Are you living with arthritis? Don't suffer in silence. Here are some practical ways of reducing your arthritis pain from the comfort of your home. 

Arthritis can make it hard to do the things you love. But the good news is you can do something about it. You can do many things to manage your arthritis and reduce painful symptoms at home. Keep reading to learn more about effective ways of dealing with arthritis pain.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to the swelling and tenderness some people experience in their joints. Arthritis symptoms tend to worsen with age; however, anyone can suffer from arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joint, specifically a breakdown of the cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that protects and connects the joints and the ends of bones. 

This damage typically occurs over many years, or in some cases, a joint injury or infection can cause it to happen. If the cartilage becomes severely damaged, the joint can become inflamed and swollen. Anyone can develop arthritis; however, common risk factors include:

• Age. The risk of arthritis increases with age. This is why it's a common disease among seniors.
• Family history. Certain types of arthritis run in families. You may be prone to developing arthritis if you have an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with it.
• Previous joint injury. If you've suffered an injury to a joint, you are more likely to develop arthritis in that joint.
• Obesity. Carrying excess weight puts pressure on your joints. 

Here are some ways to improve your arthritis symptoms at home:

Exercise

It may sound counterintuitive, but even gentle exercise can help improve arthritis symptoms. Exercise can strengthen the muscles around your joints, helping to support them and relieve pressure. In addition, movement can help keep joints loose and improve mobility. Before starting any new exercise regime, you should consult your doctor to determine if it's safe. 

Try low-impact cardio.

Low-impact cardio is a great way to stay active without placing undue pressure on your joints. Low-impact exercise options include walking, swimming, water aerobics, cycling, and yoga. 

Listen to your body.

Although it's important to stay active, you should avoid overdoing it if you have arthritis pain. Try to stay away from actions that put stress on your joints, such as bending, kneeling, and lifting. If you feel discomfort, listen to your body and take a rest. 

Use a mobility aid.

A mobility aid such as a cane or walker can help to relieve pressure on your knees and hips. It can also provide additional support and help you avoid further pain or injury through a fall. 

Safety-proof your home.

Our homes can be full of trip and fall hazards. Be sure to remove or remedy potential safety issues. For example, secure rugs to the floor, add support bars to your bathroom and remove any other hazards that could cause injury or make your life difficult. 

Consider Installing a Stairlift.

If you experience arthritis pain in your knees or hips, it might be worth investing in a stairlift to make climbing the stairs a little easier. Electric stairlifts are more affordable than you might think. In fact, it's possible to find great deals online with a simple search!

Take an over-the-counter pain medication.

Many over-the-counter pain medications are available to help you manage your arthritis pain. Common painkillers include anti-inflammatories such as Motrin and Aleve. If you have an existing prescription, it's important to seek the advice of your doctor before taking any additional over-the-counter pain medication. 

Try cold and heat therapy.

Both cold and heat therapy are effective at soothing an inflamed joint and reducing pain. A warm compress can help to relax the muscles around a joint and improve blood flow if the joint is stiff. If the joint is hot and swollen, a cold pack can help to reduce blood flow and act as a local anesthetic. Be sure to never place a hot or cold pack directly on the skin.

Maintain a healthy diet.

Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease stress on your joints and improve arthritis symptoms. In addition, eating a healthy diet that avoids inflammation-causing foods can help reduce pain. For example, a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables and low in salt and alcohol is beneficial for people living with arthritis.  

Arthritis affects your joints and causes pain and mobility issues. However, you don't have to suffer in silence — the right lifestyle changes can improve your symptoms and your quality of life.