DEEP RELIEF | The Dos & Don’ts of Arthritis

You have been diagnosed with arthritis and you are unsure of the road ahead.  Doctors will guide you on oral medication and treatment and your Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist will help you work towards the desired goal of still living your optimum life.  All of this will be part of a holistic treatment plan according to your needs.

There are a few simple dos and don’ts that will help guide you. 


Let’s start with the DON’Ts:

  • Don’t be negative: People living with arthritis can, and do, lead a full and adventurous life.
  • Don’t give up: There will be hard days … but keep going. It will be worth it.
  • Don’t do too much exercise that involves hard impact on the effected joints: This will increase the pressure on the joints and will cause the joint pain to flare up. 
  • Don’t consume too much sugar, alcohol and other foods: It can have a negative effect and cause more pain in the affected joints.
  • Don’t stop moving: The more you move, the more you will be able to move.  
  • Don’t be scared to ask for help: Your support circle and health care professionals are there to assist and help you should you need.
  • Don’t smoke: This causes stress on connective tissue and will increase joint pain.

The Dos:

  • Do rest enough: Try and get 7-8 hours of sleep a night as your body need this for restoration.
  • Do eat healthy: Watch your diet. Weight gain might cause more pressure on already sore and inflamed joints such as knees and ankles. Raw veg and fruit will increase the body’s ability to fight and cope with arthritis and it will give you the energy needed to do everyday life.
  • Do exercise: Move move move! Take part in non-weightbearing exercise such as swimming, aqua aerobics and pilates as your pain and discomfort allows. These are great ways to keep the joints going and prevent stiffness.  If allowed, add some low intensity weightbearing exercise such as brisk walking.
  • Do move: Move as much as pain allows, and then a little bit more.  The more you move, the more you will be able to move.
  • Do take your medicine: This will help to keep pain and inflammation under control which will make everyday tasks a little easier to do.
  • Do use topical anti-inflammatory creams such Deep Relief:  These creams work directly at the joint, with the Ibuprofen helping to decrease inflammation when joint pain flares up.  The menthol in Deep Relief also brings about a cooling effect which in turn will decrease the temperature and sensitivity of the affected joints. The cooling will also decrease the swelling that is often experienced when the joints flare up.
  • Do accept help: When you struggle to do a task or activity, don’t be afraid to accept help from others. This will make your load lighter.
  • Do make life as comfortable for yourself as possible by rearranging furniture in your home, driving an automatic vehicle and using aids when and where needed.
  • Do try and stay positive: Life may be hard at times but hang in there. You’ve got this!
  • Do use cold and heat therapy: Heat will help decrease pain and the cold will help decrease swelling and inflammation. 
  • Do learn all you can about your condition: This will equip you and help you to manage your condition as best as you can. 

Article written by EPT – The Ultimate Sports Recovery Experts