From Running to Walking

The day running became painful and I was told by my physician to take up walking I was stunned. As a child, running and other physical activity was an important part of my life. It made me feel good. But when I started smoking cigarettes in high school I lost that desire. Nine years later, running helped me quit smoking and sustained me for the next fifteen years.

Not overdoing physical exercise but doing enough and maintaining good form helps me participate in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. By being physically active I am better able to maintain a healthy mental and emotional balance in life.

I remember watching Mary Decker on TV run in the Olympics and I was envious. I was surprised to read in Arthritis Today (Nov-Dec 2015) that she thought her injuries were due to over-training, but today thinks they make have been related to arthritis. She finally listened to what her body was telling her and retired from running in 1999. An earlier diagnosis might have helped ease the depression that went along with her having to retire from the sport she loved. According to this article she now enjoys other activities, including hiking.

Being physically active is critical to some people. After a physically active day it is nice to relax with Maine Warmers’a microwave heating pad. An extra large Back Warmer relaxes stiff muscles, is versatile, and can be used to relax tired feet (the body parts I feel most at the end of the day). The discomfort is likely due to some arthritis, and heat stimulates circulation and increases flexibility.

A gluten-free diet keeps inflammation from arthritis in check and makes me feel better. For gluten-free recipes see the Main Warmers’blog.

Alternative Therapies for Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation offers some therapies that may help people who suffer with arthritis. It is important to remember that not all therapies work well for everyone. Read the full article.

Massage may reduce stress – a factor that can contribute to pain.

Acupuncture and Acupressure may help reduce inflammation. Finding a reputable practitioner is critical.

Diet:  Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your body in the best condition possible by eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables may help. Some people with arthritis may have unique sensitivities to some foods. Keeping a food diary may point to those foods that help and those that don’t. Poor nutrition may lead to fatigue which can worsen the effects of the disease.

When considering herbs and supplements it is best to talk first with your physician and pharmacist. Buy from a reputable source – usually large health food chains and pharmacies. Read the labels. Take one at a time and note any reactions or side effects. Stop taking immediately if you experience negative side-effects. Talk with your doctor.

Prayer has been known to help many people overcome pain although there are few scientific studies. It may

Maine Warmers' Gray Seal Microwave Heating Pad

be very helpful but should not replace physician subscribed medications.

Heating pads help relax tense muscles and ease stress. Maine Warmers' Sheep, Bears, and Dachshund Neck Warmers, among others, make the perfect gift for children with arthritis. Adults love them as well.

Tips for dealing with arthritis

Maintaining a healthy life-style may be easier said than done, but the motivator may be how you feel. 

Keeping weight down helps reduce strain on joints. Appropriate exercises, especially during times of remission, will keep muscles strong. A supportive family or community of understanding friends brings comfort and reduces anxiety. Good stress management – relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and visualization are recommended. I think they could have added heat as a stress-management tool. Heat is known to relax tense muscles, and often when people are stressed, they may unconsciously tense muscles.

If you are feeling stressed – anxious or fearful – heat can help ease the tension in neck muscles. I used to tense my jaw when I got stressed and went to the dentist with  tooth pain, only to be told there was nothing wrong.

Falling asleep may be difficult when you are stressed, leaving you feeling tired and not as able to deal with the anxiety. A heating pad may help.

Maine Warmers carries a variety of microwave heating pads that help relieve sore tense muscles. Their Neck Warmers stays warm for about 30 minutes. If you are looking for a comforting gift for someone with arthritis consider giving a Woolly Bear Neck Warmer or Dachshund Neck Warmer. They bring soothing comfort, don't look medicinal, and decorate a chair or bed when not in use.

An article posted on the Mayo Clinic Web site offers suggestions for dealing with the pain of arthritis. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE RELIEVES ONE WOMAN'S PAIN