The cause of arthritis is the breaking down of the protective cartilage that surrounds the joints in the body. Without this cartilage, your bones grind together causing the symptoms of arthritis. Luckily, this advice below can help you manage your arthritis symptoms.

Stay away from cigarette smoke; if you are smoker, then you should quit. Arthritic conditions can be exacerbated by inflammation, sometimes caused by nicotine reducing the flow of blood throughout your body. In addition, your joints can also suffer longer term damage from a decreased flow of blood.

Stay away from cigarette smoke, and quit if you do smoke. Reduced blood flow is a direct result of the nicotine released into your system from smoking cigarettes, and this can increase arthritis inflammation. 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.

Reduce the pain and stiffness cause by arthritis by alternating heat and cold treatments. Try to alternate when applying the warm and cold packs for better results. Always check with your physician for a pain management strategy when using cold and heat for pain.

Doctors usually advise against the use of alcohol, especially when you have medical problems. But, research has shown that alcohol in moderation doesn’t aggravate arthritis symptoms. In fact, some research shows that alcohol can actually alleviate mild arthritis-related pain.

Women who have arthritis should probably not wear high heels. While stylish, high heels can cause a great deal of pain and damage to your feet. They tend to cause a twisting pressure on your knees, which can only aggravate the arthritis in these crucial, complicated joints. Instead, wear comfortable shoes to keep arthritis pain to a minimum. Make your health a priority over style.

Always keep your joints in mind. Don’t allow your arthritis symptoms stop you from doing your normal activities. Ask someone for help or move items by sliding rather than trying to lift them. You can eliminate pain by keeping yourself free of joint inflammation.

You can lessen your arthritis pain by using aromatherapy. There has been research that indicates that aromatherapy can contribute to relaxing the muscles and joint areas in the body. The pain that is experienced from arthritis and other conditions can be eased as a result.

Joint surgery can be a final option if no medication works to appease your arthritis symptoms. Surgery helps reverse the damage caused by arthritis, improving flexibility and mobility.

Cigarettes worsen arthritis and decrease flexibility, so avoid smoking at all costs. 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.

Put more vegetables and less meat on your plate. Following a strict vegetarian diet with tons of vital nutrients will lessen your arthritis symptoms, and may prevent further damage. If you simply cannot bear to cut meat from your diet, compromise and fill half of each meal with nutritious vegetable sides.

Try to manage your arthritis pain without resorting to pain killers, if at all possible. Many of the painkillers on the market are very addictive, and will only help temporarily relieve pain. Use painkillers only as directed and only under a doctor’s care.

Heating Pad

Apply a damp heating pad to a painful joint to get temporary relief. Moist heating pads can be a real benefit to arthritis pain sufferers, so if you have pain that nags you or becomes unbearable, you should invest in this type of heating pad. These pads are great temporary measures, but it is still a good idea to go to the doctor.

Create a routine of stretches. Flexibility is often one of the first things to disappear for those who have arthritis. Stretch all your muscles every day and your body will remain flexible. Start at your feet and slowly move upwards, finishing with your head.

If you are an arthritis sufferer, look into the benefits of including fish oil in your diet. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, which are in fish oil, help minimize pain and joint inflammation. Fish oil supplements may be found in health food stores, as well as local supermarkets.

There are multiple treatments available for you if you are stricken with arthritis. They will help cut down on the amount of symptoms you suffer from. Remember the tips you read in this article as you seek ways to cope with arthritis and its effects. Relief may be just around the corner.

Staying slim will help to reduce the stress that is put on your joints. Having excess pounds on your body can increase the strain on your joints, which makes your arthritis symptoms worse. Do not deprive yourself of food when losing weight. Instead, eat healthy foods that will provide you with essential vitamins and nutrients.