You are not alone in suffering with arthritis, with millions like you seeking treatments and prevention. Even though most cases of arthritis are not curable, almost everyone afflicted with it can take steps to mitigate the pain and frustration it causes. This article contains helpful and easy tips that you can use to treat and prevent arthritis.
Use ice packs or heating pads to relieve some joint pain. For the best results, alternate between cold and hot. Consult with a doctor, as he or she might have additional tips for using temperature to soothe arthritis pain.
Arthritis pain can make sleep difficult. Try taking a bath with warm water and soothing bath salts. The bath and the warmth of the water will help relax you and provide some relief from your arthritis pain. Bedtime will come much easier once your body is relaxed.
When you have arthritis and you plan to exercise, make sure you keep your footwear in good condition. Wearing shoes that are worn out causes an uneven distribution in your weight. This can cause a lot of problems in your ankles, knees and hip joints. It is important to regularly replace your shoes, especially if you discover uneven patterns of wear on the soles.
Take breaks, lose weight and avoid carrying heavy items to decrease the amount of stress on your joints. Even a small task can be painful and seem difficult when you are arthritic. If you have trouble lifting items, slide them on the floor or ask for help. In order to keep your joints flexible, you must prevent irritation and swelling.
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, journal your symptoms. A diary assists you in determining how your arthritis flares in response to triggers. It can also let you know what helps in each situation. Based on your findings, your doctor can then develop a treatment plan that will have the greatest effect on your symptoms. In other words, there are many ways that an arthritis diary is beneficial.
Smoking cigarettes is associated with a loss of flexibility, and an increase in arthritis flare-ups. It may be hard to quit smoking, but it can be easier if you know how the habit is making your arthritis worse.
Lie back, close your eyes and practice some deep breathing exercises. You will then forget the pain you have for a little while and have a chance to think happy thoughts.
Pain Killers
Use aromatherapy to ease arthritis pain. Research has been conducted about the effects aromatherapy has on arthritis sufferers. In short, aromatherapy is able to relax the body’s joints and muscles, thus relieving tension, inflammation, and ultimately pain.
Avoid utilizing pain killers for relief of arthritis pain unless absolutely necessary. These medications easily lead to dependence, and their relief is only temporary. If you are prescribed pain killers, use them only as prescribed.
Put more vegetables and less meat on your plate. Following a strict vegetarian diet with tons of vital nutrients will lessen your arthritis symptoms, and may prevent further damage. You may not be able to give up meat entirely, but try to pull at least half of your calories from vegetables. This way, you get at least some of the anti-arthritis benefits.
Electrical stimulation is usually a very efficient treatment for those who suffer from osteoarthritis. It sounds extreme, but it has been shown to reduce the harsh swelling within the knees that is caused by arthritis, while also battling the arthritis separately.
The psychological aspects of dealing with arthritis may be dealt with very effectively via counseling. An illness that creates suffering from chronic pain can damage your emotional well-being, as well as your joints. A good counselor will help you work through the emotional aspects of chronic pain and learn to live healthier and happier with arthritis.
Don’t feel sorry for yourself, and don’t let others feel sorry for you. When you suffer from arthritis, you are probably not comfortable doing particular tasks. If you feel guilty or pressured it will only worsen the situation. Remind yourself that arthritis and its effects are not your fault. Find activities you can do and enjoy and have someone help you with the tasks that have become impossible.
Some people have found that using Black Cohosh can help reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis. It works on eliminating the inflammation associated with arthritis and can be helpful in reducing other neurological pain, as well as being beneficial for the nervous system. If you have arthritis, Black Cohosh is at least worth trying.
Surprisingly, developing a strong core will help with joint pain. Toned abs are a key contributor to good posture, and there is much evidence to suggest that proper posture can reduce or prevent joint damage. Be sure to listen to your body and avoid overextending yourself.
If you suffer from arthritis, you have probably been told to steer clear of alcohol. However, research now advises that alcohol consumption in moderate amount will not harm arthritis sufferers at all. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Some research has now advised that reduced symptoms could be experienced by arthritis sufferers who consume minor amounts of alcohol.
For pain that causes fatigue, try heat. For arthritis sufferers, applying heat to aching joints and muscles is more effective than a cold pack. Heat will alleviate your pain, and help to increase your energy level.
You should consider going to cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy can help change bad behavior into better behavior. Since having a life-long illness can often cause stress for the sufferer, therapy can lead to an improved quality of life.
You must make an effort to lose weight. Arthritis sufferers who are overweight or obese may experience increased pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints. Excess inflammation can be caused by a few extra pounds, because of the extra strain that joints face. When you make the effort to lose extra weight, it can reduce the number of flare ups you have, as well as the amount of pain each causes.
