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Living with Arthritis
Posted: June 1, 2007
Arthritis can damage your joints, internal organs and skin. There are things you can do to keep the damage from getting worse. These suggestions might also make you feel better.
Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt.
Exercise. Moving all of your joints will help you. The doctor or nurse can show you how to move more easily. Going for a walk every day will help, too.
Take your medicines when and how you are supposed to. They can help reduce pain and stiffness.
Try taking a warm shower in the morning.
See your doctor regularly.
Sometimes you might still have pain after using your medicine. Here are some things to try:
Take a warm shower.
Do some gentle stretching exercises.
Use an ice pack on the sore area.
Rest the sore joint.
If you still hurt after using your medicine correctly and doing one or more of these things, call your doctor. Another kind of medicine might work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery, such as joint replacement.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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