Arthritis is a potentially painful and debilitating condition that keeps people from enjoying their bodies and life. The spread and development of arthritis can seem like a slowly shrinking prison to those who suffer from it, but a little light of knowledge can shine space into this growing darkness. Read on for some enlightening advice on arthritis.
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.
Lay the clippers on your thigh, then use the heel part of your hand and push it down. This not only makes the task easier overall, but makes using your fingers completely unnecessary.
Simply relax in a comfortable position with eyes closed and breathe deeply. This may help you forget about your pain so that you can start thinking happily again.
If you’re a chronic arthritis sufferer, consider acupuncture. Acupuncture has been proven to help alleviate pain caused by arthritis. If this method is something you want to try, make sure to do so regularly, because isolated events will not provide lasting results.
Learn ways to adapt to your child’s need to play without injuring yourself or making your rheumatoid arthritis worse. If your child wants to play on the floor, try sitting on the bed or on the stairs to give yourself a break from trying to get up and down from the floor.
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.
Get support from others who are dealing with psoriatic arthritis. The fatigue that is caused by this condition can make you feel closed off from the world. Do not make the mistake of drawing into yourself and thinking no one understands you. Joining a support group can do wonders for helping you accept your condition and find ways around your new energy levels.
Go to a physical therapist. If arthritis pain or inflammation is interrupting your daily life, a physical therapist will be able to work with you to find a workout routine that will bring back your flexibility and lessen swelling. Follow your therapeutic action plan very specifically in order to gain favorable results, and take back your life.
Consider consulting your doctor about electric stimulation if you are affected by osteoarthritis. Reduced pain and swelling have been reported from utilizing this method of treatment.
Don’t underestimate the value of a good, hearty laugh. Find a friend who makes you laugh, spend time with your family or watch a funny movie to forget about your stress. This will, in turn, reduce your arthritis pain and inflammation thanks to the “feel good” hormones that are released into your system when you are having a good time!
Elevate your legs to relieve foot and knee pain. Most people who suffer from arthritis have it the worst in their knees and ankles. Elevating your legs can help to relieve swelling and inflammation, and quickly bring pain to a standstill. Try laying on a couch, and putting your legs up on the armrest.
Some people have found that using Black Cohosh can help reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis. It works by helping to eliminate inflammation and other associated effects of arthritis, as well pain associated with the entire nervous system. Many arthritis sufferers have found relief through the use of Black Cohosh supplements.
Keep your arthritis under control by exercising and keeping active. You should select an activity that is adapted to your condition, for instance water aerobics. The water will give you support and will massage your muscles as you are doing the exercises. Water exercises are very useful when reliving arthritis pain.
There is new evidence that taking fish-oil capsules may be as effective as taking naproxen or ibuprofen in helping relieve the symptoms of arthritis. The recommended dosage is usually 4 grams of fish oil a day. This translates into four standard capsules. Fish oil has been show to help with inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Use a diary to track your pain as it progresses or gets better. Pay attention to the type of pain you feel as well as when it s happening. Also note any relief techniques you are following. Write down other current medication, whether you skipped or took it and other useful information to take when you see your doctor. Your doctor will use your diary to find the best treatment for you.
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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