Managing Your Arthritis While Self-Isolating

Finding new ways to manage our day-to-day has become commonplace during this global pandemic. All aspects of our life including school, business, fitness, medical appointments, entertainment, church services, shopping and more are now being played out online through streaming services, apps and the Internet.

So, in the midst of the coronavirus crisis with limitations on normal routines, restrictions to usual self-care plans and social distancing and self-isolation becoming standard – how do we manage existing conditions such as arthritis?

In honor of National Arthritis Awareness Month, here are few in-home ways:

KEEP MOVING

Keeping your joints moving is important in managing arthritis pain. Practice gentle stretches that move your joints through their full range of motion. Or follow an online chair yoga instruction, such as this one from the Arthritis Foundation.^® Just be sure you know your limits and don’t overdo any physical activity – especially if you’re home alone.

A CHANGE OF TEMPERATURE

Both heating pads and ice packs have benefits that help manage arthritis pain. Heating pads help to boost circulation that can help relieve inflammation and improve stiffness. However, it’s important to limit use to no more than 20 minutes at a time. If you don’t have a heating pad, a hot shower or bath works well too.

Likewise, ice packs can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Don’t have an ice pack on hand? Try some of these DIY options:

• Put a damp, clean towel or sponge. in a plastic bag in the freezer for 10-20 minutes. Take towel out of the bag and apply it to the affected area.
• Fill a sock with rice and place it in the freezer. Rice will get as cold as ice, but doesn’t create a wet-mess.
• Fill a sealable sandwich bag with dishwasher detergent and freeze to make your own gel-type cold compress.

RELAX

Whether you enjoy relaxing by listening to your favorite music or following a guided meditation, taking time to pause and relax has big benefits, and is known to ease pain. Fact is, utilizing relaxation techniques regularly can increase blood flood and reduce chronic pain. And, these techniques can also ward off depression and stress – two other side effects of these strange COVID times.

We look forward to when we can resume group exercises, walking outside, massage, and other beneficial activities to manage arthritis. Until then, we hope some of these tips help provide you comfort. Be safe. Be well.