Arthritis is a condition that affects the body’s cartilage, causing joints to inflame and become painful. Millions of people suffer from this painful disease. Here you will find firsthand accounts from arthritis sufferers of coping strategies and helpful tips.

If you find yourself battling rheumatoid arthritis on a daily basis, try keeping a journal. This written record will help you understand what in your life is triggering the arthritis. Keeping a diary also lets you see what’s helping relieve your arthritis. Discuss the information you gather with your physician, so that he or she can suggest the best treatment options. You will find a diary is very useful.

Yoga is a great hobby you should think about taking up. Studies show that yoga, because of its relaxing nature and exercise it provides, can soothe the joint pain that arthritis causes.

Ending your day with a warm salted bath can alleviate sleep troubles and insomnia related to arthritis. This can relax your muscles and alleviate the arthritis pain. This, in turn, allows you to fall asleep and remain asleep for a longer time.

Pay careful attention to your joints. Even the most minor task can cause pain or difficulty if you suffer from arthritis. When you have to move something, try sliding it instead, or asking a willing helper to move it for you. If you will protect yourself from irritation and inflammation, it can keep your joints flexible and keep your pain level down.

Sit down in a nice comfy chair, lean back with your eyes closed and take some long, deep breaths. By doing this, you can get your mind to focus on happier things instead of the pain that you are feeling.

Pain Killers

Consult your doctor before taking any medication to ease the pain of arthritis. Pain killers only offer temporary relief, and some are addictive. Talk to your doctor about pain killers, and do not take more than you should.

Discover new ways to eliminate stress so you can relax and manage your arthritis. Chronic stress causes your body to release chemicals like cortisol, which increases inflammation and arthritis pain. You may want to consider brushing up on your time management skills or adding light exercise to help you cope with stress.

Keeping a normal weight is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your joints can become strained, making your arthritis symptoms worsen by being overweight. Do not deprive yourself of food when losing weight. Instead, eat healthy foods that will provide you with essential vitamins and nutrients.

Be sure to get equipment that will help you with daily tasks. There are many items and accessories available that can make it easier for anyone with arthritis to complete any task. There are tools galore to help you with all of the tasks you face day to day. Shoe horns, electric can openers, easy open pill bottles, the list is endless. Invest in these helpful tools for an easier life.

You should switch back and forth between hot and cold when treating your arthritis. Switching between these two treatments will reduce swelling, and also help ease any pain that you are feeling. Realize that it’s easy to over-exercise your joints without even realizing it. Do not do these treatments very often, as heating or over-icing can lead to a lot more issues in the future. If you use this treatment more than twice a day then it might do more harm than good.

Try to lose a couple of pounds. Carrying around excess weight can lead to swollen and inflamed conditions when you have arthritis. Excessive weight causes joints to become more strained, resulting in flare ups. Losing weight will take a lot of pressure off your joints.

Make sure you listen when your body sends you a message. Arthritis is different for everyone, and only you know how bad the condition is for you. Pay attention to any signals your body may be sending out, and heed them. When you become exhausted, abandon your activity and relax.

Aromatherapy has been shown to reduce some of the pain associated with arthritis. Symptoms of arthritis can be alleviated by aromatherapy, helping to relax muscles and ease pain in your joints.

Ask your physician about some options when it comes to lessening your pain. In most cases, the best thing you can do for arthritis is to prevent further damage, and find a safe and effective method of treating frequent pain. This is best achieved by talking with your doctor and asking him about treatments approved by the FDA, and anything else which could deal with the condition you have.

Let your friends and loved ones know about your challenges with arthritis. If the people close to you know exactly what you are experiencing, they will easier understand your situation and be able to help. If they are aware that you are in pain or are feeling stiff, they will be in a position to make allowances for that.

Fish oil may be beneficial to you if arthritis has plagued your life. Medical research has confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids, which are in fish oil, will help to relieve the pain and inflammation found in the joints of arthritis sufferers. You can find fish oil in some vitamin and supplement stores, as well as some supermarkets.

Before arthritis becomes a problem take action. Every condition is different and you are the only person who can do something about it. Your doctor will only use general information common to all arthritis patients, which is why it is important that you develop your own way of dealing with your condition. Self-awareness, particularly referring to the need to match the treatments to your needs, is essential.

The advice in this article represents the best and brightest tips from people who have experienced what it is like to live with arthritis. By following these helpful guidelines, you can be more informed about the nature and treatment of your condition. There are a variety of options available for you and these are only a few.

Never beat yourself up over having arthritis, and don’t let others get you down. Having arthritis makes it hard to do certain things. Feeling pressured or guilty can worsen things, so keep reminding yourself it’s not your fault. Give up the tasks that have become too hard and do not dwell on it.