Arthritis symptoms can strike in any joint, affect people at any age and is definitely no laughing matter. It damages bones and joints, and causes extreme pain that can be disabling.
Buy accessories for your life and your home that make things easier. For example, you can purchase products that make it easier for you to open doors or take the lids off of jars. If you can increase the ease of your daily life, you’ll reduce pain and stress and improve your attitude.
If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 in your diet. If you’re not, consider taking a supplement like fish oil to help get those levels up. Studies have shown that omega-3 has many anti-inflammatory benefits for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
Eat the right supplements. Omega 3 fish oils have been shown to greatly reduce inflammation and swelling of joints, as well as help to increase flexibility. Make sure you are taking these supplements as they are prescribed, and you will quickly find yourself able to do the tasks you were worried you would not be able to do.
You should consider aromatherapy to calm some of the pain from arthritis. Researchers have found that aromatherapy can help relax your joints and muscles, which helps to relieve some arthritis symptoms.
Avoid pain killers for arthritis if you don’t need them. Prescriptions pain pills are often addictive and are used to temporarily treat your pain. If your doctor prescribed them to you and if you plan on using them, use them as they were prescribed by your doctor.
You should support yourself with a cane. There are people who have arthritis but avoid using a cane; they think it is a sign of weakness. If you have less pain when you use a cane you should do it. To make it a little easier, you should pick out a cane that agrees with your personal style and is comfortable to hold.
Have a regular schedule. When your body is out of tune with your mind, flare ups will occur more often. Going to bed and waking up at regular times, as well as having a good morning routine, can help get the two in line with each other and better prepare you for whatever the day holds.
Learn as much as you can about your condition if you have arthritis. The old adage that knowledge is power is especially true in this case. The more you learn about your form of arthritis and its treatments, the better chance you have of living a full and active life in spite of your condition.
Set a timer for yourself. When engaging in household tasks, give yourself several minutes before your timer goes off so that you know when you should rest. It is harmful to push yourself to finish tasks when you are in pain. Break your tasks up to take good care of yourself.
Make sure your doctor is knowledgeable on the subject of arthritis. Some doctors have had extensive training in the field, and know better and more effective treatments than other doctors might. Ask your doctor how much they know about arthritis, and if they would be comfortable recommending you to someone more experienced.
Use either hot or cold compresses on your aching joints. This can help to relieve the pain you are feeling. Alternating between hot and cold is also a great way to help your joints feel better. It is important to speak with your doctor about the best way to use this technique.
It is wise to see a nutritionist who can help you implement an anti-inflammatory diet. This type of diet includes lots of the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These things will allow you to be able to lose weight or maintain it. Learn all you can about the foods that can help you soothe and treat your arthritis pain and symptoms.
If you suffer from arthritis, do your best to use diet and moderate exercise to lose any unnecessary weight you are carrying. Excess weight puts more stress on bones and joints and causes them to wear out more quickly. Losing weight will not only lessen the stress on your back, hips and knees, but also make it easier to engage in more physical exercise.
When suffering from severe arthritis symptoms, try looking into getting some physical therapy. If your doctor can prescribe it, it is possible that it will be covered by your health insurance. Although it is typically a short term option, physical therapy can help you gain enough strength and movement to begin a proper exercise program.
Most exercise programs for people who suffer from the pain and stiffness of arthritis include range-of-motion exercises. Range-of-motion is the normal amount of distance that your joints can move in a certain direction. These types of exercises help to keep your joints flexible. Some physicians also recommend Tai Chi as an alternative to improve flexibility and increase muscle strength.
Arthritis Medications
Ask your doctor WHEN the best time is to take your arthritis medications. Some medicines might be most effective right after you take them, so they would be best to use first thing in the morning. Others might take a few hours before they start working, so you’d want to take those before bed.
Ask your pharmacist if any of the arthritis medications you are taking cause fatigue, and if you would be better off taking them before bed. Many arthritis prescriptions do cause lethargy, so it’s up to you to find out which ones do cause fatigue and make sure you’re taking them at times when they won’t affect your daily activities.
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