The chronic pain of arthritis can diminish the quality of life for those affected. Even simple tasks can be difficult as a result of severe joint pain. If this pertains to you, continue reading. Putting these techniques into practice will make movement less painful and improve your quality of life.
Make time in your day to do the things you love. Increased stress levels can lead to more arthritis flare-ups. If you find time to do the activities you enjoy, you’ll improve your mood and your energy levels. This kind of effect will lead to lasting improvement for your symptoms.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, start a daily journal. This journal gives you assistance in determining which things cause your arthritis to flare up. In addition, it’s helpful in discovering the most effective techniques for relief. This information can then be used to your advantage. You can share it with a doctor and/or use it yourself to avoid further pain and inflammation. The multiple benefits of such a diary makes it well worth the effort to maintain one.
You can deal with chronic arthritis through meditation or yoga practice. It is a proven fact that these techniques help to relax your body, which also reduces the symptoms of arthritis. You must do them at least 3 times a week for them to help you.
When you have osteoarthritis, exercising your joints is an essential part of managing your condition. Experts have found that exercise helps relieve stiffness and keeps your joints more flexible. Stretching exercises along with light weight training can also improve your endurance and help you sleep more soundly, leading to less pain and a better quality of life.
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.
Keep in touch with your doctor about different options for treating your arthritis symptoms. There are almost always new options coming on the scene for treating arthritis. From new drugs to new physical therapies, stay on top of these advances by making sure your doctor knows that you are interested in learning more and trying new options.
Take the time to have your family educated about your rheumatoid arthritis and the different challenges that will occur while you live with this condition. There are classes available through The Arthritis Foundation, and there are many books available that can be used to teach your family about the condition.
A cane offers great support. Many people who have arthritis refuse to use a walking aid to show they have a disability. The truth is that if a cane makes it easier for you to walk without pain, you are far less disabled that you would be without it. Look for a cane with some personality to feel better about carrying one.
Have a regular eating schedule. Test your body to find out what eating pattern works best for you, and set up a distinct schedule around those times. If you find yourself hungry at a time when you are not scheduled to eat, have a light nutritious snack to keep yourself energetic and on schedule.
Regarding side effects, if your medication is one that may cause fatigue or other similar issues, you may want to discuss finding a different medication with your doctor. Fatigue is already a huge issue for people who suffer from arthritis, and you may not want a medication that is going to further aggravate that.
Purchase an ergonomic knife that is designed to help you cut and slice with ease without putting a strain on your joints. These knives give you better leverage so that you can use your body weight to do your cutting instead of using your joints in a repetitive fashion.
Find a rubber mat to place at your stove to help prevent back and leg pain while you are standing and cooking. These buoyancy of these mats help keep pressure off of your legs which will do wonders for keeping your body feeling healthy. Buy one as well for in front of your sink to use when you are washing dishes.
Never wear high heels. Women who suffer from arthritis should stay far away from these shoes, as they put extra stress on the ankles and knees. Wearing these can actually cause tears in the tendons surrounding joints, which will only worsen any inflammation and pain that already exists in the area.
Keep a diary for your sake and review, as well as bringing it to your doctor’s visits. Your doctor will then be able to tell how you are doing without making you think you have to have total recall of all events. The diary also keeps track of different practices you have incorporated and their effects.
For arthritis pain try using hot and cold treatments to help. Apply heat to the area with a heating pad or try chilling out with an ice pack or ice water to help soothe your joints. Alternating hot and cold can help provide some powerful pain relief as well.
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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