Arthritis symptoms can happen at any age and should be taken seriously. The condition damages bones and leads to almost unbearable pain in joints, making it difficult to perform even the simplest tasks.
If you do low impact exercises, you will get rid of some of the pain caused by your arthritis. Discuss your exercise options with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Stay away from cigarette smoke; if you are smoker, then you should quit. Initially, your inflammation may subside as the nicotine from cigarettes reduces blood flow, yielding a calming sensation. It also causes joint damage and will result in your arthritis progressing more rapidly than in a non-smoker.
Writing notes about your rheumatoid arthritis will help you to gain a better understanding of it. Recording daily events is a great way to track the types of things that tend to prompt arthritis flares. This way, you will also learn what actually helps your arthritis. Share the diary with your doctor so the two of you can work together to find the correct treatments. A diary can be a great tool for documenting and understanding what causes pain.
Anytime you change your medication schedule first consult with your doctor. Some medications take a while to work, while others can have adverse effects if stopped abruptly.
Do your best to avoid wearing high heels and shoes that are not comfortable if you are one of the many that suffers from arthritis. It does not matter what parts of your body are affected by arthritis, uncomfortable shoes could make you walk in an abnormal manner, which could effect your arthritis negatively. Rather than purchasing the most comfortable shoes, get a pair that will give you adequate support.
Allow yourself to relax very deeply. Recline in your chair, let your eyelids grow heavy and use deep, controlled breaths. This keeps your mind from focusing on the pain and gets you to think about something happy.
Take an active role in managing your arthritis by learning as much as you can about the disease. You can easily find resources on pain management techniques to help you maintain a high quality of life. By learning more about arthritis, you could find certain foods, workouts, and treatments that reduce your symptoms.
If you haven’t had any success with the arthritis treatments that you’ve tried, speak with your physician about the possibility of having joint surgery. This type of surgery has been effective for many people, and it helps reverse most of the effects that this condition has on flexibility and mobility in the joints.
If you are suffering from arthritis and you drive, you are eligible to park in handicapped spaces. Most people who suffer from arthritis are not aware of this fact. Therefore, they use regular parking spaces when they don’t have to, which can be particularly difficult for those who suffer from chronic pain.
Try to avoid taking pain killers for arthritis related pain. Prescription pain pills may create an addiction, and their help is only short-term. If you do decide to take painkillers, make sure that you take them exactly as prescribed.
You may have to dial back your activity level if you suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis. It can take a huge toll on your energy level. Ignoring your body’s signals will cause more severe symptoms. Prioritize your life and focus on the people and activities which are closest to your heart. You will not be able to be everything to everyone.
Relaxing Music
Use a cane for support. There are people who have arthritis but avoid using a cane; they think it is a sign of weakness. If a cane helps you, don’t be ashamed to use it. You should pick out a cane that goes with your personality so you are more comfortable with it.
It is probably hard to believe that relaxing music can soothe some of the conditions of arthritis. Listening to soothing music will help you relax, which can provide relief from arthritis pain. If your arthritis keeps you from falling asleep at night, the soothing sound of relaxing music can enable you nod off to sleep more easily.
Plan your exercise or work periods carefully ahead of time, taking into account your physical capacities. Your arthritis flare ups can be unpredictable, so plan ahead to avoid issues. Take a break between your tasks, and make sure you can ask someone to help you in case you are hurting, and still need to perform daily tasks.
For short-term relief from arthritis, try moist heating pads. Moist heating pads can be a real benefit to arthritis pain sufferers, so if you have pain that nags you or becomes unbearable, you should invest in this type of heating pad. Although these pads can give you quick relief, you should always consult with your doctor about treatment.
Invest in a suitable mattress. Anyone suffering from arthritis pain should consult a doctor and ask what bed modifications will mitigate symptoms. Each person is unique, so getting expert advice is really the only way to find out which bed is the best one for your unique arthritis pain.
Stop trying to do it all if you have Psoriatic Arthritis. This condition will not allow you to maintain the same level of energy as before. Living in the “ignorance of bliss” mode can actually make your symptoms get worse. Instead of trying to do everything, focus your efforts on only those things that really matter to you. Choose the things your can do, and accept the things you are no longer able to do.
Talk to your friends and family about your arthritis. Your friends and family will better understand how arthritis affects you, and even be able to provide advice. If members of your support system are aware of your limitations, they will be far more likely to help you by making accommodations to meet your needs.
Daily Tasks
Try losing weight if you feel that is an issue you are dealing with. Sometimes excess weight could be a factor in your arthritis, and simply losing some weight could reduce your pain and discomfort. It’s surprising how much relief you can find by losing some weight.
Be sure to get equipment that will help you with daily tasks. The right helpful objects can allow arthritis sufferers to do what they need to do without hurting themselves or asking for help. Shoe horns, zipper pulls and specially made can openers are just some of the tools that can assist a person with arthritis complete their daily tasks with little help from others. Go grab some of these to help you live more easily.
Buy a digital timer that you can clip onto your belt and use daily. When engaging in household tasks, give yourself several minutes before your timer goes off so that you know when you should rest. It’s tempting to try and ignore the pain to get something done, but this can really hurt you.
Get a good mattress. You should ask your doctor what sort of bed can help you the most. Each person and his or her pain is unique, so it is important to consult your doctor when deciding which bed to buy for your personal situation.
You should read the literature on what new treatments are coming out for arthritis. Often, doctors don’t like to try out new treatments if the current treatment is working. If you come across a treatment that seems like it would work better than your current one, then do not hesitate to discuss that with your doctor.
Get high quality sleep. Arthritis patients need proper rest, it rejuvenates your body and give you energy for the following day. Use these tips to get complete, deep rest: 1/ Turn off your cell phone and unplug your wall phone. 2/ Turn your alarm clock away from you or cover it to darken its face. 3/ Be sure the room you are sleeping in is completely dark. 4/ Follow a series of relaxation exercises before you drift off to sleep.
Write things down in a diary. This may help you and your doctor determine a proper course of treatment by pinpointing trends which trigger your pain. Be sure to record information such as location and amount of pain as well as foods that you eat too.
By staying consistent in the battle against arthritis, one can be afflicted with the disease and still live a happy, productive life. It is important that you not let your arthritis cause you mental as well as physical pain. There are techniques that can help you fight arthritis and manage its symptoms. Stay positive and you can overcome anything.
If you find yourself feeling depressed or despondent because of your arthritis, consult a qualified counselor. Chronic pain cause by arthritis can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. Speaking with a professional counselor can allow you to come to grips with the emotions and lead you to living a healthier and more productive life.