You do not have to deal with arthritis alone. Learning what works from others who suffer from this condition can really help you take control of your own arthritis. This article includes a collection of some of the most helpful hints available for understanding and coping with arthritis.
In order to prevent joint stiffness, incorporate low-impact exercises into your day-to-day routine. Doing too much exercise can cause arthritis to flare up. However, light-to-moderate low-impact exercise can help to keep your joints from stiffening up, giving you more freedom of movement. Some exercises you can do to stay limber include walking, swimming, or bicycling.
Think about using aromatherapy to ease your arthritis pain. Researchers have found that aromatherapy can help relax your joints and muscles, which helps to relieve some arthritis symptoms.
Make sure you have a stretching regimen. Losing ones flexibility is a common symptom of arthritis. Stretching all of your muscles on a daily basis will help prevent this horror. Work from your feet up without forgetting any muscles.
Get in the water. Water aerobics is a great low impact exercise for arthritis sufferers, because not only does it put minimal strain on joints, it also provides resistance for strengthening. If you are uncomfortable with doing these in large groups, learn a few moves and take to the pool. You will quickly become more comfortable.
Find a support group. Suffering from arthritis can make you feel like an invisible and lonely victim, even when you are not. Joining a support group of others who have the same condition can help you feel better about it, as well as give you a way to share ideas for coping.
In order to have the energy you need to cope with your arthritis symptoms, it is important to get plenty of sleep. Dealing with the pain and inflammation of arthritis can take a toll on your body and leave you feeling fatigued. The best way to keep your energy up is by making sure you are getting enough sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, try eliminating caffeine or talk to your doctor about medications that may help.
When used with a combination of medicines and other treatments, hypnosis has been proven to help with arthritis. Although doctors are not sure why, patient studies have shown that hypnosis can ease arthritis pain in up to 75% of patients. It is recommended that patients have three rounds of hypnotherapy for the most effective results.
Celebrate the small stuff! Arthritis can slow you down! If you were unable to get to your mailbox six months ago, and now you can, throw yourself a little celebration! Keeping yourself happy and positive can help you and others see that you are not a helpless creature, and that you are working hard to reach your goals! Don’t stop!
Watch for symptoms of depression when you are dealing with psoriatic arthritis. The fatigue you experience with psoriatic arthritis can mask the symptoms of depression. It is hard to feel like you will ever be normal again after the diagnosis. Make sure to see a doctor and deal with symptoms of depression.
Store items on your countertop that you would normally place in your pantry to help avoid straining yourself in the kitchen. Make sure that you use lids that are lightweight and easy to remove. Simple changes like this can make your time in the kitchen more bearable.
Stop smoking. Smoking not only increase the chances of getting arthritis, it also causes the sufferer to have more painful symptoms and more damage to their joints than those who do not smoke. Of course, there are a variety of other health benefits that are associated with not smoking as well, so it is important to make a change as soon as possible.
Many people suffering from arthritis often feel alone and isolated. To better understand your affliction and your feelings about it, join a support group who will offer understanding. Whether in reality, or online, joining a support group is an excellent way to find other people who understand what you are going through. You may share helpful tips and coping strategies with others who understand your feelings.
Cognitive behavioral therapy could be a good solution if your arthritis is making you feel depressed. This kind of therapy shows people their current negative thoughts, and helps them find new, reality-based ways to look at things in a more positive way. As arthritis can lead to a lifetime of suffering, this type of therapy is quite instrumental in improving a person’s quality of life.
A great way to soothe the pain of arthritis symptoms is to get a massage. If the pain is not too severe, massages are a great way to help with pain as long as your muscles are not too tender. Massage helps release tension associated with joint stress. Try to find a massage therapist who is familiar with patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
Having a support group made up of both loved ones and professionals can help you deal with the chronic pain associated with arthritis. This includes your doctor, whom you should be able to talk to openly about your issues. Let your family and friends into your world so they can support you, while understanding what you are experiencing.
Do not discount the benefits of counseling when dealing with arthritis. In seeking counseling or support from groups you will not only find ways to enhance your thinking and coping methods. You will also build your knowledge base of information from others who have been dealing with their condition or from professionals who can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that accompany this condition.
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