Millions of people try to deal with arthritis and its uncomfortable symptoms each year. Arthritis makes it hard to fully move your joints without any pain. Fortunately, the following information in this article will give you some great insight on all the different ways you can live with arthritis.

Try to do some swimming if you have arthritis. The water bears the majority of body’s weight, decreasing pressure on your joints.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, yours or anyone else’s. Nicotine sometimes decreases blood flow towards your arms and legs, which possibly alleviates short term inflammation. The reduction of blood flow to the joints may damage your joints in the long run and worsen your arthritis. Therefore, your arthritis will worsen more quickly than it would if you were a non-smoker.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you should maintain a daily journal. If you keep a journal it can help you understand what is in your life that will spark a flare up in arthritis. This is a good way to understand what works well. Based on your findings, your doctor can then develop a treatment plan that will have the greatest effect on your symptoms. Think of this diary as a very useful tool.

Just sit back in a chair, close your eyes, and do some deep breathing. This provides a much-needed distraction from the pain and allows you to focus on more pleasant thoughts.

Reconsider your use of high heeled shoes if you suffer from arthritis. High heels might look nice, but they can cause a lot of damage to your feet and legs. Heels tend to increase strain on the knees which actually heighten arthritis symptoms. Wear comfortable shoes so your arthritis does not flare up. Your feet, knees and ankles will appreciate it.

Some people have used aromatherapy to reduce arthritis symptoms. The medical community has proven that aromatherapy can relax muscles and joints, helping ease the pain of arthritis.

Cigarettes have actually been shown to cause a loss in flexibility, as well as increasing the chances that your arthritis will flare up. If you quit smoking, you will reap the benefits including less severe arthritis. That added benefit just might make the effort worth it for you.

To cut your fingernails using a toenail clipper, lay the clipper down onto your thigh and press down using the palm of your hand. This will save your sensitive fingers from pain, and make the clipping task easier for you to do.

Fish Oil

If you have arthritis, you should consider taking fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have been proven to be beneficial in reducing pain and joint inflammation. Supplements containing fish oil are sometimes found in supermarkets, in addition to vitamin and nutrition centers.

Taking a long warm bath before bed is a great way to help you to sleep easier, and can also alleviate some of the pain. Doing so induces physical relaxation and diminishes arthritic pain for a while, allowing you comfort long enough to fall asleep and rest longer.

If you have osteoarthritis in your knees, consider asking your physician about electrical stimulation. This treatment has been proven to reduce pain from arthritis by reducing swelling.

Find the best equipment to help you out. Certain tools can be used to reduce the strain on your body. Devices such as rails for the bathroom, and easy to open jars make living with arthritis easier, allowing you to retain more of your independence. These kinds of tools can make life easier and more comfortable.

If you have been diagnosed with chronic arthritis, think about giving acupuncture a try. Acupuncture has been proven to be effective in relieving arthritis pain. This method should not be considered a one time deal, as consistency is needed to show true benefits.

It is important to plan ahead of time. Arthritis can start bothering you almost anytime, so it is important to be prepared for when it happens. 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.

Whenever you must do an activity that is strenuous, take advantage of any assisting devices that are available. If you’re standing for long periods of time or lifting large objects, make sure your joints are protected from more joint damage. Additional harm to the joints leads to more significant pain, and the most effective prevention method is to avoid stressful activities in the first place.

For temporary relief, try using a heating pad that is able to provide moist heat. Think about buying a moist heating pad if you experience pain regularly, since the soothing warmth will make you feel better. Although these pads can give you quick relief, you should always consult with your doctor about treatment.

Be sure to drink enough water. You should drink water every time you feel thirsty as water is easily the best thing you can drink. Avoid beverages that have caffeine in them.

Put castor oil on your joints in order to lower your pain and stiffness. The oil has therapeutic properties, and the act of massage also helps. Massaging your joints helps the blood flow and relaxes your joints.

Find the best bed possible in which to sleep. Arthritis sufferers need to talk to their physicians about purchasing the optimal bed for a person who has their particular condition. Since your condition and your pain issues are always a unique combination, soliciting expert medical advice is the best, if not the only, way to learn what you really need in the bed department.

It’s important for arthritis sufferers to not carry more than they can comfortably handle. Arthritic shoulders are seen more often than you might believe, especially for women. If you have arthritis problems, carrying heavy bags can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the shoulders and neck. If carrying a bag is necessary, try to keep it as light as possible by carrying just the necessary things.

Instead of letting arthritis take over your life, apply our tips to experience some relief. While modern science has yet to find an arthritis cure, there is a long list of treatment options that can help increase your quality of life and prevent arthritis from crippling you.

Consume plenty of protein. Eating protein is very important to arthritis suffers because when you have this condition, your body will tend to use more protein than the normal person. Vegetarians especially need to find specific methods of ingesting protein as it is hard to find in veggies.