Arthritis Stiffness and Pain
Arthritis pain and stiffness normally come together, but they can’t always be treated in the same way. For instance, anti-inflammatory measures can help reduce the swelling and help with pain, but they might not do much for the stiff muscles surrounding your joints.
Whether you suffer from OA or RA, stiffness can be just as limiting as your other arthritis symptoms, so it’s important to keep your body as loose and limber as possible. Instead of relying on a broad pain reliever, consider these strategies that get to the root of the problem and help your body function more easily and more comfortably.
1. Take Medication Ahead of Time
Morning stiffness is an unfortunate reality for arthritis patients, but you can stay one step ahead of the problem with a bit of planning in the evening. Place a dose of your medication with a glass of water on your nightstand, and set the alarm for an hour before you need to get up. When the bell sounds, take your medication, shut off the alarm, and settle back into bed. You’ll drift back to sleep and when it comes times to wake up for the day, your body will have a head start. If your medication should be taken with food, simply add a small snack to your pre-breakfast water and medication routine.
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