If you suffer from arthritis, ask your doctor about a special anti-inflammatory diet. Eating the right kind of food can reduce the amount of inflammation and discomfort you experience. Through dietary changes, many patients have seen marked improvement in pain levels. For some, the changes have been so dramatic they have been able to eliminate pain medications entirely.
Take note of your body’s signals. Every person who suffers from arthritis is different, and you are the only person who knows how your unique condition is affecting you. Learn to recognize the symptoms of arthritis, and monitor their progress every day. If you are feeling fatigued or overworked, it is acceptable to take a break.
Often, a hot shower or a warm bath can ease the pain of arthritis. The heat, being wet, relaxes the muscles and allows the joints to have some freedom from restraint and pain. You may also use a moistened heating pad. You can find these pads at nearly any drug store and they are one of the greatest tools out there for dealing with arthritis on a daily basis.
If you want to lessen the intense pain and swelling of arthritis, you need to stop smoking. Recent studies indicate that smokers are far more likely to develop arthritis and swelling of the joints than non-smokers. If you smoke, you may feel symptom improvement by quitting. There are medications prescribed by physicians that can facilitate quitting when you find it difficult to do on your own.
LED light therapy works great. Your arthritis symptoms can be greatly lessened by using low cost and easy to use LED devices. Shop for LED bulbs at your local department store. Spend approximately twenty minutes a day performing LED light therapy on your joints to improve your condition.
If you experience arthritis, try taking a class in yoga to boost your health and well-being. Because it involves stretching, relaxation, and muscle toning, it can be of help to most people who suffer from arthritis. If you are uncomfortable going to a yoga class, start your own routine at home with the help of a yoga DVD. Following a DVD workout program allows you to enjoy all benefits of going to a class without even leaving the house.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes more than physical pain; many people are embarrassed by how it limits them. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Perform only the tasks that you can without pain, and let go of any guilt. Remember, it’s not your fault.
Black Cohosh
Limit the amount of chores you perform as this can cause you to become overworked. Even daily cleaning chores should be kept to only one large job or task each day.
Black Cohosh is an herbal remedy that helps alleviate arthritis pain and symptoms. It helps take away the inflammation of all types of arthritic conditions, and is great for all neurological pain, and the nervous system in general. If arthritis is something you suffer from, then Black Cohosh is a worth a look.
Healthy eating habits will benefit everyone, perhaps especially someone who is suffering from arthritis pain. Diets that put their emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and essential oils like olive oil will have an amazing impact on how the body functions naturally, as well as increasing its vitality. This will help you experience an increase in your energy and assist in reducing the symptoms of arthritis.
It was widely believed in the past that you should not consume alcohol if you have arthritis. Recent research now shows that alcohol in moderation doesn’t harm those with arthritis. Some studies even suggest that alcohol consumption in moderation may help reduce arthritis symptoms.
If rheumatoid arthritis is bothering you, you should consider an eye exam. This could damage your eyes and eventually make you blind. The symptoms you should watch for are pain, blurry vision, noticeable redness and sensitivity to light. If your physician is aware of your condition, they can deal better with eye issues that are associated with arthritis.
Consult a health care professional to get information about the use of joint treatments, including both hot and cold methods. A lot of people get relief from using ice packs or heating pads on their joints. Alternating between these two treatment options can also prove beneficial, but be cautious about any over use.
It might be wise for you to have an occupational therapist to consult with. If you find a good OT, they will be able to teach you how to live independently while suffering from arthritis. They can also help you target some areas in the way you are living and in your lifestyle that may have negative effects on your arthritis. You can then get rid of the things in your life that are causing your issues and live more freely.
To help fight the pain of arthritis, consider changing to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Vegetarian diets may improve arthritis symptoms, such as stiffness, difficulty making a grip, and general pain. The theory is that the antioxidants in many fruits and vegetables help to improve the immune system and protect you from arthritis pain.
Build muscle strength. As you get stronger, the pain will go away and you will feel more in control of your body. Start building your muscles with light weights, lifting in short sessions. As you get stronger, your the pain and inflammation, caused by arthritis, will diminish some.
Arthritis research indicates that there are steps you can take to protect your joints from developing arthritis. There are also ways you can treat it to make it easier to live with. These tips should help you to find ways to prevent arthritis before you get it or to treat it once you do.
Starting your day with a hot shower can help your joints by providing the warmth and moisture that they need. A hot shower, first thing in the morning, will assist in loosening up your joints and prevent flare-ups from occurring. Showers are ideal, as the warm moisture has a chance to affect all areas of the body.