It is a common misconception that one cannot develop rheumatoid arthritis until they are old and have lived a physically demanding lifestyle. The truth is, RA can begin to appear in nearly anyone that does not practice a healthy routine and take care of the joints they use on a daily basis.
Arthritis is becoming more and more common! If you notice that you have pain, swelling, or stiffness around your joints, it is important that you see your doctor right away! This could be a sign of arthritis, and if that is the case, you want treatment to begin as soon as possible. Make sure, you also, ask your doctor what kind of arthritis it is. This will be helpful when getting the proper treatment!
Squeeze tubes are your friends when living with arthritis. Buy them whenever you have the option. Whether it is the mayonnaise or jelly, opening a jar is a difficult task when your hands hurt. Buy a squeeze tube instead and the task will be much easier to accomplish. This means less pain in the kitchen and a more enjoyable day.
Consider joining an arthritis support group. Friends and family members who don’t suffer from arthritis may have a hard time understanding exactly what you are going through and how much it affects your life. Connecting with other arthritis sufferers in a supportive environment can make it easier to cope with the chronic , day to day pain and other difficulties associated with the disease.
Cool down your joints and stop physical activity if you start feeling arthritis pain. Rest in a cool environment and use cold packs or mists of cold water to help reduce the pain and swelling caused by injury. Make sure to rest the injured joints and let them have time to get back to fighting order before using them for any difficult tasks.
Before you can get the proper treatment for arthritis, it is important that you know which type you suffer from! There are treatments, both natural and medical, that may help certain kinds of arthritis while doing nothing for other types. If you are uncertain to which kind you have, ask your doctor.
Have a regular eating schedule. Test your body to find out what eating pattern works best for you, and set up a distinct schedule around those times. If you find yourself hungry at a time when you are not scheduled to eat, have a light nutritious snack to keep yourself energetic and on schedule.
Get extra rest before doing something stressful. No matter what anyone tells you, a stressful event in your life can drain you even more quickly, if you have arthritis. Prepare for these events by sleeping in, taking naps, and perhaps even eating a little extra. Having that boost of energy when you need it, will come in very handy.
Be on the lookout for the development of new treatments. Usually, doctors don’t want to try out something new until the treatment program the patient is currently on isn’t working out. If you see something that you feel would be more effective for you, bring it up with your doctor to discuss the possibility of moving to a newer treatment plan.
If arthritis is making you an emotional wreck, consider talk therapy. Any illness can take quite a toll on the body and leave you drained. A professional therapist can help you cope with your feelings about arthritis and help you understand and manage them in a productive, healthy way.
For arthritis pain try using hot and cold treatments to help. Apply heat to the area with a heating pad or try chilling out with an ice pack or ice water to help soothe your joints. Alternating hot and cold can help provide some powerful pain relief as well.
Take a yoga class. Yoga involves stretching, and its exercises focus on all parts of the body. This can be very beneficial to individuals who are suffering from arthritis; although there is not a lot of research in this area yet, the Arthritis Foundation does encourage patients to try yoga and see if it works for them.
Youngsters who have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis must be encouraged to visit a physical therapist on a regular basis to establish and maintain an exercise program. Frequent follow-ups will keep this program properly adjusted to the child’s current abilities. A good physical therapy program should include: range-of-motion, strength training and endurance training.
Make an appointment with a physical therapist to learn safe exercises to help your arthritic joints. By taking a little time to educate yourself on the exercises that are best designed for arthritis sufferers, including before and after exercise techniques, you will be able to make the most of your workout without causing further damage to your body. Not only does exercise help in building stamina and strength, it is also used for increasing your affected joints’ range of motion.
If you have arthritis you should search for ways to do things that are normally hard to do. You do not have to shop at specialty stores to buy these products; many are now being designed to be ergonomic. Everything from kitchen utensils to drawer pulls is being redesigned for easier use.
Do not be afraid to ask for help when dealing with arthritis pain. Many people are more than willing to help and all you have to do is ask. Maybe a neighbor could deliver your mail for you, or a trusted friend can help you with chores around the home. There are always people who are willing to help if you just ask.
Fatigue is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, so it’s up to you to get the best sleep you can every night Invest in a bed which will help to keep you comfortable while supporting your aching joints. If you have trouble getting up in the morning, consider a bed which raises you into a seated position.
Rheumatoid arthritis may be able to effect nearly anyone, but it can also be fought by those same people. All it takes is a determined spirit and some simple guidelines, such as those mentioned above. Take them to heart and watch each day as life gets just a little bit better.