If you or someone you know is an arthritis sufferer, you know that it’s a challenging condition to have to deal with. When you know how to deal with the arthritis, it becomes much easier to live with it. This article will show you exactly what you need to know in order to treat it effectively.
Low impact exercises, like walking, cycling, and swimming, have been shown to help ease some of the discomfort in the joints caused by arthritis. If you are concerned about exercising, talk with your doctor prior to beginning.
If you are in the process of designing a new house, and you suffer from arthritis, talk to your builder to see if any modifications can be made. Have a meeting with your builder to come up with a list of things that can be done to make your home more livable for you. These modifications can stretch the sore joints and lessen your pain to make daily life easier.
Plan activities with your joints’ capacities and limits in mind. When you are dealing with arthritis, even the most trivial of tasks can seem difficult and painful. Instead of lifting a heavy object, you should attempt to slide it across the counter top or floor. You might also ask another person to help. By protecting yourself against the swelling and discomfort you can relieve the pain and anxiety, and help you keep joints flexible.
If you have chronic arthritis, you might want to think about going to a sauna regularly. The warmth and the moisture that a sauna produces can reduce your inflammation, and help you live a more pain-free life. In order to be effective, you have to visit the sauna on a regular basis.
Use a cane for support. Unfortunately, cane’s come with a disability stigma that many people don’t want to be associated with. The truth is that if a cane makes it easier for you to walk without pain, you are far less disabled that you would be without it. Pick a cane that suits your style to make you more at ease while using it.
You should plan ahead. You never know when your arthritis could flare up, so it is always best to have a plan able to be set in motion to deter any problems. Try to plan your jobs to be performed in sections so you can rest when you need to, and also be able to walk away any time.
It is vital to have a good support system in place when you have arthritis. Your support system should include both family and medical professionals. Look for support groups close to where you live to meet people who have similar issues. You will be able to share your experiences and learn from theirs.
Slim down. An excessive amount of weight places unnecessary pressure on your joints causing them to become swollen and inflamed. Excessive weight causes joints to become more strained, resulting in flare ups. Weight loss reduces the rate and intensity of flare ups, so don’t be surprised if this is what your doctor suggests.
Stay calm, never let your anxiety level get so high that you are stressed out. Stress can aggravate inflammation, making pain and swelling worse. Find ways to relieve stress whenever necessary so that the mind and body stay harmoniously healthy and strong, no matter what you are doing.
Communicate and share your arthritis problem with your family and friends. If the people you care about understand your condition, they might be able to point you in the direction of useful resources. They will understand better than anyone about the daily pain you go through and are in a great position to offer assistance to help minimize your pain.
Set a definite intention about how long you will do something. If you have chores that need to be done, set the timer for five to ten minutes and then take a break. Many people push through their pain and try to complete the task in a single shot, but this can be harmful.
Arthritis
Reconsider your use of high heeled shoes if you suffer from arthritis. While stylish, high heels can cause a great deal of pain and damage to your feet. High heels can make you off-balanced and bring about torque, which will aggravate arthritis. Try wearing comfortable shoes so that you can diminish your arthritis pain. Do it for your body.
You may want to consider using aromatherapy to help ease some of the pains associated with arthritis. 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.
Try to avoid taking pain killers for arthritis related pain. It is easy to become hooked on many of these pills, and they do not provide a permanent solution. If you have been prescribed pain medication by a doctor and plan to use it, just be certain to follow the directions on the label.
Be aware of how much food you are consuming. Many arthritis sufferers actually suffer from undiagnosed food sensitivities. Keep a log of the foods you are eating, and make a note when you experience a flare-up in your symptoms. You might be able to identify a food which you react to.
If you are like the typical arthritis sufferer, you are likely trying new treatments and coping methods all the time. Prior to using a new technique, use a personal rating system as a way to remember the amount of pain you are feeling. Therefore, you are able to tell where you were before the new treatment and where you end up after the treatment.
Arthritis symptoms are sometimes relieved by the use of hot wax. If your discomfort is concentrated in your extremities, a hot wax dip may reduce your pain and soothe your inflamed joints. Similar to a hot soak in the bathtub, the warmth of the hot wax envelopes your fingers and your toes to reduce discomfort.
As said previously, arthritis can be a debilitating condition for many people. Once you are aware of how to treat the symptoms of arthritis, you will be better equipped to deal with it and find some relief.
