Arthritis is a medical condition that is common. It causes stiffness, pain, and makes you less likely to move around. Arthritis can have an effect on your back, hips, and knees, making it hard to move them. These tips can help arthritis sufferers learn how to cope with this condition.

Ice packs or heat pads are great to relieve joint pain. If you want the best results, use them together, alternating between the hot and cold treatment. Before using the heat/cold method, get advice from your doctor about exactly what to do.

Non-weight bearing activities like water aerobics are best for arthritis sufferers. Exercising underwater is a great way to stretch muscles and joints, and being in warm water also soothes aching joints. If you can’t swim, why not join a class?

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 suggests that a little alcohol can actually reduce the symptoms.

Place the clippers onto your thigh, then utilize the heel of the hand to apply pressure in order to clip the nails. Manipulating small gadgets such as nail clippers is extremely difficult for those who suffer from arthritis.

Remove yourself from your current environment for a short period of time, relax with your eyes closed, and breathe deeply. If having a bad time with your arthritis, you should try taking a break and just relax. This will help you mentally fight the pain.

Acupuncture is a popular method for treating arthritis. This will help ease your pain that is connected to your arthritis. If you opt to utilize this technique, you must do it consistently. One treatment will not help you long-term.

Set yourself up with a routine for stretching. Flexibility is one of the major issues for those living with arthritis. If you have a daily exercise routine that involves stretching your muscles it will help to improve flexibility. You can maintain flexibility with the proper stretching. Begin by stretching your feet. Slowly stretch each area of your body, moving up the body from your feet, until you reach your head.

Learn everything you can about arthritis once you or a loved one is diagnosed. There are a lot of resources out there for people who have arthritis, you can find a lot of tips about nutrition and managing your pain. If you take a little time out of your day to understand arthritis better, you could find unknown information that will assist you in managing this condition more effectively.

Go to a physical therapist. For those who suffer from debilitating arthritis, physical therapists can help you become more flexible by developing a workout routine designed for you. Incorporating this routine into your everyday life will help reduce your discomfort and let you get back into the swing of things.

Don’t be too proud to use a cane. Many people who have been diagnosed with arthritis avoid using a cane, as they feel that it carries the negative stigma of being disabled. If a cane makes you feel better, use it. You will be better able to do the things you want. To make it a little easier, you should pick out a cane that agrees with your personal style and is comfortable to hold.

Keep your joints in mind throughout the day. The most minor job may be painful and hard to accomplish when you are dealing with arthritis. Instead of lifting items, you could either ask someone for help, or slide the items over the counters or floors. If you will protect yourself from irritation and inflammation, it can keep your joints flexible and keep your pain level down.

You will have to become accustomed to establishing and reinforcing boundaries for your limitations. You might not be comfortable doing specific tasks when you’ve got arthritis. If you allow yourself to feel pressured or guilty, you will be making the situation worse. Instead, remind yourself that this is in no way your fault, and stay positive. Just because there are some things you can’t do doesn’t mean you should give up on everything!

Try and keep yourself from becoming overly stressed. Oftentimes, stress will trigger the onset of painful inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis. Develop strategies for stress relief that you can employ anywhere, and make use of them whenever you need to keep your mind peaceful and relaxed. Protecting your mind will help keep your body strong.

Before considering surgery to help you with an arthritic knee, give a knee brace a try. You should consider getting surgery a last ditch effort to reduce pain; a knee brace can help! You can even wear one when sleeping.

You should follow this advice to overcome the painful symptoms of arthritis. Although you may need more information, this advice is a great beginning to becoming knowledgeable about treating arthritis.