5 Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain During the Holiday Season

For all the camaraderie, celebration, and joy on offer through the holidays, there can be challenges and stress if you’re dealing with the effects of a chronic condition like arthritis. While there are more than 100 different diseases that fall under the arthritis banner, osteoarthritis is by far the most common. 

Florida Pain Management Institute, located in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, wants to help this holiday season by offering our top five tips for managing arthritis pain. Contact us when arthritis gets in the way of your celebrations. 

Maintain your sleep cycle

If you’ve got a great sleep routine going into the holidays, all you need to do is maintain it. Trying to get on track sets you up for a challenge, but the payoff may be worth the effort. The target is 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Taking breaks from tasks that strain your aching joints can be almost as important. Don’t ignore rest through the waking hours to stay on top of joint pain.

Understand food and inflammation

Processed meats, red meats, saturated fats, and sugary treats can all contribute to systemic inflammation. Foods that help reduce inflammation, such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3-rich foods, can help relieve arthritis pain. Staying well hydrated also helps reduce the complications of inflammation. 

Keep active

Activity is like sleep. Keep it up to maintain its benefits. The temptation of the holidays is to rob time from your activity or exercise routine to apply to the demands of your social calendar. An active lifestyle is one of the best ways to manage osteoporosis, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and reduce your arthritis pain.

Control the effects of stress

For all the great things you enjoy about the season, you still need to tuck these into an already busy life. That adds up to stress, which can make your arthritis pain worse by increasing muscle tension and boosting inflammation. Say “no” sometimes to maintain control of your time. Relax when you can. 

Stay warm

While you don’t have a wintry climate to deal with in Florida, it can still cool off substantially at night. Getting a chill aggravates arthritis pain. Dress in layers so you can assist your body’s natural thermostat by adding or shedding layers. Warm packs reduce stiffness, and cold packs fight pain and inflammation. Use these strategically to cope. 

Visit Florida Pain Management Institute for additional care when your arthritis pain demands. Call or click to schedule an appointment at your nearest location today.