As the countdown to Christmas begins in earnest and our normal routines go out of the window, it can become harder to manage a chronic condition like arthritis. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes feel anxious about the impending festivities. If you’re one of them, there are some simple steps you can take to keep yourself feeling well over Christmas and able to enjoy the season. Here are our top tips for looking after yourself over the holiday period…
Avoid doing too much
It’s not called ‘the Christmas rush’ for nothing, but getting caught up in the frenzy of festive preparations can really take its toll on your energy levels and by the time the big day arrives you may find yourself unable to enjoy it. So, aim to pace yourself and take shortcuts where you can. This might mean simple things like buying pre-prepared veg or scheduling in extra rest time, or it might involve making larger changes like nominating other people to cook Christmas lunch or swapping from the high street to online shopping.
Keep active
Maybe it feels like you’re doing enough ‘keeping active’ by rushing around buying Christmas presents and putting up decorations, but it’s important not to let your normal exercise regime lapse. Keeping your muscles active can help to prevent stiffness and pain which may worsen during cold weather. Going for a gentle walk outside or doing some simple stretching will help to keep you supple, as well as being good for your mental health.
Don’t say ‘yes’ when you mean ‘no’
Wanting to make others happy and be there for family and friends is a natural impulse, particularly at Christmas, but saying yes to something when you’d really prefer to say no will just put you under pressure and could exacerbate your symptoms. Try explaining that you’re taking steps to pace yourself so you can manage your condition more effectively over the Christmas period.
Be careful what you eat and drink
It’s tempting, with all the delicious food and drink around at Christmas, to overindulge. But, aside from the impact on your waistline, eating and drinking too many of the wrong things can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms. Rich foods and fat can cause an increase in arthritic pain so try and limit your intake if you can. Information about drinking alcohol with arthritis is a bit of a mixed picture.
A study by the University of Sheffield and the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (published in Rheumatology) found that drinking alcohol may actually help to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and decrease severity of the disease. However, if you suffer from gout – which is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals that form in and around the joints – then alcohol can be a problem as it contains purine which can trigger a gout attack. Many medications used to treat arthritis, including anti-inflammatories, don’t mix well with alcohol. If you are planning to drink over Christmas, speak to your doctor beforehand and always drink in moderation.
Get enough sleep
We know it’s easier said than done during the Christmas party season but getting enough sleep is important as too little sleep is linked to depression which is one of the factors linked to chronic pain. If it’s difficult to get enough sleep at night, maybe due to late nights or sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings, consider having a short nap during the daytime.
Be honest about how you’re feeling
Pretending that you’re feeling fine when you’re not is a surefire way to have an unhappy Christmas. Try and get into the habit of telling people when you’re not feeling too good and give yourself permission to take a bit of time out to rest and recuperate. Ask for help if you need it and don’t feel that you need everything to be perfect to be able to enjoy yourself. The true meaning of Christmas is being with the ones we love rather than creating a picture-perfect festive season. Look after yourself well, enjoy yourself and allow those around you to help out if you need it.
If you are experiencing severe pain or loss of mobility due to arthritis, contact us to discuss possible treatment options. Joint replacement surgery for arthritis can be life-changing, as this recent patient testimonial from I Want Great Care demonstrates:
“I had a Mako total knee replacement at The Nuffield Hospital in Cambridge on the 22nd October under the care of Mr Andrew Carrothers. I didn’t know what to expect but was warned that it was a big operation and I would be likely to be in pain for six weeks. I have to say, I have been amazed by my recovery. The pain has not been significant, even in the first few days. I was back working after two weeks and have been walking each day on top of the prescribed physio. It is now six weeks post op and I am back walking my dogs across the fields with no pain or discomfort.”
Written by a private patient at Nuffield Hospital Cambridge, 5 December 2024.
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