With so many treatment options and over-the-counter medications claiming to eliminate and cure arthritis, it can be very difficult to determine your best course of action for dealing with pain and inflammation. Let this article serve as an informed introduction to all of your arthritis treatment options.

If you are a smoker, you should quit. You should also avoid being around smokers. Nicotine constricts capillaries in your extremities, which can reduce inflammation right now. Reduced blood flow could ruin your joints, meaning the arthritis is going to be worse and come quicker, than it would if you didn’t smoke.

You should definitely avoid smoke from cigarettes, and if you are someone who smokes, quit. Nicotine slows blood flow and can exacerbate arthritis-related inflammation. It also causes joint damage and will result in your arthritis progressing more rapidly than in a non-smoker.

Women with arthritis should avoid high heels. Although they make you more attractive, you do your feet no favors by wearing high heels. This can increase torque at the knees and exasperate arthritis symptoms. Do your best to always wear comfortable shoes in an effort to decrease your problems with arthritis. Your joints will appreciate it!

Many low impact activities, such as swimming or walking, can be quite helpful in relieving some of the joint pain associated with arthritis. Consult your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

Try some low impact exercises such as swimming, cycling and walking. These will all help to erase some discomfort in your joints that is caused from arthritis. You should consult a doctor before starting an exercise program to help with your arthritis.

Try keeping a journal or how arthritis affects your living. Keeping a diary gives you a reference point to find patterns in your symptoms. It will also help you identify the most successful methods. This information should be shared with your doctor which can help him to prescribe the best possible treatment options. Think of this diary as a very useful tool.

If you have arthritis you should avoid wearing high heels or any shoes that are not comfortable. Even if you don’t have any form of joint discomfort or arthritis, wearing heels and uncomfortable shoes will still result in a negative effect on your body. Instead, purchase a nice comfortable pair of sneakers that give support.

Consider learning yoga for a hobby. Studies have proven that yoga’s exercise and relaxing effects help to ease pain associated with arthritis.

It is important to note that people who suffer from arthritis are able to get handicapped parking. Many arthritis suffers are not aware of this, so they cause undue stress and strain by parking in remote spaces.

Set yourself up with a routine for stretching. Flexibility loss is a big complaint from arthritis sufferers. A daily regimen of stretching the entire body will keep muscles and joints more supple. Start with your toes, and slowly move upwards until you have made it to your head.

Be sure to get sufficient sleep whenever arthritis flares occur. Lack of sleep makes it impossible for the body to fight painful arthritis effects. Try to get eight hours of sleep everyday at the very least, or ten hours on more stressful days. Your body will gain enormous benefits from sleep.

Eat a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, and cut down on meat. A vegetarian diet has been scientificially proven to reduce some symptoms of arthritis. You may not be able to give up meat entirely, but try to pull at least half of your calories from vegetables. This way, you get at least some of the anti-arthritis benefits.

Don’t let yourself stress out too much. Many times, this can trigger painful inflammation or swelling. Find ways to relieve your stress, and utilize these strategies whenever you need them. This will help keep your body and mind strong and healthy.

Any effort you can contribute to minimizing the painful affects of arthritis in your life is well worth it. One way to prevent the onset of arthritis is to use good typing habits. Try to have your hands at the same level as your keyboard, and make sure you don’t have to lean to reach your mouse. This will help you keep strong hands and you will still be able to type.

The advice presented here was designed to help you navigate the maze of treatment options for arthritis sufferers and find a solution that addresses your need for pain relief. If you know more about arthritis, you will be able to better choices about what you need to do to get therapy.