As you get older, you may begin to develop osteoporosis and arthritis. Osteoporosis is basically a thinning of the bones, which results in bones becoming fragile or brittle. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is joint degeneration caused by aging, being overweight, heredity, overuse, and injuries. Once osteoarthritis begins, it's important to find arthritis treatment that works for you. In general, your treatment will include a combination of strengthening exercises, mobility training, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, and other treatments that help relieve your symptoms such as massage or acupuncture. As your symptoms progress, you will learn ways to cope with the arthritis, helping you live an active life.

When Arthritis Causes Stiffness

One of the more common symptoms of arthritis is stiffness, especially in the morning. If you wake up feeling stiff, it's important to stretch out your muscles as you begin your day. Walk around your home to loosen up in the morning. As you go through your day, take time outs to stretch and move your muscles. Sitting too long at a desk all day can make stiffness much worse. You can try non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming when your muscles are feeling tight. Consider sitting in a sauna or hot tub if you have access one to give your body a chance to relax.

Stay Active to Keep Your Range of Motion

While arthritis can be painful, it's still important to stay active. When you stop doing activities because you are in pain, you will only make your arthritis worse. Your goal should be to maintain the range of motion that you currently have. If you are in pain, try talking with your doctor about anti-inflammatory medications. Some people find that acupuncture helps relieve pain caused by arthritis and other chronic conditions. It is worth giving acupuncture a try if you want to retain your range of motion.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Additional weight can cause undue stress on your joints. If you are just beginning to deal with arthritis, now is the time to lose a few pounds. When you can take off excess weight, you will be putting less pressure on your joints. This will help relieve any knee or hip pain you are experiencing.

When you have pain from arthritis, it's important to talk with your doctor about arthritis treatment options. They may suggest proactive options that help slow down the progression of the deterioration of the affected joint.