Arthritic conditions are characterized by a degenerative condition that compromises the health and stability of the body's joints, causing discomfort and swelling. Millions of people suffer from this painful disease. Because this condition is so common, there are thousands of people out there who are willing to share their insight and advice on the matter. This article includes an assortment of tips from these people.
If you suffer from the pain of arthritis, you should think about seeing an occupational therapist. A good OT will educate you on how to live independently with arthritis and show you the things in your lifestyle that negatively impact your condition. By doing this, you occupational therapist can give you ways on how to eliminate and avoid these problems which will allow you to live better.
The best way to deal with arthritis is to become knowledgeable about the condition. There are numerous resources available for arthritis sufferers where you can find helpful tips on nutrition, exercise and pain management. If you do your homework on arthritis, you can find new ways to treat yourself, or exercises you can do to reduce pain.
Walking, swimming and cycling are all joint-friendly exercises that help to ease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. If there is a shred of doubt in your mind about working out, then talk to your physician prior to engaging in any activity.
Having a shower or a bath might give a little pain relief. Hot water will relax both joints and muscles. Soak in the water for as long as you need to feel comfortable and ensure the air in the room is also warm so you are not shocked upon getting out of the water.
Try doing castor oil massages on your stiff and painful joints. The oil has therapeutic properties, and the act of massage also helps. The flowing of blood is increased by the massage, while swelling is reduced due to castor oil.
Losing extra weight can greatly help to ease arthritis pain. There are diet plans available that can lessen the degree of inflammation in your joints. This is helpful when you are dealing with rheumatoid arthritis.
Do not carry as much. All arthritis sufferers, but especially women, can be afflicted by arthritis in their shoulders. Toting very large bags can cause pain and swelling in the neck and shoulders. For times when you need to carry a large number of items, consider using a backpack that will distribute the weight over a larger area.
Place the clippers onto your thigh, then utilize the heel of the hand to apply pressure in order to clip the nails. Using this technique will be much gentler to your arthritic hands.
Getting enough sleep is vital for those with arthritis, and if you do not get enough at night, consider adding in a nap. If you find yourself taking daily naps to get sufficient rest, you might as well make it a deliberate and scheduled habit so that you are best prepared to manage your arthritic conditions.
Try to wear a knee brace. Many people have used knee braces to provide effective relief from pain and swelling, and surgery should always be the option of last resort. Even try wearing it when you sleep.
Call on the aid of a friend or family member to help organize your home. This will help you create a more accessible living environment when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Prioritize objects when putting them on shelves. Put the necessities you use most lower down so that you do not stress your body when you have flare ups.
Consider working on a weight loss plan. Excess weight can increase swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis. Too much weight adds strain to the joints, instigating these problems. 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.
When you smoke, you will have less flexibility, and more chances for arthritis pain. Although breaking your tobacco habit may be challenging, it will be well worth it to preserve your joints and muscular functions.
When you have arthritis issues, protect all of your joints, not just the ones that are giving you trouble presently. None of the body's joints are exempt from the effects of arthritis, so you have to take care not to place unnecessary strain on your healthy joints.
Talk to others about your condition. Talk to them about arthritis, the pain, and how it has affected our life. Arthritis can make you cranky, frustrated, anxious and sometimes act like a different person. Others should be informed about this so they aren't confused when it happens. Make things easier by assisting your friends and family in grasping your situation so that they will provide the support and love you need.
Listening to your body is key when exercising to alleviate yourself from arthritis symptoms. Take it easy and pay attention to the signals that your body is sending you. If you do feel new pain that lasts for more than a couple day, contact your doctor about it.
Keep a journal which details the pain you are experiencing. Make a note of the times you have pain, how bad it is, and what you are doing to help with the pain. Write down other medications you are taking, take this to your physician. Your doctor will need to be aware of these things so he can best help you treat and manage your arthritis.
Ask your doctor what a anti-inflammatory diet entails. This kind of diet can help reduce the inflammation and make the pain go away. There are cases where using this type of approach has led the sufferer to greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for prescription pain medications.
Allow yourself to relax very deeply. Recline in your chair, let your eyelids grow heavy and use deep, controlled breaths. This can help you to forget your pain for a moment, and get your brain back to processing happy thoughts.
The right type of exercise is crucial. Exercise can keep you healthy and fit as well as improve your flexibility. Doing light exercise will stop your joints from becoming inflamed, but you have to be sure not to overdo it. Stop doing it if you begin to feel any pain.
The advice in this article represents the best and brightest tips from people who have experienced what it is like to live with arthritis. By following these helpful guidelines, you can be more informed about the nature and treatment of your condition. There are a variety of options available for you and these are only a few.
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