Many people are dealing with the effects of arthritis and are looking for answers on how to treat it. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are plenty of ways to both prevent and treat it. Use the tips in this article to help prevent or manage osteoarthritis.
Always consult your physician before you make any changes to the medicine you take or how often you take it. Some medications don’t take effect immediately. Allow for some time for the medication to take hold in your body before you start expecting results.
Proper posture can strengthen your muscles and keep stress from your joints. You can minimize your pain by doing this. Always make a conscious effort to stand up straight and not slump your shoulders while sitting. Try to have your weight distributed evenly in both legs. This will help to strengthen your spine and keep pressure off your joints, minimizing your arthritis symptoms along the way.
Women who suffer from arthritis should not wear high heels. High heels are attractive, but they wreak havoc on your feet. High heels increase torque around the knees which just agitates the symptoms of arthritis. Wear sensible, flat shoes and your pain will likely decrease. Your body will appreciate the reduced arthritis pain and added comfort.
Comfortable Shoes
Although it might be difficult sometimes for those suffering from depression, it is important to exercise regularly. Fatigue will plague your joints if they do not receive enough exercise. This fatigue makes your flare ups and symptoms much worse. Arthritic sufferers find great relief in flexibility exercises, since their range of motion is expanded.
Any woman suffering with arthritis should think twice before donning those high heels. While high heels are a perennial favorite, they are really bad for your feet. High heels can make you off-balanced and bring about torque, which will aggravate arthritis. Stick to comfortable shoes and your arthritis pain will likely diminish. You will feel the effects of wearing comfortable shoes and your body will be grateful.
If the pain of arthritis is preventing you from getting a good night’s rest, think about switching up your nightly shower for a warm bath with bath salts. When you relax your body, you will help the pain, and it will help you sleep.
Now, more than ever before, your body needs plenty of good sleep. Without enough sleep, your body will be unable to combat arthritis and its pain. Make sure to get in your eight hours per day if at all possible. If you feel you need more, you probably do. Your mind and body both will reap the benefits of sleep.
Consider how everything you do will affect your joints. If you suffer from arthritis, the smallest of tasks can be rather painful and difficult. Instead of lifting objects, slide them along tabletops or the floor whenever possible, or simply ask for someone else’s assistance. Try to limit any inflammation in your joints, as this will limit your movement and flexibility during the day.
Be proactive with your arthritis management by educating yourself about the condition. Resource websites, books, CDs, videos and publications of all sorts abound for people with arthritis. You can learn a great deal about day-to-day treatment and management of pain. If you take the time and do the research, you will discover new treatments and techniques to help you cope with and prevent the pain of arthritis.
Consume a good variety of fresh vegetables every day, and eat less meat. Research shows that arthritis patients suffer less with pain, inflammation, and swelling when they go vegetarian. If you can’t give up eating meat, fill at least half of your plate with vegetables so that you still get some of the benefits of a vegetarian diet.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic arthritis, think about giving acupuncture a try. It has been proven that acupuncture can relieve some arthritis pain. If you go in this direction, keep it up, and it will not help to just give it a small try.
Believe it or not, relaxing music can help ease some of the symptoms of arthritis. Calm music relaxes the body and helps soothe your aches and pains. You can also listen to music at night to make it easier to sleep if your arthritis has been keeping you up.
Consider the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as another way to treat your arthritis. Research on aromatherapy has proven that it can benefit and relax muscles and joints in your body, which can in turn ease stiffness, pain and other discomforts from arthritis or other conditions.
You must learn what and where to look for specific arthritis symptoms. Knowing the symptoms will help you seek professional help if needed. If you think you are having arthritis symptoms, first consult with a physician for the proper diagnosis. He will tell you which type you have and help you to create a treatment plan and give you tips to use at home.
Pain Killers
Your doctor can provide you with information about pain medications. Finding an effective method of relieving your pain while preventing further damage to your joints is the aim of most arthritis treatment programs. You can do this most efficiently by consulting with your physician about treatments that are approved by the FDA and other alternatives that can address your particular needs.
Don’t use pain killers for arthritis unless it is necessary. Pain killers only work for a short period of time and they are highly addictive. You have been prescribed to them by a doctor and are planning to take them, be sure you follow what the doctor has prescribed.
Yoga can help boost health and your well-being, so consider taking a class. 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 comfortable actually taking a class, purchase a yoga workout DVD. Working out through a DVD allows you to follow a great exercise routines without ever having to leave your home.
A cane is a good support instrument, use it if you need to. Many people with arthritis refuse to walk with a cane, as they think it makes them appear disabled. However, if the suffering is reduced via using a cane, then it only makes sense to put your pride aside and do what is best for your joints. You should pick out a cane that goes with your personality so you are more comfortable with it.
Ask your doctors advice regarding using heat and/or cold therapy on your joints. A combination of ice packs and heating pads can really help to relieve joint pain. You may gain comfort from both treatments, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s directions for their application.
Strengthening your core, especially your abs, can help with joint pain. Stronger abdominal muscles can improve your posture, which in turn can improve your joint health. Be sure not to exercise too hard and wear yourself out.
Even though it is a common condition, arthritis often makes a sufferer feel that he or she is suffering all alone. To better understand your affliction and your feelings about it, join a support group who will offer understanding. You can find support groups in your area or online. This is a great opportunity to meet people with similar issues, and learn from their experience while sharing your tips. You may share helpful tips and coping strategies with others who understand your feelings.
It is essential that you talk to a physician when your symptoms start appearing and that you begin treatment right away if you need it. The sooner you start treating your arthritis, the less damage you will do to your joints. Your best bet is to seek professional guidance immediately and begin a course of treatment.
You must get enough sleep and rest when you have arthritis. Try to relax your body and mind by taking breaks so that you can relieve some of your joint pain. Believe it or not though, too much rest could be bad for you. A good balance of enough exercise and enough rest is ideal.
A timer can help you from working too long. Let your body tell you when you need to take a break. Trying to do everything at once and ignoring the pain can only lead to long-term body damage.
While you may think that a minor injury is no reason to see a doctor, you could prevent scar tissue formation, because that formation may cause arthritis later on. Your physician will be able to properly care for your injuries, and check to make sure you haven’t seriously hurt yourself.
You should take steps to avoid developing arthritis because once it develops, it cannot be cured. There are many things you can do to keep arthritis from ruling your life. The tips above are some solid advice that you can use to either prevent or treat the symptoms of arthritis.
The pain of arthritis can be significantly reduced through LED light therapy. You can use LED devices to treat your arthritis, they do not cost a lot of money. Many drug and discount stores carry these handy devices. Arthritis pain can be significantly reduce by using an LED device twice daily for 15 to 30 minutes per session.