The number of people who have been diagnosed with arthritis has risen dramatically over the years. Arthritis is a blanket term for various conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints, resulting in a loss of motion and flexibility. The following article will help any arthritis sufferer by providing useful tips on treating the condition.

Do not wear badly worn shoes to workout if you have arthritis. Your weight is not distributed evenly if you wear worn out shoes. This can cause the pain in your joints to worsen. It is important to regularly replace your shoes, especially if you discover uneven patterns of wear on the soles.

Do whatever it takes to stay away from cigarette smoke, including quitting if you have this habit. The nicotine contained in cigarettes could reduce the blood flow to extremities; this may reduce inflammation for the short term. The reduction in blood flow, however, has a negative effect on joint health, which will increase the severity of arthritis over time.

Try some low impact exercises such as swimming, cycling and walking. These will all help to erase some discomfort in your joints that is caused from arthritis. If you are concerned about exercising, talk with your doctor prior to beginning.

Although it may seem difficult, it is vital to keep exercising when you have arthritis. Exercise can lubricate the joints and help to prevent the stiffness which causes pain. Flexibility exercises are excellent for those who suffer from arthritis because their range of motion is increased by doing them.

Try some low impact exercises such as swimming, cycling and walking. These will all help to erase some discomfort in your joints that is caused from arthritis. If you have some doubts about exercising, speak with your doctor about them.

You can get a handicap parking pass if you have arthritis. A lot of arthritis sufferers don’t realize they can park in the handicapped section. They use the regular spaces. Handicapped includes those in chronic pain.

Make sure that you are getting the right kind of exercise every day. Exercise can keep you healthy and fit as well as improve your flexibility. Low impact exercise can keep your body fit and flexible, but be careful not to stress or strain yourself. Stop if you can’t catch your breath or you feel pain.

It is extremely important to get the required amount of sleep if you suffer from arthritis. Without enough sleep, your body will be unable to combat arthritis and its pain. Try to get eight hours of sleep everyday at the very least, or ten hours on more stressful days. Good sleep will help your body a lot.

Increase your intake of vegetables, and cut back on the amount of meats in your diet. Research has proven that sufferers of arthritis who follow a strict vegetarian diet aren’t as likely to have pain, inflammation, or swelling. If you simply cannot bear to cut meat from your diet, compromise and fill half of each meal with nutritious vegetable sides.

It is crucial that you watch what you are eating. Many arthritis sufferers actually suffer from undiagnosed food sensitivities. Record the foods you’re consuming, and when your symptoms flare up, take note. This could help you discover food triggers.

Use treatments of heat and ice alternately. Your joints can simply overdo it, that is why switching between cold and hot packs can reduce swelling and soothe the pain. Too much heating or icing can cause problems, though, so don’t use them too much. Don’t do this more than twice a day.

Do not impose guilt on yourself or allow anyone else to do so. Arthritis may cause the inability to perform tasks that you once did with ease. Do not feel guilty if you cannot be as active as other people. Keep in mind that arthritis is to blame, not you. If you have to give up some tasks to help your body, you should not beat yourself up!

Get a good mattress. Arthritis sufferers need to talk to their physicians about purchasing the optimal bed for a person who has their particular condition. Every person is affected by arthritis in a different way and personalized solutions are needed.

Work with a physical therapist. A professional can establish an efficient workout routine to help you deal with pain on a daily basis and reduce the swelling. Adhere to the plan so you can reclaim your life.

As stated before, the number of people with arthritis has risen in recent years. Possible reasons include an aging population and less than adequate nutrition and exercise. If you follow these practical tips, you can improve your arthritis situation.