As an arthritis sufferer you know how the painful effects of the disorder can make simple daily tasks very difficult. Sometimes relief from the pain seems impossible to find and some people assume their normal, active lives are a thing of the past.
Even though you may not feel like exercising, staying physically active is an important part of dealing with arthritis. With no exercise, joints become fatigued, making arthritis worse. Take part in exercises that encourage flexibility, as this will help in the range of motion your body can achieve.
Maintaining a diary on a daily basis should be something you make a point to do if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. A journal may help you to recognize what is triggering your arthritis flare-ups. A diary or journal can also jog your memory as to what has helped you in the past. Talk to your doctor about what you want to do. It is a priceless tool to have when you’re dealing with pain.
Get the right kind and amount of exercise. Exercise will help you stay healthy and fit, and also increase your flexibility. You can prevent joint inflammation with low-impact exercise, but don’t overdo it. Stop doing it if you begin to feel any pain.
Cigarettes can diminish flexibility, as well as increase the chances of an arthritic flare-up. When you realize that smoking may affect your arthritis in a negative way, quitting may not seem so difficult.
You ,ay want to consider going to therapy. It is hard being on your own when you have arthritis, so by attending therapy you can receive a positive reminder that you’re not utterly helpless. Those with arthritis are prone to developing depression, and these concerns should be addressed with therapy.
Make a stretching routine. Loss of flexibility is a major concern for sufferers of arthritis. A daily regimen of stretching the entire body will keep muscles and joints more supple. Start with your feet, and move upwards across your body all the way to your head.
Talk to your doctor and make sure you get the treatment you need right away. This will reduce the amount of harm to your joints and minimize the effects over time. Your best bet is to get specialized advice and start a treatment program as soon as you receive a diagnosis.
Having a good support system is important for arthritis sufferers. Have a team made up of doctors, friends and family around you so that they can help you deal with what you are going through. 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.
Keep stress to a minimum. Physical pain through arthritis can be caused by high stress levels, such as swelling and inflammation. Use a variety of techniques for managing stress such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga. These will relax your mind and body.
Tell the world you have arthritis! Let them know about your arthritis symptoms and the effects it has on you. The physical limitations and pain cause by arthritis can make you short tempered and moody. Talk to your friends and family and ask for their understanding and support. Do yourself a favor and help them understand what is happening so they can support you in dealing with this condition and with your stress.
Try losing weight if you feel that is an issue you are dealing with. Weight is an important factor in reducing the pain of arthritis. By losing any excess weight, you will be lessening the load on your joints, thereby reducing your pain. You will be pleasantly surprised at the relief you may find just by losing a few pounds.
One helpful idea for prevention of arthritis is to carry less. Having arthritis in the shoulders is more common than you think, especially in women. Toting around a bag that is too heavy can lead to swelling, and pain in the neck and shoulders. If you have to carry some sort of bag, keep it light with only the items you absolutely need. Use it as infrequently as you can.
Healthy Diet
Losing extra weight can greatly help to ease arthritis pain. Eating a reasonable, anti-inflammatory, healthy diet can reduce the pressure and inflammation on your joints. A healthy diet containing foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties will help combat against rheumatoid arthritis.
Though small trips or stumbles may create seemingly benign sprains, these minor injuries can actually cause the formation of scar tissue in the future. Do not neglect medical attention when they occur. Therefore, allow a doctor to check for any small injuries, and properly wrap them up or splint them in order to prevent this scar tissue.
Consider taking a hot shower or bath to soothe your arthritic pain. The moist heat provides soothing relief for aching, sore joints by loosening up tendons and muscles, and helping your body relax. You can also try using a moist heating pad. Go to your local drug store and choose a model that diffuses moisture as well as heat.
If arthritis is causing chronic pain, it is important to build a supportive group that will help you through. You need to have a physician that you visit on a regular basis to examine you and evaluate the current status of your condition. Be sure that your friends and relations understand that you are experiencing pain and ask them to be supportive.
Even if you have a pair of favorite shoes, consider replacing them after they have been used consistently over the course of a year or more. If your shoes seem to be worn, they can put more strain on joints and not support you correctly when you are exercising.
Many people suffering from arthritis have seen good improvements from adding the strategies and tips mentioned here into their daily routines. If arthritis is ruining your life, it is time to start taking action to manage your condition.
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