Arthritis is a tough and painful condition that many people all over the world go through on an ever day basis. While some people only experience mild pain, the disease can be quite severe and debilitating. All symptoms of arthritis should be managed through proper health care.
Be sure to get enough exercise and that you are doing the right kinds of exercise. People with arthritis should choose exercises that support and strengthen the joints, such as swimming, instead of exercises that damage them, such as running. Failing to exercise can also increase joint stiffness and pain.
Keep pain relieving medications and ointments handy, such as on the countertop. If you suffer from a sudden attack, you may not want to have to reach and grab for your pills. In addition, if you have your medications in your purse or in your car, they will be available if you need them while not at home.
Both heat and ice can help to take some of the ache out of your joints, so try applying these in pack form to your pained areas. For the best results, alternate between the hot and cold applications. The heat will improve circulation to the area while relaxing muscles.
Watch out for co-morbid condition, especially depression. Arthritis and depression can lock you into a feedback loop: you’re tired and in pain, so you can’t do the things you love, which makes you more upset. Being upset then leads to symptom flare-ups. If you think you are depressed, speak with your doctor about a referral to a psychiatrist.
Smoking cigarettes can cause a decrease in flexibility, and makes arthritis symptoms worse. It can be hard to quit smoking, but you can be more motivated when you keep in mind that doing so may help your arthritis.
See a doctor to find out exactly what type of arthritis you have if you feel you are suffering from arthritic symptoms. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis and knowing your specific type can help you learn how to help take care of yourself more effectively.
Go to a local yoga class. Yoga is beneficial to both the mind and body, as it increases flexibility in both areas. Yoga can teach you tricks on how to manage your symptoms effectively. Even if you cannot get out to a yoga class, you may want to try doing it at home.
To manage your symptoms effectively, try a Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown that arthritis sufferers who change to this diet see their symptoms quickly decrease, and have a better feeling overall. The Mediterranean diet is high in healthy fats and grains, which your body needs to increase your flexibility and overall health.
Buy your children’s clothing with zippers and loose fitting clothing if you are a parent dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Trying to handle a button or a snap can be a nightmare when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Don’t suffer just to get your child the cutest outfit in the store.
Do not expect to follow the same schedule you followed before your diagnosis. Some types of arthritis can cause serious fatigue and discomfort, and you need to listen to your body. Rest if you need to, or change your schedule around to do activities at the times during the day that you have more flexibility.
Do not discount the need to get enough sleep when dealing with psoriatic arthritis. You need sleep now even more than before. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor about medications that can help. Keep your bedroom a place for resting so that your body knows that heading to bed means time for sleep.
Buy helpful equipment. When you have the right tools, it is possible to forget about arthritis pain, and perform your daily tasks. These products enable arthritis sufferers to accomplish day-to-day chores and activities with little to no assistance. Some of these products are shoe horns, zipper pulls, specially designed can openers, pens and knives. Spend some money on these and your life will quickly get better.
Use light exercises and stretching to prevent further joint damage and pain from arthritis. light exercise avoids excess strain on the joints and you will find that it creates more limber and flexible joints that are conditioned for healthier activity. With stretching, you are giving yourself more flexibility for common activities you will encounter without causing pain from inflamed joints.
Use gardening as an effective therapy against arthritis. There are so many studies out there about arthritis, natural therapies, and one of the top therapies identified is gardening. Simply planting a small garden in your backyard or gardening with some pals can be such a great help in relaxation and relief of your pain.
Do not be afraid to consider surgery. Many people who suffer with arthritis will initially balk at the thought of having surgery done to correct an issue. Let your doctor coach you on what may be the best method of treatment for you, and if surgery is an effective option, try not to immediately dismiss it.
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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