Has arthritis taken over your life? Millions of people struggle with the discomfort and limitations that accompany arthritis, but not all of them are familiar with the treatment options. Even if you do not take medication, you can still do things that can ease your arthritis. Consider the below suggestions to guide you on the right path towards dealing with arthritis.
If you have arthritis and exercise is difficult, try aquatic activities and exercise programs. The water bears the majority of body’s weight, decreasing pressure on your joints.
Unlike many medical issues, moderate alcohol consumption has been shown in studies to not worsen the condition. Many studies have shown that moderate consumption can lessen the symptoms.
Try using aromatherapy to aid with some of the pain you get with arthritis. One tactic that you can instill if you have arthritis is aromatherapy, as this can induce relaxation and appease your pain.
Don’t wear high heels or uncomfortable shoes unless you want to make your arthritis worse. Not wearing the proper shoes can cause an abnormal gait affecting your arthritis everywhere in your body. Instead, buy a pair of comfortable sneakers that will provide you with support.
Seek therapy if you are having a hard time coping with your condition. Arthritis sufferers need social support to remind them that there are others who suffer from the same condition, and therapy can help provide some of that support. Those who suffer from arthritis are also likely to become depressed, or develop other conditions. Therefore, group or individual therapy can help address anything other conditions related to arthritis.
Arthritis Symptoms
Try to manage your arthritis pain without resorting to pain killers, if at all possible. Some pain medications can be addictive and only work temporarily. Only use pain medications as prescribed, and under the supervision of your doctor.
Smoking can decrease your flexibility and increase your arthritis symptoms. Giving up smoking for good may be very difficult, but when you see how much it exacerbates your arthritis symptoms, the trade-off may be worth it.
To reduce stress on your joints, maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight it can put unneeded stress on joints and make your arthritis worse. Rather than skipping meals or starving yourself to lose weight, follow a healthy diet that gives your body the nutrients that it needs.
Attend therapy. Therapy can help an arthritis sufferer to relieve their feelings of helplessness. In addition to helping arthritis suffers deal with their physical problems, therapy can address other issues that commonly occur along with arthritis like depression.
Psoriatic arthritis can be challenging to deal with. If you suffer from this condition, your energy levels will not be what they once were. Your symptoms will only get worse if you fool yourself into believing that you have the same energy levels as you once did. Concentrate your energy only on the areas that mean the most to you. The only person you should be trying to please right now is yourself.
Carefully monitor your food intake. Arthritis suffers may also have food allergies or reactions to certain types seasonings, but they fail to recognize the problem. Keep a journal of the food that you are consuming, and take note of when you feel your symptoms flare-up. By keeping a food journal you might be able to ascertain which foods may be causing flare-ups.
Buy helpful equipment. Having a better set of tools can assist the arthritis sufferer do anything. Products that enable sufferers of arthritis to accomplish regular activities with little help include specialized pens, knives, can openers, shoe horns and even zipper pulls. Invest in these types of tools to make life a little easier.
A cane is worth considering if your arthritis leaves you in need of extra support. Many people who have arthritis resist using canes, because they feel that it means that they have a disability. Of course a cane is worth considering if it would make you more mobile. Pick a cane that suits your style to make you more at ease while using it.
Before considering surgery to help you with an arthritic knee, give a knee brace a try. Surgery should be a last option and a knee brace has been known to reduce swelling and pain that is often associated with arthritis. Braces can even be worn while sleeping.
Get equipment that can be helpful. If you have arthritis, you will find your activities of daily living enhanced by having the correct tools for every job. Shoe horns, zipper pulls, special knives,pens, and can openers can help someone with arthritis get tasks done with little assistance. These kinds of tools can make life easier and more comfortable.
Be sure to share your circumstances with others. Tell them how your arthritis is affecting you. Those around you may fail to understand when you experience mood swings, anxiety and character alterations. The more they know and understand the stress and issues you are having, the more they can support you and make things easier.
Be prepared. Your arthritis could become painful at any time so having a plan to follow just in case is a good choice. Take the time to rest while doing physical work, and know your limitations.
Yoga classes can really boost your health, flexibility and stamina. Yoga is a combination of calming movements and easy, health-promoting stretches that ease body aches and arthritic pains, as well as boosting your mental state. If you don’t want to join a class, there are yoga DVDs available for purchase. Not having to leave your home is a big benefit to a lot of people which is why they opt for the DVD route. However, you still get the advantage of having a workout.
It is important to get enough protein. Though you may be unaware of it, protein is consumed more heavily by those with arthritic conditions. Vegetarians are especially at risk for protein deficiency if they have arthritis because meat is the richest source of protein. If you don’t eat meat, double the amount of protein you get from other sources to keep pain or inflammation associated with arthritis to a minimum.
You need to foods rich in omega 3. You can take this in the form of a supplement, or through foods like fish, nuts and flax seeds. These healthy acids calm arthritis inflammation and help to lubricate joints.
After eating dinner, go for a walk. Going for a regular walk after dinner can help you feel better and give you more energy throughout your evening. The walk doesn’t have to be a long one, but take along a family member or friend that you otherwise would not have as much time with and enjoy their company for a little while. Plus your health will benefit too; a win-win situation.
Besides its physical effects, arthritis can cause many sufferers mental trouble, too, like feelings of isolation and being alone. Support groups can offer great counsel for your worries. A support group can offer you a place to connect with people who are going through the same things as you. Members share stories with others similarly afflicted, and everyone learns from each other.
Feel Pain
Make an appointment and speak with a physical therapist about designing a safe and accommodating fitness program to relieve arthritis pains. Taking time to know the proper exercises to do for your needs, in addition to proper techniques for warming up and cooling down, will assist you in exercising to your best ability without injury. Exercise can increase your stamina and strength, while also helping affected joints have a better range of motion.
Keep a log of incidents when you feel pain from your arthritis. Document when and where you feel pain and how intense it is. Also note any methods or medications you are using to deal with the pain. Write down other medications you are taking, take this to your physician. Everything in your journal will be key in assisting your doctor to treat you as successfully as possible.
Get rid of worn out and old shoes, particularly those that have been used for a year constantly. If you have worn out shoes, this adds to the pressure on the joints and gives you less support when walking and should be replaced.
People who have rheumatoid arthritis need to exercise regularly. Get some help to come up with a good exercise plan. Talk to a doctor, trainer or physical therapist to build the right exercise routine for your arthritis.
When exercising, make sure that you do not engage in long sessions, which can irritate your joints. Maybe it will take you more time to complete a good exercise routine than others, but the precautions are necessary and the benefits you receive immeasurable. Split your exercise routine into three 10 minute intervals for best results.
Try taking to an occupational therapist. When you have a good OT you can learn some insight information on how to life as comfortably as possible as they can teach you to help you in your specific areas where you’re feeling pain. Your OT will be able to suggest things you can do to eliminate, avoid or offset problem areas, giving your life more freedom.
Exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, especially for those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. Build an exercise routine with the help of a professional. Speak with you physician, talk to a trainer or get some physical therapy to come up with a good exercise routine that will help you keep your symptoms in check.
If your life is affected by arthritis and the pain that comes with it, you don’t have to sit there and take it. You can stand up for yourself and give yourself the wellness that you desire from life. Start with the arthritis tips above that can show you a better way to manage your arthritis in a way that helps you in the long run and not only right now.
Be sure to keep all of your joints well protected if you are suffering from arthritis. Even those that do not exhibit symptoms now should be cared for well to prevent pain in the future. Arthritis can move throughout the whole body, so make sure your joints remain looked after and not put under unnecessary stress.