There are over 100 forms of arthritis. Arthritis is a form of a joint disorder and is characterized by the inflammation of one or more joints. The major complaint of sufferers of this condition is joint pain that is often constant and localized around the affected joint. There are many things that a sufferer can do to alleviate the pain and to better live with the condition.
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.
For arthritis sufferers, it is important to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Excess weight just puts more strain and pressure on your arthritic joints, which can make your arthritis even worse. It is a proven fact that every pound you lose is four less pounds of pressure on your knees.
If you suffer from arthritis, you may want to consider buying special arthritis gloves. Not only can these gloves keep your hands warm all day and night long, but they can also decrease swelling in your fingers and hands. Arthritis gloves can be purchased at many drug stores or pharmacies.
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.
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.
Keep in touch with your doctor about different options for treating your arthritis symptoms. There are almost always new options coming on the scene for treating arthritis. From new drugs to new physical therapies, stay on top of these advances by making sure your doctor knows that you are interested in learning more and trying new options.
Before immediately assuming you need surgery for knee pain, see how a brace improves its function first. Surgery should be the option of last resort, and knee braces have been proven to decrease arthritis pain and swelling. Braces can even be worn while sleeping.
Listen to what your body is saying. Because every case of arthritis is unique, you are the one person who really understands exactly what effects you are experiencing. You need to heed your bodies signals. For example, if you have a flare-up, the best thing to do is to rest until it passes.
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.
Have sturdy footwear that is meant for the activity you are performing. Different shoes are necessary for normal wear and exercise, because you are putting strain on different joints for each action. Having great shoes meant for each activity will decrease any chance of injury or irritation, as well as making sure to increase flexibility.
Focus on something else. When you are in pain, your mind is solely interested in that fact. If you can find something to draw your attention away from it, you will likely notice that your pain is actually lessening or possibly even disappearing. A distracting and focused hobby can be a great technique to use for this.
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.
Make sure your diagnosis is correct before you spend time looking for treatments for a disease that you do not have. Consult your physician and he or she will be able to assist you as to your proper diagnosis and treatment options. After you do this, there are a variety of different options you have.
Use either hot or cold compresses on your aching joints. This can help to relieve the pain you are feeling. Alternating between hot and cold is also a great way to help your joints feel better. It is important to speak with your doctor about the best way to use this technique.
Do as much reading and researching as you can to learn about all the new innovations in arthritis therapy, both in the mainstream world of medicine and in a vast variety of alternative therapies. By knowing what’s available to you, you will be able to create the most effective and creative therapy plan to address your arthritis pain needs.
Try including Mediterranean food in your diet. A study came out several years ago that found that arthritis sufferers who consistently ate Mediterranean fruits, vegetables, cereals and olive oil over a period of three months had better daily functioning that other patients. Since eating more fruits and vegetables is good for your health anyway, it is definitely worth a try.
Beating the fatigue associated with rheumatoid arthritis isn’t easy, but there are ways to keep it under control. For example, stick to a schedule every day – even on the weekend – as to when you go to bed and when you get up in the morning. This will help insure you get a good night’s sleep every day.
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