In the United States alone, there are more than 50 million people living with the pain of arthritis. So why isn’t there more information out there on what can be done to help? This article will give you some absolutely essential arthritis advice that everyone should know and that you may not have found elsewhere.
Stretch your symptom-free joints every day. A warm shower followed by a gentle stretching routine will cause you to feel looser for the rest of the day. Warm, loose muscles will cause less stress on your joints, which means that you will suffer from fewer flare-ups and less pain throughout your day.
Keep joints strong by working on good posture. This will reduce the tension that you put on your body and ultimately minimize your symptoms. Stand up straight and tall when you’re on your feet, and avoid slumping or slouching when you sit down. Distribute your weight evenly on each leg. Your joints and spine can feel much stronger, and perhaps your arthritis symptoms could diminish.
Rearrange the furniture in your home. You want to be able to walk a straight line from one room to another. The fewer turns you have to make, the less stress you will place on your weight-bearing joints, especially your hips. You should enlist the help of a friend to move your furniture, of course.
If you find that your arthritis is getting worse and you cannot figure out why, you want to tell your doctors about certain medications that you are taking. Believe it or not, one of the side effects of many common medications is arthritis flare ups, and if this is the case for you, your doctor may have to switch your medication.
If you suffer from arthritis, try not to wear clothing that is too tight against your skin. Tight clothing is just going to put more pressure on your joints, which in turn, will increase your pain. Instead, try to wear clothes that have enough room in them so that you are comfortable.
Electrical stimulation is a treatment option to discuss with your doctor if you have osteoarthritis in your knees. It sounds extreme, but it has been shown to reduce the harsh swelling within the knees that is caused by arthritis, while also battling the arthritis separately.
Invest in a solid and supportive sleeping system. It is best for those suffering with arthritis to consult with a doctor in order to figure out what type of mattress is best for them. Each case of arthritis is different, so only your doctor can tell you the type of bed that will most help your pain.
If you have issues with weight and poor fitness, it is important to make them a priority. 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. With the loss of a few pounds, you will begin to feel relief in your joints and bones.
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.
Keep your home clear and organized. Having a clean home can not only better your mood, but it also can prevent any safety hazards that may be lurking in the form of trips and falls. Get some help to straighten up your home, and you will have an easier time keeping it that way.
Learn good posture. The better your stance, the less stress you put on your joints. Ask your doctor for tips on gaining the best posture you can, and work on it daily as a routine. Once you develop good posture, you will feel less pain in your back and knees, as well as your feet and neck.
Make sure your diagnosis is correct before you spend time looking for treatments for a disease that you do not have. Consult your physician and he or she will be able to assist you as to your proper diagnosis and treatment options. After you do this, there are a variety of different options you have.
Do not use your hands if you don’t have to. Even if they are not currently bothering you, protect them as much as possible; if you can open a door by pushing it with you shoulder, do so. This will help lessen the amount of pain that you feel in your joints and allow you to lead a more regular life.
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.
When caring for arthritis, take a holistic approach that takes the health of your entire body, mind and spirit into account. By staying at a good weight, keeping your muscles toned to help support your joints, eating well, and staying hydrated, you are doing your part to support your arthritis therapy plan.
If you are overweight, be sure to lose your extra weight to help relieve your arthritis pain and improve your overall health. If you eat a healthy diet full of foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, it can help your stress as well as joint inflammation. This is particularly helpful for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
With millions and millions of people dealing with arthritis, it’s important to spread any useful information about arthritis that you can. Now that you’ve read this article, don’t just apply the tips to your life. Be sure to share them with others too. Everyone should know what they can do to help manage their arthritis.