If you are like the many that are affected by arthritis, you don’t have to be one of the many that don’t know what to do about it. The arthritis tips you receive in this article are great for referencing what is going on and finding out more about what you can do about it and how to live in a way that promotes well-being and not a painful struggle with arthritis.
Create a support system that includes other patients with arthritis. Friends and family members may not always be supportive of the pain you’re in, or may simply not understand the crippling nature of the condition. Having friends with arthritis can give you someone to talk to about your pain, who understands the problem and won’t judge you, while also taking the stress off of your family, when trying to deal with your issues.
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.
Be sure to move throughout the day. Remaining in the same position for a long time puts more stress on your joints than if you shift positions. Be sure to take regular breaks to stand and stretch and make sure that your work environment is set up to allow you to protect your joints.
Reduce the pain and stiffness cause by arthritis by alternating heat and cold treatments. Alternating back and forth, between hot and cold, may provide the best relief. Your doctor will be able to tell you how to best use heating and cooling to find relief from your discomfort.
Discuss your arthritis with the younger members of your family. Small children may be concerned that you are injured if you are using wrist splints or walking aids. Discuss the condition with them at their level, so they can understand without fear and perhaps even assist you during a flare-up.
Yoga might be a good way to alleviate your arthritis symptoms. Both yoga and meditation are good at relaxing tension in your body, resulting in less pain and inflammation. Ideal practice time for these techniques is three or four times a week.
In order to help ease some of the pain associated with arthtis in your hands or fingers, you may want to consider using topical creams. Many of these creams helps joints to relax, which helps to ease arthritis pain. Just be sure you consult with your doctor before using these creams.
Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C to promote healthier joints and reduce pain from arthritis. Vitamin C is proven to offer an essential vitamin that promotes joint health and can reduce the effects of arthritis and damage of joints. You can fill your diet with tasty treats like oranges and grapefruit to reduce your pain and joint damage effectively and naturally.
Ask your doctor for copies of their notes. Having a copy of what they have written about you will allow you to point out any flaws or mistakes, as well as clarify what the doctor may believe to be aggravating symptoms. Most doctors will readily hand these to you, so that you can examine them as well.
Find a hobby that you can easily perform. Many people who suffer from arthritis spend their days wishing they had something they could actually do, and you can prevent this boredom by searching out your own new hobby. Whether it is painting or dancing, having something to get you moving will keep you healthy.
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.
When making a new purchase for your home or kitchen, keep your arthritis in mind when you are deciding what to buy. Buy items that are lightweight and that don’t require repetitive movements. Just simply buying an electric can opener can save your hands from a lot of pain and stress.
By reducing the amount you smoke, you can help to minimize a small amount of pain and swelling caused by arthritis. There have been studies done on nonsmokers and it shows that they don’t have as many problems with pain from arthritis and swollen joints as smokers do. Consider giving up smoking to improve your symptoms. If you are having trouble quitting by yourself, consider getting a doctor to prescribe some medication that could help.
Many people tend to have bad posture and do all sorts of things that wreak havoc on their bodies. When you have arthritis, it is even more important to pay close attention to things like this. You need to make sure you maintain good posture and the correct positioning of your body.
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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