If you are an arthritis sufferer, you know how this painful disease can affect your daily life. You can feel useless or defeated, or think you cannot ever enjoy things you once did. Don’t let these feelings overwhelm you, take control! This article will provide you a jumping off point to learn how to manage your symptoms.

Before you change anything in your medication schedule make sure you consult with a doctor first. Medications differ on how the work and some require a bit longer time in your body before it begins to show results, while others might cause a rebound effect if you suddenly stop.

Women who have arthritis should probably not wear high heels. They may seem to be attractive, but they’re not good for your feet. Heels tend to increase strain on the knees which actually heighten arthritis symptoms. Wear comfortable shoes so your arthritis does not flare up. Your body will certainly notice the difference.

It might seem difficult, but exercising often if you have arthritis is important. If your joints don’t have the opportunity to move, they will become more weak which can be a negative impact on your arthritic condition. Look into flexibility exercises to have a better range of motion.

Do a large amount of research about arthritis and its symptoms to take control of your condition and manage your life. There are a host of useful resources covering everything from nutrition to pain management for arthritis sufferers. If you take the time to educate yourself about arthritis, there is a good chance you will find all kinds of great things to help yourself out.

Getting enough sleep is important for dealing with arthritis. Lack of sleep makes it impossible for the body to fight painful arthritis effects. Try to get a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night; if you have had an especially difficult day, try to get ten hours. Your body will thank you in the form of reduced pain.

You should use both hot and cold packs, in an alternating fashion. It is easy for your joints to become inflamed or hurt, so the combination of heat and cold will help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Make sure that you do not treat your joints too often, as this can have a negative effect on your condition. Aim for no more than twice a day.

Participate in therapy. Arthritis takes a mental toll on a person. It limits their options in life, and therapy can help them realize that they are not alone and helpless. People with arthritis often suffer from comorbid conditions like depression, and any type of therapy is likely to help with this.

Put it flush against your thigh, then push down with the flat part of your hand. This helps you from not having to use your sore fingers while making it much easier to finish the task.

When dealing with arthritis, it may be helpful to consult a physical therapist. They can help you find an appropriate workout routine that can help your flexibility, diminish your swelling, and take control of your disruptive arthritis. Make sure to follow the plan in order to get the best results.

Electrical stimulation can do a lot if you have osteoarthritis in your knees. It is a treatment option that has been shown to reduce the swelling in the knees due to arthritis.

You should try to eat more fresh produce and less meat. If you suffer from symptoms of arthritis, you will be less likely to have any pain or inflammation if you eat more veggies. If meat is too good for you to resist, at least fill your plate up with half veggies, half meat so that you are getting some of the good benefits from the vegetables.

Get as much quality sleep as you’re able to. Getting the proper amount of rest helps to rejuvenate the body, while giving you the energy needed to tackle the following day. Prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep by turning off all cell phones, making the room completely dark, and practicing relaxing techniques.

Take monthly visits to your doctor to look for different types of vitamin deficiencies. When you are low on vitamins or minerals you could have a arthritis flare up. It is vital to check your levels often so that you can maximize your comfort and mood as the day wears on.

For arthritis pain that makes you feel fatigued, try heat remedies. Cold packs can sometimes be very helpful for pain, but this just isn’t the case when it comes to arthritis. Heat with revitalize your energy levels while eliminating the pain caused by fatigue.

Excess Weight

If you are fighting with the pain that arthritis brings, try to lose a few pounds. Excess weight can add stress and pressure on already-inflamed joints and muscles. Excess weight puts an additional load on your strained joints and can lead to flareups. If you were to lose weight, though, you could greatly reduce the inflammation. This is yet another reason to finally ditch those extra pounds.

If you have issues with weight and poor fitness, it is important to make them a priority. Weight can influence the effects that arthritis has on you, and losing weight could provide a huge reduction of arthritis pain. Dropping your weight by a few pounds can bring relief to your aching, overburdened joints.

Let your family and friends know how arthritis affects you. Online forum are also available to discuss your symptoms and treatments. The more your family knows about your condition, the better they can accommodate you, so make sure to tell them about your arthritis.

Many arthritis sufferers who have used the strategies and tips presented in this article have seen a dramatic change in their life. If arthritis symptoms are bothering you, here are a few tips that can help.

Drinking water is important. There is nothing better for you than water, so enjoy it to quench your thirst every time. While drinking beverages high in caffeine can provide a momentary energy boost, they should be avoided because they actually dehydrate the body.