Is arthritis taking over your life? There are a lot of people that have a hard time due to the decreased capabilities and pain caused by arthritis, and a lot of them are not aware of the remedies and treatments that are out there. There are many ways to fight arthritis besides medication, so don’t let a fear of drugs stop you. Use these tips as guidance in how to cope with your arthritis every day.
Thinking positive thoughts can help you to cope with arthritis pain. It might sound silly, but a strong mind/body connection does exist. If your mind thinks positive, it is difficult for your body to feel negative. Fill your life with happiness and you might just find that your pain quickly diminishes.
Some studies indicate that unlike with other medical issues, alcohol consumption does not increase problems with arthritis. Rather, some research has suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may possibly decrease various symptoms.
To use a manual stapler while living with arthritis, press down on the stapler with your forearm. Do this instead of using your wrist. The wrist is one area that can become especially sensitive and painful during an arthritis flare up. Keeping from having to use it during those moments means less pain for you, and the task getting accomplished faster too.
If you have arthritis, say “no” to high heels and “yes” to comfortable flat shoes. If you suffer from arthritis in any of your joints, uncomfortable shoes can cause increased pain, due to abnormal gait. Buy some comfortable tennis shoes that provide support instead.
Always protect your joints when you are dealing with arthritis. Keep your joints moving throughout the day and avoid holding them in the same position for too long a period of time. Always consider how to best execute a task to minimize stress to your joints.
Stretch your body on a daily basis to keep it limber. A huge problem for people who suffer from arthritis is the lack of flexibility. Establishing a daily regimen that targets all your muscles is one of the best ways to stay flexible. Work from your feet up without forgetting any muscles.
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.
If you suffer from chronic pain from arthritis, consider going to a sauna for pain relief. The inflammation in the joints will reduce under the action of moisture and heat. You must use the sauna regularly for best results.
What you eat matters. Some arthritis sufferers are unaware they have food allergies. Keep a log of the foods you are eating, and make a note when you experience a flare-up in your symptoms. You might be able to pinpoint what is worsening your pain.
Use a cane for support. Unfortunately, cane’s come with a disability stigma that many people don’t want to be associated with. If your pain is lessened by the use of a cane, you will be less disabled with one than without it. When choosing a cane opt for one that matches your personality and activity level.
If you have been having trouble turning door knobs, consider having your door hardware switched out for handles instead of knobs. When you are dealing with arthritis flare ups, you can use your elbow and forearm to do the work of opening the door saving your hands the trouble.
After being diagnosed with arthritis you should go have your eyes checked. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause complications with your vision and in some cases will lead to blindness. Your eye doctor may suggest using anti-inflammatory eye drops to help decrease symptoms of blurred vision, redness, pain, and light sensitivity.
If you suffer from arthritis, do your best to use diet and moderate exercise to lose any unnecessary weight you are carrying. Excess weight puts more stress on bones and joints and causes them to wear out more quickly. Losing weight will not only lessen the stress on your back, hips and knees, but also make it easier to engage in more physical exercise.
Always be sure that you are really dealing with arthritis before treating your pain like arthritis. There is no point taking medication or treatments for arthritis if that is not what you are actually suffering from.
Do not be uncomfortable about asking for help or finding someone who can help you in times of discomfort just by being there or giving you an ear to listen to. Having a support system of close friends or family will help you take some of the worry and stress out of your daily routine just by being able to talk or have a shoulder to lean on.
Do some stretching, even if you’re not about to workout. A daily stretching routine can protect your joints from arthritis flareups. Just remember to put your stretches on hold if you are experiencing joint pain. Ask your doctor about what you should do if you keep experiencing pain when you stretch. You can do some stretches each morning after taking a shower to help you prepare for the day.
Spend your downtime thinking about all the things you’ll do when you’re back on your feet. Arthritis can knock you down for a day or two, but visualizing all the great things you’ll be doing tomorrow can help to keep your spirits up and keep you motivated to get moving again.
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