At-Home Care for Arthritis

If you're living with arthritis, there is a lot you can do on your own to help manage it. For help with caring for your arthritis, get in contact with Dr. Mark Fisher in Haddon Heights, NJ. Your Gloucester area rheumatologist is available by appointment.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis exists in various forms, but primarily it affects the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage cushions the joints, protecting them from the stress of daily movement. When it is weakened or diminished, you feel that all too familiar inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Arthritis is most common in adults over 65, but if you believe you are suffering symptoms contact your Haddon Heights, NJ, and Gloucester area rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis.

Staying Active

One of the best ways to manage your arthritis is through exercise. Maintaining an active lifestyle not only improves your joint's mobility but you can ease their burden by losing weight. According to the CDC, even 10 to 12 pounds of weight loss can substantially improve your symptoms.

The key is to focus on low impact, low risk, activities, especially if you're new to exercise. Activities that don't overly stress or twist the joints. At home you can practice leg raises, finger bends, head tilts, among other simple exercises, to assist with pain. Ask your doctor about the recommended exercises.

Minimizing Your Joint Stress

It's also important to consider your environment, the repetitive movements that can unduly strain your joints. Consider some of the products available on the market made for easing arthritic stress. Such as replacing door knobs for lever handles, using jar openers, reach extenders, among many.

The primary goal is pain management, which can be aided by heating or cooling pads, employing joint support and mobility assistance devices, if needed. But maintaining in contact with your Gloucester rheumatologist is needed so they may monitor your progress and possibly suggest alternatives to your treatment.

Don't Do It Alone

You don't have to manage arthritis on your own, give your rheumatologist a call. Dial Dr. Mark Fisher in Haddon Heights, NJ, at (856) 547-8004. Serving the Camden County, Gloucester City, and Burlin County areas.