Holistic Wealth Podcast

• How to identify the physical symptoms of arthritis, including warning signs to look out for.
• How to get a proper diagnosis, including the types of doctors who treat arthritis pain.
• The risk factors for arthritis including age, genetics and joint injuries.
• Mindset shifts that help with arthritis pain management.
• The role of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise in arthritis pain management.
• Practical advice for knowing when to seek urgent care and what you need to look out for.

Dr. Redcross’ Tips for Arthritis Pain Management

1. Stay active as much as possible. Pain and stiffness increase when you reduce your movement or don’t get out as much. The sooner you start moving, the better you will feel.
2. Accept your limitations. Consider low-impact exercises like cycling and water aerobics, or work with a licensed trainer who can assess your fitness level and create a custom workout program.
3. Manage your weight. Excess weight can put pressure on your joints and increase pain.
4. Create a diet of well-rounded and nutritious choices. Choose foods that are rich and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, polyphenols, fiber, and vitamin B6 to help reduce inflammation and provide essential nutrients for joint health. Some of these foods include fatty fish, colorful fruits & vegetables, nuts & seeds, and whole grains.
5. Avoid smoking. Smoking can cause whole-body inflammation. The tissue that lines your joints can get inflamed and thickened.
6. Stay positive. Coping with arthritis is a process and having a positive attitude can help you manage the pain and find joy in your life. Keep doing things you love and have a good support system.
7. Take advantage of assistive devices. Using devices like a walker or cane can make it easier to do your daily activities without feeling immense pain. Don’t feel embarrassed to use an extra hand.
8. Apply heat or cold compresses. When arthritis flares cold or heat compresses can help soothe joint pain and ease inflammation.
9. Create a good sleep routine. Sleep is important for pain management and decreasing inflammation. Try sleeping on a regular schedule, avoid caffeine before sleep, turn off electronics and control the temperature of your room.
10. Keep homeopathic medicines on hand.

Arnicare® Arthritis Cream

• Arnicare Arthritis Cream by Boiron combines two pain relievers in one convenient formula for dual action pain relief where you need it most. It’s scientifically formulated with Arnica and Harpagophytum (devil’s claw), which work together to reduce minor stiffness, soreness, and joint pain of arthritis.* This topical is ideal for sudden flare-ups as it quickly absorbs into skin to take away pain at its source. (Arnicare.com)

Arnicare® Arthritis Tablets

• Arnicare Arthritis Tablets by Boiron relieve joint pain and stiffness, offering those concerned about drug interactions and pre-existing conditions a choice in relieving minor aches and pains associated with arthritis.* Unlike general pain relievers, it targets joint pain worsened by damp weather, heat, motion, immobility or at night.* This homeopathic medicine is powered by plant-based and other pure active ingredients, including Arnica. (Arnicare.com)

11. See your doctor if you get worse. When your pain starts to cause you to limp, pain that is sharp, stabbing, and constant, pain that lasts more than two hours at night or after exercise, pain or swelling does not get better from your pain management regimen, and large increase in swelling or if your joints feel hot or are red see a doctor.