While most people know what arthritis is, few know how to properly treat it. Understanding the nature and symptoms of your arthritis is the first step in treating it properly.
Reconsider your use of high heeled shoes if you suffer from arthritis. While high heels are very pretty to look at, they do not do your feet any favors. Heels put more stress on joints like ankles and knees, increasing arthritis pain. Your arthritis troubles will be minimized if you wear comfortable shoes whenever possible. Your arthritic knees will respond gratefully.
It might seem hard to do but you should exercise often if you have arthritis. If you don’t exercise your joints, they can become weaker and get worn out. This will have a negative effect on your arthritis. Try flexibility exercises if you suffer from arthritis because it helps to increase range of motion.
Always keep your joints in mind. If you suffer from arthritis, even the tiniest tasks can take a toll on you. If you have trouble lifting items, slide them on the floor or ask for help. Try to limit any inflammation in your joints, as this will limit your movement and flexibility during the day.
Now, more than ever before, your body needs plenty of good sleep. Your body will not have the strength to fight the pain associated with arthritis without proper sleep. Make sure to get in your eight hours per day if at all possible. If you feel you need more, you probably do. Good sleep will help your body a lot.
Implement both cold and hot treatments. When joints are particularly painful, going back and forth between heat-packs and cold compresses can reduce swelling and ease pain, as well. Make sure that you are not using these types of treatments too much, because over-heating or over-icing can bring more problems for you. If you use this treatment more than twice a day then it might do more harm than good.
If you are living with arthritis and happen to be designing a brand new home, make certain to ask for builder modifications that will help you. Have a meeting with your builder to come up with a list of things that can be done to make your home more livable for you. If you make these modifications, you can rid yourself of some of the pain to make your life easier.
Participate in therapy. Arthritis sufferers sometimes find it difficult being alone, so therapy can help to keep you from feeling like a helpless victim. Attending therapy in an individual or group session can help to stave off conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Moist Heating Pad
Try to put more vegetables in your diet and cut out some of the meat. Studies show arthritis sufferers have less pain or inflammation from eating vegetarian. If you have a problem eliminating meat from your diet, try to fill your plate at least half-way with vegetables to get the most benefit.
Use a moist heating pad for temporary pain relief. If your arthritis pain is nagging or becomes too painful to allow you to properly function, you may want to invest in a moist heating pad. They offer quick relief from pain and help to improve range of motion in stiff joints; be sure to speak with your doctor if your pain worsens.
One supplement that many arthritis suffers recommend is fish oil. Medical research has confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids, which are in fish oil, will help to relieve the pain and inflammation found in the joints of arthritis sufferers. You can find fish oil in supermarkets and vitamin stores.
Avail yourself to the special equipment made just for arthritis sufferers. Performing everyday tasks is possible for arthritic sufferers if they have the proper tools. Available products include specialized knives, can openers, attachments for zippers and shoe horns, each designed so an arthritis sufferer can do daily tasks without additional help. Invest in these types of tools to make life a little easier.
Going to a sauna regularly can help if you suffer from chronic arthritis. Moisture and heat are two things that can help the inflammation caused by arthritis, this will help your pain. In order to be effective, you have to visit the sauna on a regular basis.
Sleep as best youc an. Sleep is essential to arthritis management because your body needs to relax and recharge itself for the coming day. Hide all light sources when sleeping, including your alarm clock and cell phone, and meditate before going to sleep.
A cane or walking stick is a valuable source of support. Many people with arthritis refuse to walk with a cane, as they think it makes them appear disabled. The truth is that if a cane makes it easier for you to walk without pain, you are far less disabled that you would be without it. Look for a cane with some personality to feel better about carrying one.
The best thing to do is make others around you aware that you have arthritis. Tell them about arthritis and what effect it has on your life. Although arthritis can hold you back or make you feel bad, you don’t have to be frustrated. Do them and yourself a favor by letting them know, because when they understand your situation, they will be understanding towards you.
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of arthritis. Early diagnosis is key to managing your symptoms. If these are some things that you have been experiencing, you should make an appointment with your doctor to diagnosis your situation.
Use a diary. With a daily record of what you’ve done and your level of pain, you’ll be able to visualize what triggers bad reactions. By writing down what you’ve eaten, the activities you’ve engaged in, and the degree of pain you experience, you’ll be able to identify pain triggers.
Drinking water is important. Have some water whenever you are thirsty, and keep in mind, water is the finest beverage you can have. Avoid dehydrating liquids, such as caffeine.
Arthritis is divided into three types: Rheumatoid, Psoriatic and Osteoarthritis. Each of these three types of arthritis requires a different treatment approach.
Yoga classes can really boost your health, flexibility and stamina. Because it involves stretching, relaxation, and muscle toning, it can be of help to most people who suffer from arthritis. If you do not feel like joining a class, you should think about purchasing a yoga workout video instead. You won’t have to leave the house if you work out with a DVD, so you can be a little more comfortable.
There are many ways that you can help to treat the joint inflammation caused by arthritis. Urtication can benefit many of arthritis symptoms, and has been around since ancient times. Older treatments like these have stood the test of time, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by attempting these sorts of natural, holistic remedies.
If arthritis is causing chronic pain, it is important to build a supportive group that will help you through. Make sure that you have a specific doctor who is tracking your progress. Be honest with your friends and family about your experiences and limitations and ask for their support.
Speak to your physician about using cold or heat treatments for your joints. A combination of ice packs and heating pads can really help to relieve joint pain. In addition, it may be beneficial to switch off between hot and cold packs, although this alternation should not be overused.
If you are a woman that is currently suffering from arthritis, you may want to trade in your heels for some comfortable and supportive running shoes. Shoes that force the feet into unnatural positions while you walk, like heels, can put an unnecessary strain on joints throughout the legs and even up through the spine. All that potentially painful stress will disappear if you switch over to comfy running shoes (or orthopedic dress shoes on more formal occasions).
Hot Wax
Having correct posture is helpful to minimize arthritis symptoms. When it comes to arthritis pain, your posture really makes all the difference, more so than healthy eating habits, or even exercise. Sit up straight and make sure that you stand having your feet about 12″ away form each other. You can improve your posture this way and minimize your joint pain as well.
Hot wax has helped some people that suffer from arthritis ease their pain. Bathing arthritic hands and feet in hot wax has been shown to ease the pain and inflammation that arthritis can create. Through complete submersion in the hot wax, your hands, feet, fingers and toes will be fully embraced and find welcome relief.
Healthy eating habits will benefit everyone, perhaps especially someone who is suffering from arthritis pain. If you have arthritis, you can improve your body’s condition and increase your vitality by including fresh vegetables and fruits, essential oils (like olive oil), and legumes in your diet. If you are more vital you will have more energy and this will keep you fit and able to get rid of arthritis.
If you have a pair of “lucky shoes” that you’ve had for over a year, it’s about time that you threw them out and got some newer shoes which will give you better support. By being old and worn out they don’t provide the support you need, especially as an arthritis sufferer.
Exercising can help you if you choose adapted exercises. There are some exercises that will actually do more damage to you. Pick a activity such as swimming, cycling or walking. Try not to pick anything that you must utilize your hands more than usual, like tennis.
Educating yourself about arthritis goes a long way in getting your life back. Learning is power in the case of arthritis. The tips you just read are a great way to get started treating your arthritis and live a pain-free life for good.
You need to exercise when you have arthritis, though try to break your workouts into small segments. Exercise has been proven to be extremely helpful to people with arthritis. For the best results, split a thirty minute exercise regimen into short, ten minute periods spread throughout the day.