The constant pain of arthritis can leave people feeling depressed and defeated. The tips listed below will supply you with a few ways you can work to fight back against your painful arthritis.

Always consult your doctor before you change which pills you take or when you take them. Some medicines need to be taken for a certain period of time before they produce results, while others may be harmful if stopped abruptly.

Women who suffer from arthritis should not wear high heels. Though they may appear attractive on the outside, these types of shoes can cause nerve and joint damage. Heeled shoes increases torque around your knees and can make arthritis worse. Do your best to always wear comfortable shoes in an effort to decrease your problems with arthritis. Your feet and legs will be grateful.

Combination hot/cold packs can be used to alleviate joint pain. For the most effective results, you should alternate between hot and cold methods. Speak with a physician to find the best ways to soothe pain.

Women with arthritis may want to think about leaving their high heels in the closet. Though they may appear attractive on the outside, these types of shoes can cause nerve and joint damage. They apply a great deal of pressure to the knees and can exacerbate arthritis problems. Instead, choose a pair of fashionable, comfortable shoes. Your arthritic knees will respond gratefully.

Relaxing your body and eliminating stress can help to control your arthritis symptoms. Chronic stress causes your body to release chemicals like cortisol, which increases inflammation and arthritis pain. You need to brush up on managing time and exercising to deal with stress and anxiety.

Don’t wear worn out shoes when you’re exercising. Beat up, old shoes affect the way you walk and by extension, put unnecessary stress on your legs. This can cause the pain in your joints to worsen. Exchange your exercise shoes for new ones regularly. Inspect your soles for wear, and immediately replace shoes if you find a pattern of uneven wear.

Many low impact exercises have been proven to ease the pain of arthritis, including cycling, walking, and swimming. Consider consulting with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

If you are suffering from arthritis and you drive, you are eligible to park in handicapped spaces. Lots of arthritis sufferers are not aware of this, and they often succumb to parking in regular spaces, which can make things worse for those affected by chronic pain.

Yoga is a relaxing and useful hobby. Studies have proven that the relaxation and exercise that yoga offers has had positive effects on easing joint pain.

Consumption of alcohol is often considered dangerous for a variety of medical conditions. In fact, some researchers say that consuming alcohol in small quantities can actually help reduce the symptoms a bit.

Acupuncture is a treatment that can be helpful for those with chronic arthritis. It has been proven time and time again that this treatment can ease a percentage of the pain arthritis brings. If you choose to employ this method of arthritis relief, you will need to commit to a number of appointments, because a single visit will not be very beneficial.

Keep a daily journal if you have rheumatoid arthritis. You might notice patterns or triggers as you go back over your diary. Your notes can also establish patterns of the types of things that have been helpful. Tell your doctor about your findings so that he is better prepared to provide you accurate treatment. A daily diary is an extremely valuable tool to use.

Consider acupuncture as a way to manage chronic arthritis. Acupuncture has been proven to help ease the pain associated with arthritis. This technique should be used on a regular basis, as getting it done only once will not give you the desired results.

Start practicing stretching regularly. Losing ones flexibility is a common symptom of arthritis. Making a point to stretch all muscle groups each and every day will postpone or even prevent the loss of your flexibility. A good stretching session should cover your whole body, starting at your feet and working right up to your head.

If you smoke you might lose some flexibility, and your arthritis is more likely to flare-up. Though breaking the smoking habit can be challenging, knowing that it will improve your arthritis may be just the incentive you have been looking for.

Relieve Pain

Stay aware of your food intake, know exactly what you are eating. Many arthritis sufferers actually suffer from undiagnosed food sensitivities. Keep a running food log, and make notes on your symptoms after each meal. You might be able to pinpoint the cause.

To relieve pain caused by arthritis, try heat. Many believe that it is best to use ice packs to relieve pain, but that’s not the case for those who suffer from arthritis. Use warm treatments to reduce your pain as well as your fatigue.

Keep your protein levels up. You need protein to fight the effects of arthritis on your bones, muscles and joints. If you do not want to eat meat, look for alternative sources of proteins to help reduce the inflammation.

Using a knee brace can allow arthritis suffers to avoid having surgery. Many people have used knee braces to provide effective relief from pain and swelling, and surgery should always be the option of last resort. You can even keep them on when you sleep.

Use assistant devices to help you to engage in difficult activities. If you know that you will be standing for a long time, or lifting heavy objects, make sure that you protect your arthritic joints from a lot of pressure that can cause further damage. The more you damage your joints, the more painful they will be, so it pays to avoid the pressures of excessively strenuous activities.

Researchers continue to seek the cure for arthritis, so there is always hope on the horizon. Though that has yet to happen, you can still take concrete steps to manage the ravaging effects arthritis can have. The advice in this article may not be life changing, but it will help you to manage the main challenges of your disease. Using these tips can help get rid of the pain, while not a cure, can certainly be a godsend.

When you experience pain and tiredness, try using a heat pad. A lot of people think that a cold pack can help with any kind of pain. When someone has arthritis, this isn’t true. Pain that fatigues is best treated with heat; the warmth not only reduces pain, it also increases your energy.