The joint disorder known as arthritis comes in many forms. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and results from trauma, age, or infection of the affected joint. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, are caused by auto immune responses. Whatever form of arthritis you have, the following tips will help you cope with them.
When treating joint pain, alternate the temperatures for maximum effectiveness. Your joints can easily become inflamed, so switching between hot and cold packs can soothe pain and reduce swelling. Be careful not to overdo it with icing or heating — use moderation in applying these treatments. You should go for two times a day!
Stretching should be a daily activity to keep your arthritis symptoms under control. You can prevent injuries just by spending 10 minutes a day stretching all of your major muscle groups. These stretches warm up for your muscles and tendons making them less likely to sustain an injury.
If you are suffering from arthritis, turn to music that is relaxing. This music works to unwind and relax, soothing your body and alleviating some of the uncomfortable and daunting pains of arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers have difficulty sleeping; listening to music that relaxes you, can aid in getting a good night’s sleep.
Glucosamine is a supplement that you may want to consider using if you suffer from arthritis. This supplement is made from the shells of lobsters, crabs, and shrimp and contains nutrients that help to ease pain in the joints, especially pain in people that suffer from arthritis in the knees.
Take your medication like you are supposed to. Many arthritis sufferers will only take their medication if they are in pain, and forget it later. This is detrimental to your body, because you are actually trying to prevent these attacks from happening. Set a daily reminder, and take your medication on a strict schedule.
Watch for new treatments. Unless your current treatment is ineffective, many doctors will not bring up any new ideas. Talk to your doctor any time you become aware of a different treatment that may be more effective. He may agree to let you give it a try.
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.
Research studies show that wearing high heels can increase the chance of arthritis in women. It applies increased pressure on the heels and the joints in the feet. This is not good over an extended period of time. While high heels are something that women choose to wear for style and other reasons, you may want to reconsider putting a pair of high heels on.
Sometimes, the treatments that your doctor offers for arthritis can be assisted and enhanced with alternative treatments such as hydrotherapy, yoga, hot and cold therapy or some herbal or dietary supplements. Be sure to ask your doctor about alternative treatments that will help you make the most of your arthritis care.
Stop smoking. Smoking not only increase the chances of getting arthritis, it also causes the sufferer to have more painful symptoms and more damage to their joints than those who do not smoke. Of course, there are a variety of other health benefits that are associated with not smoking as well, so it is important to make a change as soon as possible.
Your diet plan should include plenty of healthy items, including fatty acids like Omega 3’s. You can purchase this substance in the form of a capsule that acts as a supplement and you can also try certain foods. These foods include flax seeds, nuts and oily fish. Omega 3 helps lubricate your joints, and also provides padding and an anti-inflammatory effect.
It is not uncommon to feel as though you are alone in your arthritis suffering. If you feel isolated with this disease, find a support group. You can find very supportive people who share your experiences and concerns online or in the real world. During meetings, each member of the group can offer valuable insight and inspiration to help others.
Talk with your physician to discuss if a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods would help relieve your symptoms. This will help reduce joint inflammation and relieve arthritis pain. This special diet has shown amazing results for many people. In some cases, they are able to stop using prescription arthritis medication entirely.
LED lights are a great therapeutic help to reduce arthritis pain too. LED devices don’t cost that much and are easy to use. They an also have a big impact on your pain. Look for an LED light therapy device in any drug store or nearby department store. To maximize effectiveness, do LED therapy sessions twice a day for 15-30 minutes each.
Sign up for counseling. A doctor will help you with the medical aspect of arthritis, but counseling will help you with the psychological aspect. Counseling will help you deal with your stress better and perhaps even with your depression if this is the case as well as help you cope with the chronic pain.
Watch what you eat – cut down on red meat too. People who follow a Mediterranean diet are less likely to suffer from arthritis. A Mediterranean diet includes fish, cereals, fruits and oils. Make sure you include these important elements in your daily diet and you should see a difference. This will not cure arthritis but should help reduce the pain.
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