If you or a loved one is experiencing a poor quality of life due to arthritis pain, you may be wondering what can be done about it. This article should give you a better idea of how to deal with your arthritis.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, yours or anyone else’s. Even though smoking may seem to help inflammation, this is an illusion. It constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow causing temporary numbness. Blood flow reduction can cause damage to your joints and this will make arthritis worse.

To keep your arthritic joints strong and healthy, improve your posture. This can minimize some of the pain caused by arthritis. When sitting, don’t slump down, and remember to stand up straight. You need to make sure that your weight is always evenly distributed between both of your legs. This will allow you to have a stronger spine, which could reduce your arthritis symptoms.

Aquatic activities and water aerobics are ideal exercises for arthritis sufferers. You will stretch your whole body and the warmth of the water will take the pain away. Join a swimming class or an aerobics one.

If you have arthritis, avoid wearing high heels or other shoes that are uncomfortable. No matter the area of your body that is effected by arthritis, shoes that are not comfortable are going to make you walk irregularly and cause your arthritis to feel worse. Invest in a good pair of sneakers that give you plenty of support.

Painful joints can be relieved by heating pads and ice. For maximum relief, alternate between the application of heat and cold packs. Before using the heat/cold method, get advice from your doctor about exactly what to do.

Consider acupuncture for dealing with the symptoms of chronic arthritis. This treatment can help with persistent pain, such as that which is present when arthritis has been diagnosed. If this method is something you want to try, make sure to do so regularly, because isolated events will not provide lasting results.

Keep a healthy weight and this will help reduce the stress your joints receive. Your joints can become strained, making your arthritis symptoms worsen by being overweight. Follow a healthy, reduced-calorie diet that will provide your body with all of the nutrients it requires.

Though it can be uncomfortable, exercising your joints consistently is an important part of managing your arthritis. If you do not exercise your joints a lot, they will become fatigued, and that will only make your arthritis worse. Flexibility and stretching workouts are great for people who suffer from arthritis as it allows you to have a greater range of motion.

Be sure to get equipment that will help you with daily tasks. People with arthritis can take advantage of a number of products that help them do everyday tasks. Some tools that you can use are shoe horns, special can openers, or zipper pulls, these will aid if you have arthritis. Collecting a number of these handy gadgets can make arthritic life simpler.

If arthritis is located in your knees, buy a knee brace that you can wear for pain relief before giving in to surgery. Many people have used knee braces to provide effective relief from pain and swelling, and surgery should always be the option of last resort. Braces can even be worn while sleeping.

Don’t limit your sleep if you’re an arthritis sufferer. Your body cannot fight arthritis without it. The amount of sleep people require usually vary from 6-8 hours per night, more if the stress level is high. The benefits your body will enjoy from proper sleep are tremendous.

Even a moderate amount of weight loss can improve your arthritis symptoms. Being overweight exacerbates the painful swelling and inflammation caused by arthritis. If you are overweight it can but extra strain your your joints, this will cause them to flare. By losing a few pounds, the strain will be permanently lessened, and the pain that goes with it. This may be just what is needed to make a difference.

Speak to your doctor about pain relief options. In many situations, the best thing possible for treating arthritis pain and to limit any further damage is by finding a treatment plan that is both safe and effective. Ask a professional about FDA approved solutions and other things you can do to get rid of your pain.

Take breaks, lose weight and avoid carrying heavy items to decrease the amount of stress on your joints. Simple tasks can cause you to have great pain if you have arthritis. Instead of lifting items, try sliding them into position, or request that someone help you. Preventing yourself from aggravating the condition in the first place is a good way to stay free from pain and remain as flexible as possible.

Improve your knowledge on arthritis so that you can develop a good strategy to fight it. This information is a great place to start coming up with a good treatment plan so you can rid yourself of pain associated with arthritis.