Arthritis is a disease that effects many people at some point in their lives, causing inflammation, and pain in the cartilage and joints in different areas of the body. Millions of people are affected by this condition each year. You can fight back using the tricks and tips from this article.

Use heating pads or ice packs to help relieve some of the pain in your joints. For the best results, alternate between cold and hot. The heat will improve circulation to the area while relaxing muscles.

Remember everything your mother taught you about posture, for better joint health and function. This can help to lessen the amount of arthritis pain. Always make a conscious effort to stand up straight and not slump your shoulders while sitting. Distribute your weight between both legs equally. Overtime, your joints and backbone will feel better and stronger and your symptoms will decrease.

Women with arthritis may want to think about leaving their high heels in the closet. High heels might look nice, but they can cause a lot of damage to your feet and legs. They tend to cause a twisting pressure on your knees, which can only aggravate the arthritis in these crucial, complicated joints. Instead, choose a pair of fashionable, comfortable shoes. Your feet and legs will be grateful.

Just settle back, let your eyelids close and enjoy a few deep breaths. This can help you to forget your pain for a moment, and get your brain back to processing happy thoughts.

Some studies indicate that unlike with other medical issues, alcohol consumption does not increase problems with arthritis. On the contrary, some research suggests that moderate consumption of alcohol may even reduce some arthritis symptoms.

The earlier you can halt arthritis, the better. Try good typing habits. Your hands should be level with the keyboard and you should use a raised pad for your mouse. This position will reduce strain to your hands and prevent problems from developing later in life.

Pain Killers

Write in a diary daily if you have RA. Writing things down will help you see what triggers your flare ups. A diary can also be informative as to what you are doing that is helpful. Share the diary with your doctor so the two of you can work together to find the correct treatments. This simple technique can be a powerful tool for managing your arthritis.

Try to avoid taking pain killers for arthritis related pain. Not only can pain killers be addicting, but they only provide temporary relief. Talk to your doctor about pain killers, and do not take more than you should.

Develop a stretching routine for yourself. Flexibility is one of the major issues for those living with arthritis. When you have a stretching regimen that targets all your muscles, you can help prevent any flexibility loss. Start out by stretching your feet, then work your way up your body until you reach your head.

If you are in the process of designing a new house, and you suffer from arthritis, talk to your builder to see if any modifications can be made. You can actually sit face-to-face with your builder to go over a list. These simple modifications make every day easier and safer by accommodating your sore, inflamed joints.

Try using a cane to support yourself. Many arthritis patients refuse using a cane, thinking it makes them look disabled. If you have less pain when you use a cane you should do it. Find one that you like, and congratulate yourself on finding a way to help reduce your pain.

If arthritis is affecting your knees, see how you do with a knee brace prior to investigating the pros and cons of surgery. Braces can reduce painful inflammation and swelling, preventing you from using your last resort of surgery. Wearing one while sleep is even possible.

Add additional vegetables to your diet, and reduce your meat consumption. Vegetarian diets have been proven to reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation. If you have to eat meat, make sure half of your plate contains vegetables to get almost the same benefits.

When you are dong anything that will take a lot out of you, use things that will help you. Excessive movement, heavy lifting and even prolonged standing can stress already weakened joints. Assistance devices and braces protect your body from overexertion. Additional damage to your joints can cause extreme pain and the best treatment is to prevent the damage in the first place.

If you suffer from arthritis you should try to lose weight. When dealing with arthritis, carrying excess pounds increases pain and swelling. Extra weight will put more strain on your joints, this will cause you to have flare ups. Attacks will likely become less common and less intense when weight is lost; making weight loss a part of an arthritis treatment regimen is terrific idea.

Work with a physical therapist. A physical therapist can develop workout routines with you that will improve joint flexibly and reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Follow their plan consistently to see the best results, and get your daily life back on track.

Try to get by with carrying lighter loads. Women who carry large purses often have joint inflammation in their shoulders. Large and heavy purses can irritate both the shoulder and neck. Whatever you carry, keep it light and fill it with only the items you absolutely need.

All of the various kinds of arthritis can make it extremely hard to find the right method of dealing with your disease. Determining the type of arthritis you are suffering from can make it easier to find effective treatments. Apply these tips to start transforming your lifestyle and deal with arthritis better.

If you suffer from chronic arthritis, it may be helpful to use a sauna regularly. The heat and moisture from saunas can help to reduce inflammation from arthritis, which in turn, helps to reduce the pain. To have this be an effective practice you’re going to have to go to the sauna regularly.