Arthritis is a very common condition that causes a great deal of pain, lessened range of motion and stiffness of the joints. Arthritis can affect any of the joints involved in moving, from your hands and arms to your knees and hips. It can be difficult to move at all or to stretch to reach things if you suffer from this disease. The following tips in this article will give some great advice for arthritis sufferers looking to manage their condition.

To alleviate arthritis pain, use ice packs and heating pads. Alternate use of a heating pad and an ice pack for even better results. Your doctor will be able to tell you how to best use heating and cooling to find relief from your discomfort.

Yoga is a relaxing and useful hobby. It is a proven fact that yoga and certain exercises can be beneficial in reducing pain in the joints, which is caused by arthritis.

If you are suffering from arthritis, don’t exercise with old worn out sneakers. Shoes that are old and worn out will cause your weight to be distributed unevenly. This can also cause damage to your leg muscles and joints. Buy new workout shoes when you notice the bottoms are wore out unevenly on your old pair.

Consider practicing yoga as both a hobby and a way to keep your arthritis under control. Yoga has been proven to relieve the joint pain of arthritis sufferers.

No matter how hard it may sometimes seem, frequent exercise is essential for you if you have arthritis. When you do not exercise you only worsen the symptoms of your arthritis since the lack of use causes joint fatigue. Try flexibility exercises if you suffer from arthritis because it helps to increase range of motion.

Keep a daily journal if you have rheumatoid arthritis. This written record will help you understand what in your life is triggering the arthritis. It can be a very good tool to help you understand what is working and what is not working. Show the diary to your doctor so she can make a more informed decision about treatments for you. A pain diary can also help you determine the exact type of arthritis you are suffering from.

Eliminate Stress

Research has proven that a little bit of alcohol does not make the problem worse, which is different then with many different medical problems that are out there. In fact, some research shows that alcohol can actually alleviate mild arthritis-related pain.

You should find ways to eliminate stress and relax to help manage your arthritis. When your body and mind are stressed, hormones such as excess cortisol circulate and trigger increased inflammation and pain, which aggravates arthritis. One way to eliminate stress is to learn new time management skills. Light exercise will also help lessen stress.

Go to therapy. If you are suffering from arthritis you should seek help; therapy is a really positive step, reminding you that you’re not alone. Those with arthritis are prone to developing depression, and these concerns should be addressed with therapy.

If you have arthritis, you should avoid wearing high heels, or any kind of shoes that are uncomfortable. It does not matter what parts of your body are affected by arthritis, uncomfortable shoes could make you walk in an abnormal manner, which could effect your arthritis negatively. So, it is important to get a pair of gym shoes that will give you proper support and keep you comfortable.

Fish oil is known to be an effective treatment for arthritis. Report after report indicates that fish oil reduces arthritis pain and joint inflammation, thanks to the fatty acids (omega-3s) it contains. Many supermarkets, and any vitamin/supplement stores, will carry fish oil.

As soon as possible, make an appointment with a doctor and begin treatment quickly. By starting your treatment early, you reduce joint damage caused by arthritis. Getting and heeding a health care professional’s advice and following through with their prescribed treatment plan is a great way to beat this disease.

Just sit back, shut your eyes, and breathe. This will help you think happy thoughts and ignore the constant pain you are in.

Don’t be afraid to let those around you know that your suffer from arthritis. Letting others know that you have arthritis and the pain you deal with is important. There will be moments when dealing with this disease that your life will appear incredibly negative and tiresome. This change can affect your personality, which will be noticed by those around you. Sharing your arthritis struggles with the people close to you could lead to a stronger support system, and an exchange of vital information.

You should follow this advice to overcome the painful symptoms of arthritis. These tips will provide a powerful way to begin learning all that you can about how to treat your arthritis effectively.

You should try to eat more fresh produce and less meat. Research shows that arthritis patients suffer less with pain, inflammation, and swelling when they go vegetarian. If you really want to eat meat, at least increase your vegetable intake to where it comprises 50 percent of your daily diet so your still enjoy most of the benefits that vegetables provide.