Arthritis sufferers know all too well that even life’s simplest chores are complicated by the pain and discomfort of swollen joints. If arthritis is controlling your life, do not allow it to. In fact, these tips were hand-picked for people just like you. Keep reading to discover how you can better cope with arthritis today!

Getting enough sleep is important for dealing with arthritis. If you don’t sleep, your body’s defenses against arthritis are weakened. Get at least seven or eight hours of sleep a night. If you have had a bad day, try to get ten hours. Good sleep is one of the best things you can give your body.

Arthritis differs from some other medical conditions in that studies have not shown any negative link between moderate alcohol consumption and increased arthritis trouble. It might help alleviate the pain and relax your muscles if you consume on a moderate level.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, keep a journal. A diary or journal can help you better understand what sets your arthritis flare-ups in motion. Keeping a diary can help you identify the causes of and effective treatments for your painful arthritis symptoms. You should also take this diary along when you visit your doctor, so that he has more information to build a better treatment plan with you. You can benefit from this all around.

Take a warm bath and use bath salts in it before bed to soothe aching joints and sleep better. Doing this assists your body in relaxing and eases the pains of arthritis. This helps you fall asleep and stay that way for a longer period of time.

Cutting back on stress and taking the time to relax can have a great positive effect on your arthritis. Part of your body’s chemical reaction to stress is the release of hormones and other agents that can cause inflammation and arthritis flare-ups. Consider practicing new time management techniques or adding a light exercise routine to your daily routine to reduce the effects of stress.

Be proactive with your arthritis management by educating yourself about the condition. Resources for arthritis patients are plentiful, helping with advice on nutrition, activities and managing pain. You will eventually find a treatment that works well for you between working out and eating better.

If you can help it do not take pain-killers to deal with your pain. Some prescriptions are addictive, and the results they give are only temporary. Only use pain medications as prescribed, and under the supervision of your doctor.

If your arthritis has been diagnosed, then you are entitled to a handicapped sticker or plate. Do away with the pain of long treks across parking lots by taking a designated space at the front.

Physical Therapist

Go to a physical therapist. If symptoms of arthritis inhibit your daily activities, a physical therapist can develop an exercise and stretching routine to diminish pain and inflammation, restore flexibility, and reduce swelling. Follow your therapeutic action plan very specifically in order to gain favorable results, and take back your life.

The right type of exercise is crucial. Exercise will help you stay healthy and fit, and also increase your flexibility. You can do a few low impact exercises each day to work your muscles. Provided that you do not do too many of them, these exercises will keep you in shape without causing joint inflammation. Stop exercising when you feel any pain or discomfort.

A cane can greatly improve your mobility. Many people with arthritis will not use a cane, since they think it signifies a type of disability. Using a cane can actually reduce the amount of pain you experience; this can enable, rather than disable you. You should pick out a cane that goes with your personality so you are more comfortable with it.

Try to get as much sleep as you can. The amount of sleep you receive is vital and directly related to the health and strength of your joints. Not to mention, the energy will be needed! Try to keep your room as dark as possible. You can also try several relaxation techniques before you go to bed.

Try using aromatherapy to ease your arthritis pain. Aromatherapy can assist in joint and muscle relaxation. This, of course, will lessen the pain felt from arthritis.

Get plenty of protein. Eating enough protein is extremely important to anyone who suffers from arthritis, because your body tends to use more of it than the average person. Vegetarians in particular need to find good sources of protein such as tofu, legumes and cheese. Eat these regularly to keep pain and inflammation at bay.

Arthritis Sufferer

Relaxing music can ease your arthritis symptoms. This type of music relaxes your body, which helps lessen arthritis aches and pains. As well, music that you find relaxing can help get you to sleep, even if arthritis is challenging your ability to do so.

As you know, if you’re a chronic arthritis sufferer and from reading the beginning of this article, arthritis can make it difficult to go about daily tasks. If you are an arthritis sufferer, hopefully this article has shown you something you can try to manage your condition and start living better.