“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.”-John Muir

A diagnosis of arthritis need not strike terror in the hearts of avid gardeners. While activities may have to be curtailed, particularly when there is a painful episode of inflammation, there are ways and means  to continue enjoying gardening. The health benefits of fresh air, exercise, and productivity, rate high; they are worth maintaining at any cost.

First and foremost, we need to curb tendencies to  rush out with shovel or shears on a whim.  Our approach needs to be  more calculated, starting with  doing a few warm-up stretches beforehand so that muscles and joints are not overtaxed. There are strategies, based on common sense, well worth implementing to continue as active gardeners and also take care of painful joints.

Choosing an easy, less laborious, style of gardening heads the top of the list.  It stands to reason  to avoid heavy tasks like double digging or moving huge loads of topsoil; let others do that for you or cross off overly ambitious plans from the list.

Focus on perennials and  bulbs for Spring Summer and Fall. Importantly, remember compact growing flowers  save the efforts of staking.  Avoid any plants which are too obliging spreading far and wide causing effort to control. Ornamental grasses  are drought tolerant, easy care and demand less watering work.  The  majority of herbs thrive on poor soil and are also drought tolerant.

Simplify and settle for flowers which bloom for long periods. Grow only carefree self-seeding annuals like Sweet Alyssum and Calendula.  Shallow rooted, they require just a little  thinning, preferably after rain when easy to pull up.

If yours is a container garden group pots together for easier watering.  Initially have the larger heavy pots placed on boards with castors for easier mobility.

As for  for taking care of yourself tending the garden, here are some tips:

• Garden for shorter sessions, taking breaks.
• Vary tasks, changing from crouching to weed, stretching to prune or walking to fetch and carry.
• Treat yourself to an extra pair of the tools you use most often (most misplace trowel or shears regularly).
• Change positions and  approach flowerbed fully, not favouring one particular side of body.
• Lift objects by bending at the knees instead of using back.
• Make sure your tools are sharp and fit to your size.
• Use a waist-high work bench, easily constructed from a flat piece of wood and bricks or old garden table.  As with  garden seats,  place a few here and there as comfortable work stations
• Wear gloves and shoes which offer good protection.

At the end of the day, soak in a bath adding some old fashioned epsom salts, good for our plants too. Should your schedule allow only for a hand or foot bath, recycle contents on your roses for better bloom!

]]> http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/arthritis-gardening/feed/ 0 http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/arthritis-and-stress/ http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/arthritis-and-stress/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:07:39 +0000 admin http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/?p=55 The truth is that emotional stress is an integral part of  arthritis.

Initially joint pain comes and goes and is  not exactly easy to describe.  An inflammation flares up, stays a few weeks and eases off again.  It takes effort to convince doctors as they are inclined to assume our symptoms are contrived.  And perhaps rightly so,  for  you may not be in acute pain and present with a vague account.  Looking back to the onset of my arthritis, I can understand that overall symptoms  of twinges and aches accompanied by bouts of tiredness can also easily apply to other conditions.  And then we are lured into false hope by the never ending cures advertised on the market which only lead to disappointment.  No wonder we  do get upset; the strongest  amongst us usually wear down from not being understood or finding any relief.

Addressing the psychological stress aspect of arthritis is vital. What to do then? Sitting back moaning and groaning doesn’t work.  I know, for I tried it for quite some time! Also recognizing that the condition is not  life-threatening is of major importance.Keeping on the move but at the same time not over-exerting oneself is another must. Most health care professionals will advise the stretching gentle exercise of yoga which incorporates relaxation techniques as well.  Swimming exercises are high on the list of beneficial exercise.

I find walking one of the easiest exercises.  All  I have to do  is put on  sensible walking shoes and get going.  There’s no excuse, be it only for ten minutes each day.  Ask a friend to join you and you won’t feel the miles flying by as you chat.  When you can, chose pleasant surroundings and feed your soul on the beauty of parks or countryside.  We are told that exercise produces endorphins (feeling good stimulus) in our bodies.   I found when I made the serious effort of regular walking I truly felt the lack of it when I got out of  routine.  I confess to falling by the wayside many a time but that happens to us all and then we try, try, again.

But in our heart-of- hearts, we all know it; the first best defence against stress is to lead a healthier life-style.  Being responsible for one’s health demands commitment to taking adequate rest, following a low fat diet and keeping on the move.  On the days when weariness overwhelms,  remember, we don’t have to re-invent the wheel.  Help is at hand;  resources are quickly at our finger tips.  We can inform ourselves from the wisdom of others who have written books, formed societies and are generous in sharing.  A  large percentage of the population is similarly afflicted and many find ways to cope.

