And a heated water bed may warm the joints

and relieve joint pain."

Slip into a sleeping bag.

If a water bed is out of the question, you might

consider camping gear. "The cocoonlike effect of a

sleeping bag traps heat, which can help relieve

morning aches and pains," reports Brewer. He

learned of its therapeutic effects when many of his

patients told him that they got relief by sleeping in

their sleeping bags on top of their beds.

Get "down."

Brewer tells the story of a doctor from Norway who

happened to stay in a bed-and-breakfast while on

business in New York. The doctor, who was

suffering from arthritis pain, slept peacefully each

night in the B&B's bed and woke each morning

pain-free. The bed was outfitted with a goose-down

comforter and pillow. According to Brewer, the

bedding's warmth and minute motion brought on

the relief. For those who are allergic to down, an

electric blanket may bring some relief.

Watch your weight.

Being overweight puts more stress on the joints. As

a matter of fact, a weight gain of 10 pounds can

mean an equivalent stress increase of 40 pounds on

the knees. So if you are carrying excess pounds,

losing weight can help improve joint function.

"People who lose weight can slow the progress of

their osteoarthritis," says Grayzel.

Question any cure-all.

Frustrated by the chronic pain of arthritis, some

sufferers pursue a litany of promises for 100

percent relief--whether from a so-called miracle

drug, a newfangled diet, or another alternative

treatment. Unfortunately, at this time, arthritis has

no cure. So, before you jump at the next hotsounding

testimonial, proceed with caution. Get all

the facts. Consult your physician or other health-

care provider. Even age-old techniques, such as

wearing a copper bracelet, should be viewed with

skepticism, agree most experts. And remember, if

something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Plan ahead each day.

Prepare a realistic, written schedule of what you

would like to accomplish each day. That way, you

can carry out your most demanding tasks and

activities when you think you'll have the most

energy and enthusiasm--in the morning, for

instance.

Spread the strain.

As a general rule, you want to avoid activities that

involve a tight grip or that put too much pressure on

your fingers. Use the palms of both hands to lift

and hold cups, plates, pots, and pans, rather than

gripping them with your fingers or with only one

hand. Place your hand flat against a sponge or rag

instead of squeezing it with your fingers. Avoid

holding a package or pocketbook by clasping the

handle with your fingers. Instead, grasp your goods

in the crook of your arm--the way a football player

holds the ball as he's running across the field--and

you won't be tackled by as much pain.

Avoid holding one position for a long time.

Keeping joints "locked" in the same position for

any length of time will only add to your pain and

stiffness. Relax and stretch your joints as often as

possible.

"Arm" yourself.

Whenever possible, use your arm instead of your

hand to carry out an activity. For example, push

open a heavy door with the side of your arm rather

than with your hand and outstretched arm.

Take a load off.

Sitting down to complete a task will keep your

energy level up much longer than if you stand.

Replace doorknobs and round faucet handles with long handles.

They require a looser, less stressful grip to operate,

so you'll put less strain on your joints.

Build up the handles on your tools.

For a more comfortable grip, tape a layer or two of

thin foam rubber, or a foam-rubber hair curler,

around the handles of tools such as brooms and

mops.

[To Be Continued]

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