The musculoskeletal elements that face the heat of aging the most are the joints. As a result of years of overuse, the joints that form the knees, hips, and hands begin to show signs of inflammation that often indicate the onset of osteoarthritis. Although it is incurable, osteoarthritis can be better managed by following a series of dos and don'ts listed in the following article. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Living with osteoarthritis without mastering the art of managing symptoms to avoid an ocean of pain day after day can be an ominous prospect. A condition so common in the United States that at least one in four adults suffer from it, osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in older adults. It begins with the breakdown of the cartilage that encases the bones and acts as natural padding. This deterioration eventually leads to a situation where the bones that form the joints begin to rub against each other causing inflammation. Patients can reduce the frequency and intensity of flare-ups by practicing the following dos and don'ts: Oil joints while keeping SMART tips for exercises on hand. While exercise can help relieve arthritis pain, it's critical to know how to approach it in an arthritis-friendly way to avoid making the condition worse. The SMART solution recommended by the CDC for this purpose includes: Starting slowly and at low intensity Modifying your fitness routine regularly to avoid overloading a specific joint Activities that do not damage the joints such as yoga and Tai Chi are advisable Recognizing the points where it is You can exercise safely without fear of falling and hurting yourself. Talk to your doctor and a physical therapist for advice. Don't push yourself to exercise if you have a flare-up. When your arthritic joints are stiff and painful, rest and allow them to recover before starting your exercise routine again. Consider acetaminophen to combat pain. Paracetamol is a relatively safer choice when it comes to painkillers as it has fewer side effects. However, before you start taking acetaminophen on a regular basis, first ask for a green signal from your doctor. Do not take paracetamol if you have impaired liver or kidneys. Paracetamol, when consumed regularly and in high quantities, can have a harmful effect on the liver and kidneys, especially if these organs are already weak due to pre-existing conditions. Wear protective clothing such as a knee pad. Knee pads can help support the knee joint and reduce the level of depreciation of the joint by providing adequate external padding. In addition to a knee brace, you may consider using supportive devices such as a walker or walking stick to make getting around easier. The life of an arthritis patient does not have to be bleak, pain-filled, or confined. It can be full of positivity and joy, as long as you are aware of the tips provided above. For more information like this, sign up to our updates here. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom EssaySocial Media Copies: Do's and Don'ts to Live a Comfortable Life Despite OsteoarthritisDo's and Don'ts if You Suffer from OsteoarthritisA Guide to Things That Should and Should Not Be Done When