How to Lower Your Risk for Arthritis Complications

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Living with arthritis can be a daily struggle, but did you know that you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of complications? 

At Triad Internal Medicine, in Asheboro, North Carolina, our dedicated team, led by Keung Lee, MD, PhD, MHA, and Chelsea Poe, FNP, is committed to providing comprehensive care for patients with arthritis.

Arthritis includes a range of conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints. The most common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. 

Each type of arthritis has its unique challenges, but all can lead to complications if not managed properly. These complications include: 

• Significant joint damage, resulting in decreased mobility and function
• Chronic pain from persistent inflammation, affecting your ability to perform daily activities
• Lower overall quality of life, making it difficult to stay active and engaged

Our practice specializes in helping you manage your condition effectively—including helping you understand these risks, so you can reduce them and enhance your quality of life. 

Keep reading for six practical strategies to help you lower your risk of arthritis complications and maintain control of your health.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of arthritis complications is by maintaining a healthy weight. 

Excess weight puts additional stress on your joints, especially those in your hips, knees, and spine, which can worsen arthritis symptoms and lead to further joint damage.

Losing weight helps reduce the strain on your joints, decreasing pain and improving mobility. And since fat tissue produces inflammatory chemicals that can worsen arthritis, maintaining a healthy weight helps lower these levels of inflammation.

Your provider at Triad Internal Medicine can work with you to develop a personalized weight loss plan that supports your arthritis care.

2. Stay active with low-impact exercise

Regular physical activity is key for managing arthritis and preventing complications. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around your joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. 

However, it’s important to choose low-impact exercises that won’t put additional strain on your joints. Here are some excellent options:

• Swimming and water aerobics for a great workout without stressing your joints
• Walking and cycling to help improve your cardiovascular health and joint function
• Strength training to build muscle strength, which supports and stabilizes your joints

Your Triad Internal Medicine provider helps you develop a safe and effective exercise plan tailored to your needs and abilities.

3. Incorporate a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help manage arthritis symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Certain foods have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that especially benefit people with arthritis, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and trout, walnuts, and flax seeds
• Fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants and protect your joints 
• Whole grains, like oats and brown rice, to reduce inflammation and provide essential nutrients

Consult with your Triad Internal Medicine provider for help creating a diet plan that supports your arthritis management.

4. Consider joint injections

For some patients, joint injections can provide significant relief from arthritis pain and help prevent complications. At Triad Internal Medicine, we offer advanced joint injection therapies to help manage your symptoms effectively, including:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joint
• Hyaluronic acid injections to provide cushioning, reduce pain, and improve mobility
• Local anesthetics to minimize pain and improve movement
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to minimize inflammation and pain and promote healing

Joint injections can be a valuable part of your arthritis management plan, helping you maintain function and reduce pain.

5. Manage stress and get adequate sleep

Chronic stress and lack of sleep can make arthritis symptoms worse and increase the risk of complications. Managing stress and ensuring you get adequate rest are essential components of arthritis care.

Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. And getting enough sleep each night (seven to nine hours) helps your body repair and manage arthritis symptoms effectively.

6. Consider chronic disease management

At Triad Internal Medicine, we offer comprehensive chronic disease management that includes:

• Personalized care plans to help manage arthritis and prevent complications, focusing on long-term health and quality of life
• Advanced therapies, including joint injections, physical therapy referrals, and lifestyle counseling to support your arthritis management
• Ongoing support to monitor your condition and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed
• Medication management to ensure you’re taking the right medicines for your conditions

If you’re ready to take control of your arthritis and reduce your risk of complications, schedule an appointment online or over the phone at Triad Internal Medicine in Asheboro, North Carolina.