Learning how to handle arthritis will help ease the stress associated with any illness. These tips and ideas are a good way to impact your normal routine and give you some easily found information that can diminish some of your stress.
When you have arthritis and you plan to exercise, make sure you keep your footwear in good condition. An old pair of exercise shoes will cause your weight to be distributed unevenly. They’ll also wreak havoc on your leg joints. New workout shoes will provide you with more shock absorption, as well, so be sure to replace them whenever necessary, especially when the soles have worn thin.
Don’t limit your sleep if you’re an arthritis sufferer. By not getting enough shut-eye, your body won’t get the chance to fight the painful symptoms of arthritis. The amount of sleep people require usually vary from 6-8 hours per night, more if the stress level is high. Your body will respond very favorably when you get enough sleep.
Aquatic exercises are great for people with arthritis. These activities will stretch your muscles and joints. In addition, warm water is known to alleviate chronic arthritis pain. If you don’t feel comfortable in the water, consider taking a swimming class.
Keeping an arthritis journal can actually help you control your symptoms. Each time your arthritis is bothering you, write about what you do that day in your journal. This way, you can start to see a pattern as to what is causing your arthritis pain so you can slow down on that activity.
See a doctor to find out exactly what type of arthritis you have if you feel you are suffering from arthritic symptoms. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis and knowing your specific type can help you learn how to help take care of yourself more effectively.
Buy your children’s clothing with zippers and loose fitting clothing if you are a parent dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Trying to handle a button or a snap can be a nightmare when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Don’t suffer just to get your child the cutest outfit in the store.
Keeping a normal weight is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight can strain your joints, worsening arthritis symptoms as a result. Instead of depriving yourself of food by skipping meals, opt for a healthy, nutritious diet.
If you have arthritis troubles, taking fish oil could help you. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, which are in fish oil, help minimize pain and joint inflammation. You can buy fish oil at many grocery stores, or at health food or vitamin stores.
Invest in helpful equipment. There are many assisted devices available to help people perform their daily activities with greater ease. Things like shoe horns, zipper pulls, and ergonomical pens are all things that can help you deal with your arthritis and get things done by yourself. These tools can help you to perform day to day tasks with ease.
Getting your rest is important. If you suffer from arthritis, you need proper rest. During sleep, your body rejuvenates itself and restores energy that your body will need to properly function tomorrow. For the best sleep, try having complete darkness in your room. Covering your alarm clock and silencing your cell phone can relax you for better sleep.
Make sure you listen when your body sends you a message. Only you truly know how much arthritis is affecting various parts of your body. Look at the signals your body sends out, and make changes accordingly. If you’re weary, stop to rest.
To avoid overdoing activities, set a stopwatch. If you are trying to get things done, a timer that goes off when you need a break can greatly help. Many people push through their pain and try to complete the task in a single shot, but this can be harmful.
Get involved with something bigger than yourself. Having outside goals, such as helping a charity, can remind you that you are not the only one in your position. Doing this will help to distract you from pain and also stop you from feeling sorry for yourself. Many charities will allow you to help without having to leave your home, so anyone can do it.
Pay close attention to your medical treatment plan. Many arthritis sufferers make the mistake of simply closing their minds to what their doctors are saying to them. A good patient should take notes on what the doctor is telling them, as well as what the pharmacist says. Doing this can keep you informed on your own condition.
Add Epsom salt to your bath water. Epsom salts relax the body and help relieve stiffness, swelling, and pain. Combining these great benefits with a warm bath in the morning hours can easily increase flexibility and reduce pain, allowing you to have a more energized and relaxed day ahead of you.
Start using other parts of your body to do the work when you are lifting items. You can use your shoulder to help get something that is placed a little higher. Incorporating other areas of your body will reduce the strain that you put on your most heavily used joints and muscles.
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.
One of the easiest exercises you can do every day to help with your arthritis pain is to take the stairs instead of using the elevator. Every single step you take on the stairs will really add up over time. Try parking your car at the far end of the parking lot to add additional steps to your daily routine. Even small steps in your daily routine can amount to a big help.
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