TIP! If you have arthritis, you should avoid wearing high heels. While they may be attractive, high heels can be damaging to your body.

Is arthritis affecting your everyday life? There are coping mechanisms and strategies that you can use to make your life more bearable. That is what this article is all about. Read on to find out how you can minimize the effects of arthritis.

TIP! It might seem hard sometimes, but if you have arthritis, it is vital that you exercise often. When you do not exercise you only worsen the symptoms of your arthritis since the lack of use causes joint fatigue.

Swim a lot if you are an arthritis sufferer. Water activities are not weight-bearing, so they are easier on your joints. In addition, the soothing feel of warmer water can feel great on your sore joints. If you are not already a swimmer, taking a few classes can help you to start participating in these wonderful activities.

TIP! Try water activities if you’re an arthritis sufferer. Aquatic exercise can stretch out joints and muscles.

Relax in a chair, shut your eyes, and try some deep breathing. You will then forget the pain you have for a little while and have a chance to think happy thoughts.

TIP! If you have rheumatoid arthritis, keep a journal. A journal may help you to recognize what is triggering your arthritis flare-ups.

To help ease the pain and discomfort of arthritis, experiment with different relaxation and stress relief techniques. When your body and mind are stressed, hormones such as excess cortisol circulate and trigger increased inflammation and pain, which aggravates arthritis. Improving your multitasking abilities or doing low-impact exercises may help you to cope.

TIP! Don’t wear high heels or uncomfortable shoes unless you want to make your arthritis worse. It doesn’t matter where your arthritis affects you, uncomfortable shoes can make the problem worse.

Don’t abuse your joints. The smallest thing can be painful and difficult when you have arthritis. Ask someone for help or move items by sliding rather than trying to lift them. Protection against irritation and inflammation greatly reduces pain and distress; it also helps joints stay flexible.

TIP! If you have arthritis and are building a new home, request that the builder include some modifications. Have a consultation with him and discuss the possibilities.

Make a stretching routine. One of the most common complaints associated with arthritis is an overall loss of muscle and joint elasticity. When you stretch daily, you can prevent this from happening. Start at the feet and move it up and across your body up to your head.

TIP! If you are looking for another pain-relief solution for your arthritis problems, give aromatherapy some thought. Aromatherapy can improve arthritis pain by helping to relax muscles and joints.

There are many tried and true ways to lessen the challenge of living with arthritis. Each small effort will have its rewards. Apply what you have learned to improve your life.