Arthritis afflicts millions of people the world over. It hinders all their lives in some way. It covers the entire spectrum, causing life-threatening problems for some, but leaving others with milder pain. No matter what the severity of your condition, arthritis should be managed and treated whenever possible.

Always check with your physician prior to making a change in your medicine regimen. Some medications don’t take effect immediately. Allow for some time for the medication to take hold in your body before you start expecting results.

Talk with your physician before you decide to make any changes for your arthritis medication schedule. You may have to give your medication a little bit longer to work optimally, or it may cause problems if you abruptly stop taking it.

Learn everything you can about arthritis once you or a loved one is diagnosed. There are a lot of resources out there for people who have arthritis, you can find a lot of tips about nutrition and managing your pain. If you take the time to educate yourself about arthritis, there is a good chance you will find all kinds of great things to help yourself out.

Find a physical therapist and accept their treatment. Therapy can help an arthritis sufferer to relieve their feelings of helplessness. People who suffer from arthritis tend to also have issues like depression so therapy can be very beneficial.

In comparison to other medical issues, research has shown that moderate consumption of alcohol does not exacerbate the problem. In fact, some researchers say that consuming alcohol in small quantities can actually help reduce the symptoms a bit.

Start stretching every day. Arthritis sufferers often lose flexibility over time, leading to sore joints and muscles. Having a consistent routine where you stretch your muscles can help slow down or prevent flexibility loss. Begin by stretching your feet, slowly moving all the way up to your neck muscles.

You should support yourself with a cane. Many people with arthritis refuse to walk with a cane, as they think it makes them appear disabled. If using a cane reduces your pain, you will be more disabled if you do not use a cane than if you use one. To make it a little easier, you should pick out a cane that agrees with your personal style and is comfortable to hold.

Try to participate in aquatic activities if you suffer from arthritis. Not only are aquatic activities good for stretching out your joints and muscles, but the water is also soothing for someone who suffers from chronic arthritis, especially if the water is warm. Try joining a swimming class if you do not know how to swim.

Consume plenty of protein. Though you may be unaware of it, protein is consumed more heavily by those with arthritic conditions. If you do not want to eat meat, look for alternative sources of proteins to help reduce the inflammation.

Get checked for vitamin deficiencies by your doctor. Vitamin B-12 is a very important nutrient that helps to reduce flare-ups and pain during the day. Knowing what your levels are, and having them checked often will reduce your risk for flare ups.

Some professionals have asserted that cigarette smoking can contribute to inflexibility, and an increased chance of arthritic pain. While giving up smoking is hard, it’s nevertheless one reliable way you can fight the effects of arthritis.

Smoking will tend to increase the swelling and pain that is associated with arthritis. Research has shown that smokers tend to have more problems with their joints as well as more pain related to arthritis than their nonsmoking counterparts. If you are a smoker you should think about quitting to minimize your symptoms. If you need extra help breaking yourself of your vices, ask your physician about prescription medications for smoking cessation.

Diet is a key factor when it comes to dealing with arthritis. A controlled trial demonstrated that people who ate diets that included lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and beans over a 90-day period functioned better and had higher vitality levels. No matter what condition you are treating, any diet that contains a large variety of fruits and vegetables will always be good for your health.

Eat less meat and more vegetables. Research has proven that sufferers of arthritis who follow a strict vegetarian diet aren’t as likely to have pain, inflammation, or swelling. If you are not going to be able to not eat meat, make sure half of your plate is filled with vegetables to get almost the same benefits.

As you can see, arthritis does not need to rule your life. Aching joints and other irritating symptoms shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your favorite activities and hobbies. Remember these tips so you can reduce pain and deal with arthritis effectively.