When it comes to arthritis, there are various proven tips for managing it in a safe manner that eases pain and increases the strength of your joints. But, these methods need to be given to you, as you probably do not know about them already. There is some great advice in the article below that can get you started today. Follow these tips and you should gain back control of your life.

Those with arthritic conditions would do well to avoid uncomfortable shoes, particularly those with high heels. No matter where on your body your arthritis is located, uncomfortable shoes will make you walk abnormally, which can have a negative effect your arthritis. Get a pair of good sneakers for good support.

Talk to your physician prior to altering your medication schedule. Many medications take time to begin working.

You need to relax and get rid of what causes your stress if you want to manage arthritis. Stress causes the body to release certain chemicals that cause inflammation and increased sensitivity to pain. These exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Try to decrease stress by working out and/or working on time management issues.

Therapy can do a lot for you. Therapy can help you learn to cope with your limitations while still remaining self-sufficient. It is also a chance to connect with other people, reminding you that you are not alone. Depression is a common occurrence among arthritis sufferers. Attending therapy is a great way to deal with this concern and to talk to others who understand.

Place it on your thigh, then utilize your hand to depress it. You will find that your sensitive fingers aren’t needed as much, which might make the task easier to accomplish.

Try to manage your arthritis pain without resorting to pain killers, if at all possible. Narcotic painkillers have addictive properties and only mask the pain temporarily. If they have been prescribed by your doctor, do make sure to follow the instructions provided quite carefully.

Try using a cane to support yourself. Many people with arthritis will not use a cane, since they think it signifies a type of disability. Do not fall into this trap – if a cane reduces your pain, then use one! When choosing a cane opt for one that matches your personality and activity level.

Do not wear high heels and other uncomfortable shoes. Wherever your arthritis is, shoes that are uncomfortable will cause you to walk abnormally, aggravating your arthritis. Try getting comfortable sneakers that can give you support.

You should always sleep as much as your body desires. Getting the proper rest is important for an arthritis sufferer, as sleep rejuvenates and gives you the energy you need for the next day. Try to sleep in total darkness; no alarm clock light, no cell phone, just relaxation techniques.

If you are carrying a few extra pounds, it would behoove you to lose that weight. Carrying around extra weight with arthritis can cause inflammation which results in more pain and swelling. Obesity will put excessive strain on your joints and cause your arthritis to flare up. When you lose the excessive weight, you will reduce the pressure on your joints and decrease the frequency and severity of your flare ups.

Consider acupuncture, if you are dealing with chronic arthritis. It has been shown that acupuncture can reduce some of the arthritis pain you are experiencing. If you go in this direction, keep it up, and it will not help to just give it a small try.

Use a timer. If you have chores or tasks to do, set your timer for five or 10 minutes, to make sure you take a break often. A lot of folks try to plow through their pain in order to accomplish a task in a single fell swoop, but doing this increases their chances of injuring themselves.

Keep an eye out for new and current types of treatment. A lot of times, doctors don’t try new things unless what they are currently doing fails. Let your doctor know of any treatments you find out about that you think might be of benefit to you and ask if they think it’s worth trying.

Therapy can do a lot for you. Therapy can help an arthritis sufferer to relieve their feelings of helplessness. People with arthritis often suffer from comorbid conditions like depression, and any type of therapy is likely to help with this.

If you’re sick of the constant pain and compromised lifestyle associated with your arthritis, you may do something to make it better. If provided with the proper methods and techniques, you can learn how to manage your arthritis and reduce or eliminate your pain. You can manage arthritis better and set your own quality of life if you make use of this article’s suggestions.