Everyday routines
Be mindful of your joints in all activities, whether sitting, standing or moving.
- Keep your joints flexible. Do gentle daily stretches to move your joints through their full range of motion.
- Maintain good posture. A physical therapist can teach you proper ways to sit, stand and move.
- Know your limits. Balance activity and rest, and don't overdo.
In addition, lifestyle changes can play a key role in managing pain.
- Manage your weight. Extra weight can worsen arthritis symptoms and increase pain. Gradual, lasting healthy changes are the most effective approach to weight management. Talk to your healthcare professional about what you can do to get to and stay at a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking. Toxins in cigarette smoke can damage connective tissues, which can increase arthritis pain. And studies have shown that electronic cigarettes, called e-cigarettes, also may harm connective tissues.