Sometimes the most basic of tasks can be so difficult because of your arthritis. There are many effective methods you can choose from to effectively relieve your pain. Read this article to learn new secrets on dealing with arthritis.

Cigarettes can irritate your body and may cause pain, as you should avoid smoking with arthritis. Nicotine reduces the amount of blood flow in your body, and this can reduce inflammation temporarily. Your joints can be damaged if the blood flow is reduced, making your arthritis more severe that if you didn’t smoke.

If you have arthritis and still want to get in shape, try aquatic exercises. These activities will stretch your muscles and joints. In addition, warm water is known to alleviate chronic arthritis pain. If you don’t feel comfortable in the water, consider taking a swimming class.

Keep joints strong by working on good posture. Good posture can decrease arthritis pain. You should stand as straight as you can, and don’t slump while sitting. Your legs should both be supporting your weight equally. This puts your body into perfect alignment and prevents extra wear and tear on your hips and spine.

Always wear solid, supportive shoes if you have arthritis. Shoes that are old and worn out will cause your weight to be distributed unevenly. These shoes can also cause many joint problems in your legs. If there’s noticeable wear, especially on the soles, replace them with new workout shoes.

If you want to reduce your arthritis pain prior to sleeping, run a hot bath, and add bath salts for maximum effect. The bath will put you in a relaxed state and reduce the severity of your pain, which will help you get to sleep and stay asleep.

Moderate Consumption

In comparison to other medical issues, research has shown that moderate consumption of alcohol does not exacerbate the problem. On the contrary, some research suggests that moderate consumption of alcohol may even reduce some arthritis symptoms.

Don’t try to do more than you are able if your condition is psoriatic arthritis. If you suffer from this condition, your energy levels will not be what they once were. Don’t pretend they are, as it can make your symptoms worse. Instead, try to focus the energy that you have on what you value the most. It is not necessary that you be everything to everyone all the time.

If you suffer with chronic arthritis, you can find relief with acupuncture. Acupuncture can help you ease pain that comes from arthritis. This technique should be used on a regular basis, as getting it done only once will not give you the desired results.

Smoking can decrease your flexibility and increase your arthritis symptoms. Although it’s hard to quit smoking, it may help to think about how it negatively impacts your arthritis.

Plan ahead. Since arthritis pain can flare at any time, you want to be prepared to work around it. Dividing your work into separate parts will give you time to rest during the day. You should also be able to stop what you are doing right away if the pain becomes too great.

When trying to cope with the pain of arthritis, do not abuse pain medication. Not only can pain killers be addicting, but they only provide temporary relief. If they have been prescribed by your doctor, do make sure to follow the instructions provided quite carefully.

A cane will help you take some pressure off your joints. Pride has kept many people with arthritis from using a cane. The truth is that if a cane makes it easier for you to walk without pain, you are far less disabled that you would be without it. Look for a cane that can be adjusted to your height so it is comfortable for you to use.

If your pain is causing you to feel tired, consider heat. Cold packs can sometimes be very helpful for pain, but this just isn’t the case when it comes to arthritis. Pain that tires you out should be relieved with warm packs, since it will give you energy and reduce pain.

Electrical stimulation may be an option for those with osteoarthritis in one or both of their knees. It sounds extreme, but it has been shown to reduce the harsh swelling within the knees that is caused by arthritis, while also battling the arthritis separately.

Knee Brace

Be sure to get plenty of protein. If you suffer from arthritis, your body uses more protein than a non-arthritic person. Therefore, it is vital that you eat enough of it. Even if you don’t eat meat, you can locate other protein sources. It is very important to keep your protein levels consistent to prevent inflammation and pain.

If you have arthritis in your knees, try wearing a knee brace before you go towards the surgery route. Braces can reduce painful inflammation and swelling, preventing you from using your last resort of surgery. You can keep the knee brace on while you are asleep.

Make sure you are sleeping in an appropriate bed at night. If you suffer from arthritis then consult with a doctor and figure out what types of beds are the best for you and your specific condition. Every condition is unique: you need to work with a professional to design the best plan possible depending on your personal situation.

Assemble a team of people to keep you on track with your battle against arthritis. It is important to have doctors, family and friends who are always there for you and sympathize with your condition. You may wish to join a support group where you will meet others who share your experiences, and may have good information about managing arthritis symptoms.

Be sure to get plenty of protein. Eating adequate protein is important to arthritis sufferers because your body uses it more than someone who doesn’t have the condition. Even if you don’t eat meat, you can locate other protein sources. It is very important to keep your protein levels consistent to prevent inflammation and pain.

The above information should help you to find relief from your arthritis and make your life easier. These tips can help reduce some of the pain in your life. The more you learn from the information contained in this article, the more you will improve the quality of your life.

Pay attention to how your body feels. Every arthritis sufferer is different from the next, and you are no exception. Only you are aware of how the condition specifically affects your body. Watch your body’s signals as they may be warnings. If you’re weary, stop to rest.