Relaxation plays a big part in reducing stress.  Meditation is another mode of assistance where stress is involved.  Just by becoming better  acquainted with the simple act of breathing we can be helped.  We can let go of the negative thoughts and chose a sunnier picture like the one of this cat who is stress-free in it’s pose!. Watch out for such tips readily available in our environment!

Stress-free Feline Friend demonstrates relaxation

Eventually the tried and true methods of coping with stress help with arthritis too and these are life skills. Slowly, through self-education and patience, it is possible to become familiar with the nature of your particular arthritic condition. Many people treat arthritis not as an enemy but as a knowable companion and manage to lead productive lives.

J.P.

]]> http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/arthritis-and-stress/feed/ 0 http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/no-quick-fix/ http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/no-quick-fix/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:20:10 +0000 admin http://www.arthritismusclepain.net/?p=34

It was a bright day.  I remember the sun shining, lighting up a gruesome image of an internal organs chart on the wall.  “No way”,  I thought.  I wasn’t ready to accept the doctor’s diagnosis.  She must be wrong.  “I’m too young to have arthritis, an old lady’s disease; I’m 39 years old, active and healthy.”  But she was right. I had joined the ranks of  the many who suffer from joint pain. Soon, I was returning  every few months looking for a  cure as each episode of “inflammation”, wore me down.

The reality of no cure was slow to dawn on me. Due to cartilage loss, arthritis becomes evident in a large percentage of the population in soreness and discomfort. Hands and weight-bearing joints, including knees, hips, spine, lower back neck can all be affected.  The experts maintain that loss could be attributed to joint injuries, ageing and overweight. Then the word “arthritis” is an umbrella for at least one hundred different kinds of conditions. Some are mild, some  severe, but any kind of arthritis is a real challenge to cope with.

When I complained of just simple movements, like turning quickly or hanging up the towel on shower being  painful, I was shocked to learn that many people, particularly women, have osteoarthritis in the backs of their necks by age 40 due to the narrowing of the vertebrae. Later my hands and feet were in trouble and then overall body pain.

Accessing help became a long journey of discovery.  Getting informed, establishing the kind of arthritis present was a  good first step.  In the beginning, gentle exercises for the movement of my neck helped, sleeping without a pillow, lying on the hard surface of the floor. When anti-inflammatory medications did not work, taking up yoga proved helpful.  All the books on the topic will tell you that exercise assists greatly and it’s true.

A low fat diet came next and that took some sacrifice, abandoning all my favourite foods, full of sugar and the wrong types of fat. But, though it wasn’t easy, choosing a healthier diet was worth while.  Simply by replacing cookie snacks with fruit was a  good start.   Also learning that there are anti-inflammatory type foods which we can eat; lists are only a click away on the computer.

Stress is another big contributing factor.  Deciding to take proper rest and  make time for relaxation is paramount. Exercise improves stress levels too.  One does not have to pay out money to take a walk or climb stairs instead of using elevators.

Making that effort to inform oneself does take energy but it pays off.  With enlightenment, knowing that there are a of number of things we can do to combat arthritis, we are helped. You may say that all his demands a change in life style.  Agreed, it does not happen overnight.  But let’s face it, and yes, yes let’s face it, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step!

J.P.

Arthritis.musclepain.net thanks our author for her insightful advice based on personal experience.

Arthritis is a long term condition that affects 46 million people every day. Its symptoms can be overwhelming to deal with and sometimes interfere with the victim’s quality of life. It is important to have a good understanding of what arthritis joint pain is and what treatments are available. There is nothing available to cure arthritis but there are things that can be done to assist in arthritis pain relief.

There are over one hundred types of arthritis that each have specific symptoms. The word “arthritis” means joint inflammation. The joint is the area where two bones meet each other and inflammation is another word for swelling. This is the one symptom that connects all forms of arthritis. Other symptoms that are common among different types of arthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints, especially when sitting for long lengths of times or when first waking up in the morning.

Specific risk factors of developing arthritis joint pain include things that can be changed and things that cannot. As people increase in age, their risk factors of developing arthritis joint pain also increase. Females are more likely to develop arthritis and make up 60% of people that are diagnosed. Certain genetic factors are also thought to increase chances of developing joint pain. Some risk factors can be controlled based on lifestyle changes. Examples of these are avoiding jobs that cause repeated stress on the joints, lowering body weight, and avoiding certain types of infections and injuries.

Arthritis Muscle Pain Studies:

Studies have recently shown that exercise might help with arthritis joint pain. Exercising moderately three times a week doing something that is low impact not only assists people physically but it also improves their mood and outlook towards life. Some examples of exercise that people suffering from arthritis joint pain would benefit from are walking, swimming, and riding a bike.

