Gain Victory Over Arthritis With Positive Mood

Mr. Malhotra woke up one Sunday morning and wished he were dead. The pain in his right knee usually wakes him up at about 6 am every morning, and stays with him till he reluctantly falls asleep at night. Mr. Malhotra was 72 years old and wished for nothing but a pain-free life. He could no longer walk or read or even take the afternoon nap – all because of the pain. Feeling weak, angry and helpless, Mr. Malhotra closed his eyes, hoping to never wake up again.

Stress, anxiety, and depression can all accompany Arthritis, and staying positive may be a challenge. But understanding the connection between your physical symptoms and your emotions can help.

Arthritis and mood

In a study done in 2015, researchers found that people with Arthritis have a higher risk of suffering from depression and anxiety. The risk of depression rose along with the number of joints affected. Arthritis affects your mood by limiting your ability to do things you once took for granted. You may feel frustrated that you can no longer do simple tasks like taking care of your garden or even opening a jar.

How positive mood helps in Arthritis

Even though you are in pain, you need to think in a positive manner if you want to fight Arthritis effectively.

• A recent study found that positive mood along with positive behaviour can reduce the pain discomfort arising from Arthritis by 60%.
• People who stay active and maintain a positive mood feel less pain sensation compared to those who don't engage themselves in activities and feel overwhelmed by the sensation of pain and stiffness throughout the day. 
• A positive mood helps to dampen the subjective experience of pain as positivity keeps the mind and attention occupied, thus reducing the focus on pain. . 
• You may feel that taking necessary list of medicines is a chore. Positive mood  will change your attitude, and understanding the importance of  medicines. 
• Having a balanced mood is essential for prompt and proper recovery.
• A positive outlook helps in interpersonal relationships. Thus, you can get better care by cooperating with your family members.

Maintaining emotional health in Arthritis

1. Relax: While it is easier said than done, you should try to calm down and relax a bit. Yes, you are fighting Arthritis. But you shouldn’t allow this fight to take over your life. Instead of this, you can focus on an activity you like, like watching football on TV or chatting with your grandchildren.

2. Take deep breaths: Practising simple breathing techniques will help you control the sensation of pain. Breathe in and out deeply and slowly, letting your muscles relax. Think peaceful, calm thoughts.

3. Sleep well: This will give your body enough time to make the necessary repairs. Make sure you sleep in a position which puts as little pressure as possible on the affected joint. Sleeping at least 8 hours at night will greatly improve your mood.

4. Do light exercise: This will keep your weight under control while strengthening the muscles around the affected joints. This will minimize the stress on your joints and help reduce the feeling of pain. Exercise has been proven to improve mood while calming the mind. Doing light aerobic exercise thrice a week should be adequate.

5. Talk to your family: Tell them how you feel, whether you are in pain or if you are feeling grumpy. Just talking about your mood will help improve and stabilize it.

6. Use a hot pack: This will increase the blood circulation in the affected area which will help supply essential nutrients and oxygen to the bones. A hot pack will also help the muscles and ligaments relax. It may decrease the pain temporarily and relieve mental stress. 

Get expert advice

If you can control your mood and your thoughts, then you can gain control over your pain. Nonetheless, if you have Arthritis and are in a lot of pain, you need careful and proper medical attention. You should not wait till the last hour (when the pain becomes unbearable) to seek treatment. Arthritis is a challenging problem for you and your doctor. The sooner you consult a specialized pain clinic, the better will be the outcome. 

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org