TIP! Changes to medications should never be undertaken without speaking to your doctor first. Many medications need extra time to be effective, and cutting them short will remove any benefits.

An arthritis diagnosis provides a unique set of challenges. Even completing the simplest task can cause a lot of pain and be difficult. There are ways that you can alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis in your daily life. The article below should provide you with tips that can help you in managing it.

TIP! Exercises that are easy on the joints, such as swimming and cycling, have been proven to reduce joint pain. Talk to your doctor if you aren’t sure about what kind of exercise can help you.

Use ice packs or heating pads to relieve some joint pain. For the most effective results, you should alternate between hot and cold methods. Always check with your physician for a pain management strategy when using cold and heat for pain.

TIP! Do not skimp on sleep if you are suffering from arthritis. The pain will be worse if you feel exhausted.

Any woman suffering with arthritis should think twice before donning those high heels. While stylish, high heels can cause a great deal of pain and damage to your feet. Because high heels place added stress on your knees, it is best to avoid wearing them if you have arthritis. Choose more supportive shoes and you can expect your arthritis pain to lessen. Your body will appreciate it.

TIP! If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you may benefit from keeping a journal of your symptoms. Analyzing these writings will help you to identify the causes of your flare-ups.

Go to some yoga classes to help your arthritis. Studies show that yoga, because of its relaxing nature and exercise it provides, can soothe the joint pain that arthritis causes.

TIP! If you are unable to cut your own toe nails, consider having a pedicure. Doing so makes this task simpler, and prevents you from being required to use your aching fingers.

If you are not able to sleep well due to arthritis pain, try a warm bath with bath salts before bed. When you relax your body, you will help the pain, and it will help you sleep.

TIP! If the arthritis treatments you have tried have not produced the effects you were hoping for, then it may be time to consult with a doctor about possibly having joint surgery. Doctors have proved that this type of surgery can improve the flexibility and mobility of joints affected by arthritis, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated on a lot of patients.

Remove yourself from your current environment for a short period of time, relax with your eyes closed, and breathe deeply. This can help you to forget your pain for a moment, and get your brain back to processing happy thoughts.

TIP! Stay fit and healthy to limit the wear and tear on your body and joints. Being excessively overweight will worsen your arthritis symptoms.

However, some strategies can help you to cope. The advice detailed above has shown you a variety of ways to manage your arthritis and maybe even improve your quality of life. It can be surprising at just how much help they can be.