Dealing with Arthritis Muscle Pain and Sore Joints

Although there is no arthritis cure there are ways to find arthritis relief. Medications are available that can help bring relief to joint pain. If severe there might also be some surgical options. Other options exist that do not involve medication or surgery. Some possibilities are physical or occupational therapy, assistive technology, education, and weight loss. Although none of these will cure the symptoms, there might be something that relieves arthritis joint pain. By understanding the possibilities, people that suffer from arthritis joint pain can figure out what works best for them.

The first and most common rheumatoid arthritis symptom is morning stiffness. Many people young and old experience this from time to time and on it’s own, doesn’t signify a problem. However, if a person finds themselves waking up that way every day regardless of activity level and the stiffness lasts an hour or more, it may be time to see a doctor.

Next, is joint pain that is can’t be contributed to any particular event and therefore unexplainable. This pain is caused by inflammation. Fluid may also accumulate within the joints causing them to be swollen. At times, the skin immediately surrounding the joint may be pink or red and feel warm to the touch.

Another hallmark symptom of RA is its tendency to affect certain joints. The hands and wrists almost always develop symptoms. Of course, Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any joint. Knees, feet, elbows as well as shoulders and jaws are commonly affected areas, too.

RA symptoms also includes more generalized symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss and even a low grade fever. Many people complain about experiencing these types of cold or flu-like symptoms in addition to those mentioned above. Oftentimes, there is difficulty sleeping. Some people can even develop depression. Those with moderate to advanced rheumatoid arthritis tend to have symptoms in several areas of the body.

A small number of people with rheumatoid arthritis develop rheumatoid nodules. This occurs when small blood vessels become inflamed and pea-sized lumps form under the skin. Nodules are usually found around the elbows. Sometimes they can become sore or infected.

Inflammation from RA can be also be found in the lungs and around the heart. Shortness of breath is possible, but usually, there are no symptoms. Clogged arteries are likely and people should be monitored so as not to develop complications. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms individually can seem nondescript. If they develop slowly over time, the symptoms may be thought of as a normal part of aging. However, if they last for six weeks or more, it’s time to see a physician.

Maintaining a healthy balance in you life is not always easy, but it is an important factor in helping to reduce the swelling and inflamation that is associated with arthritis muscle pain. Your diet, sleep pattern, and exercise schedule remains a main factor in you overall health, not only in life but especially when dealing with a disease like arthritis. Eating a healthy diet can really help to reduce the pains and symptoms that are come from having arthritis. Making sure that you consume supplements such as msm and glucosamine can insure that y0u have the vitmains and minerals that you need to treat this disease. Chondroitin is another supplement that has been proven to help relieve the symptoms of Arthritis. Many Arthritis sufferers have found that by taking these supplements with a healthy diet, proper rest, and exercise schedule they have reduced the amount of pain that they have from their arthritis.

There is no simple cure for arthritis sufferers worldwide but there is many things that they can do to help to relieve the pain that is associated with this disease. Having no known cure does not mean that it is an end all be all. There will one day most likely be a cure for this disease. But in the meantime it is important that the people that do suffer from the symptoms and aches and pains of this disease know that there is many things that they can do to help relieve the aches and pains that they feel. Keeping a positive attitude and outlook is one of the key things that one can do to help deal with it. Mind over matter is key.

You can google “Cure arthritis” but you will mostly find that you are redirected to websites that are selling products as these companies pay the most for their advertising. That is why its important to do your research. Five to ten minutes spent researching could save you hundreds of dollars and also help you find a proper cure, and relief from the pains from your arthritis. Honest review and opinions are available in abundance with a quick search of the internet. Its all about being able to search through those reviews and finding the product or treatment method that will work for you. Everyone is different, we all have different needs and our bodies respond differently to different methods of treatment.

Arthritis can be a real problem in your day to day life but with proper management you can help relief the symptoms of your arthritis and can help relief the day to day pain that are associated with problem areas. Proper management is very important when dealing with Arthritis, watching what you eat, how much rest you get, and how much exercise you get and your day to day intake of vitamins and diet can be key in dealing with the symptoms of arthritis.

There are some key vitamins and supplements that you can take to help deal with your arthritis, such as msm and glucosamine that come highly recommended by arthritis sufferers worldwide.

The third thing your going to keep in mind when your dealing with painful arthritis is that you need to not only get proper rest and workout but its is key that you eat a proper diet. There is a whole host of foods that you should be eating , and others that you should be avoiding. Certain foods you will find will help reduce the swelling of your arthritis and others can lead to painful flareups. There are many guides online to the exact foods that you should eat and avoid. Another key thing to remember when eating a healthy diet for arthritis relief is that you should look into certain vitamins and suppliments that can help ease your pain. Supplements such as glucosamine and Msm are renowned for their potency and restorative qualities. Overall watching your diet and generally keeping healthy by getting enough exercise and sleep will help in reducing swelling from arthritis and this in turn will help ease the pain of your sore joints.