- "Pain is NO gain." STOP immediately and do not "push through" joint discomfort for sport or work.
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- Soak for 10 minutes in a hot bath in the morning to reduce muscle stiffness and before bed to relax muscles and improve sleep. Seek a heated pool for swimming.
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- When a joint "pops" in and out (subluxation), use ice immediately to reduce swelling, then apply heat or warm compresses that night.
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- Minimize running, stair climbing, step aerobics, and stretching yoga to protect hips, knees, and ankles.
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- Take tai chi or qigong lessons for balance, body control, and posture and to stabilize joints by building supportive muscle.
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- Do not chew gum, hard rolls, or ice, or bite into hard fruit to help prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain disorder.
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- Take breaks during dental work to close your mouth, ask for a plastic bite-block, and remind the dentist that your healing may be delayed and bleeding may be greater than expected.
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- Participate in a physical therapy program for strengthening and stabilization of joints; use prescribed braces, splints, or taping as needed for added stability.
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- Warn massage therapists against deep tissue massage, which may cause muscle damage.
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- To manage postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), drink sufficient amount of liquids each day with a bit of salt and arise slowly from bed or chairs. Consider compression knee socks.
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- Try to prevent falls and burns; fractures, wounds, cuts, and bruises may take longer to heal and may scar poorly.
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- Choose thick, flexibly soled, low-heeled shoes with arch support; tie-up boots give support for unstable ankles.
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- Note that opioids and local anesthetics tend to be less effective in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
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- Use side-sleeping, body pillows, and super-dense foam mattress pads to improve restful sleep.
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- Use meditation with deep breathing exercises to help to maintain lung capacity and reduce anxiety associated with painful joints.
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- Children with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome should be encouraged to swim and bike and discouraged from gymnastics, ballet, and cheerleading to prevent later pain in their loose joints.
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- Note that a positive attitude of prevention can improve global functioning and reduce stress.
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