Arthritis is a painful disorder that affects joints, typically causing inflammation, irritation, and stiffness. This condition is astoundingly common, and affects millions of people annually. The following article will give you some great tips for winning your battle with arthritis, and taking your life back.

If you’re dealing with arthritis, you should never skip quality sleep. Without enough of it, your body is compromised and you will feel the punishing side effects. Get no less than eight hours of sleep. Get even more if the day was particularly stressful. Good sleep is one of the best things you can give your body.

Do not wear old shoes while exercising. Worn out shoes distribute your weight unevenly. They can also be the cause for other problems in your joints and legs. If your workout shoes have uneven wear on the soles, replace them right away.

Those with arthritic conditions would do well to avoid uncomfortable shoes, particularly those with high heels. No matter where you have arthritis, shoes that are uncomfortable will cause you to walk abnormally and produce a negative effect on your arthritis symptoms. Get a pair of good sneakers for good support.

If you have arthritis and are designing a home, talk with your builder about some modifications. Sit down with your builder and make a list. These simple modifications will allow you to perform daily tasks with greater ease and less pain.

Going back and forth between cold and hot treatments is the best method to help treat and soothe your arthritis symptoms. Your joints can simply overdo it, that is why switching between cold and hot packs can reduce swelling and soothe the pain. As with any treatment, apply it in moderation and make sure to get an okay from your doctor to avoid future complications. Do not do this more than twice a day.

Treat arthritis pain with both heat and cold. If your joints have been over-taxed, using cold and hot packs alternately can alleviate pain and decrease swelling. Do not do this too often, too much of cold or hot can hurt you down the line. Do these treatments no more than twice a day.

Acupuncture is a treatment that can be helpful for those with chronic arthritis. Studies have shown that acupuncture offers real pain relief for arthritis sufferers. It is not a one-step process, so be prepared to use acupuncture on a regular basis.

You should only use pain medication when truly necessary. It is easy to become hooked on many of these pills, and they do not provide a permanent solution. You have been prescribed to them by a doctor and are planning to take them, be sure you follow what the doctor has prescribed.

Aromatherapy is something you should contemplate using to alleviate some of the pain that is a result of your arthritis. Aromatherapy can help relax your muscles and joints, which can help ease your pain and symptoms of arthritis.

Cigarettes have been blamed for diminished flexibility and could cause arthritis flare-ups. It may be hard to quit smoking, but it can be easier if you know how the habit is making your arthritis worse.

Acquire some products to assist you in your everyday activities. If you have arthritis, you will find your activities of daily living enhanced by having the correct tools for every job. Shoe horns, zipper pulls, special knives,pens, and can openers can help someone with arthritis get tasks done with little assistance. Invest in any helpful tool that can make your life easier.

The last resort course of action in your arthritis treatment should be surgery. If you are still in consistent pain from your arthritis after trying every treatment available, talk to your doctor. Surgery does an excellent job of restoring mobility and flexibility, and has a high success rate.

Keeping a normal weight is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you’re overweight, you will put a lot of strain on your joints and that makes arthritis worse. Rather than missing meals or not eating at all, choose a healthy diet plan to give your body the healthy nutrients it needs.

Strong abdominal muscles will help relieve pain in your joints. Scientific studies have shown that strong ab muscles lead to better posture, which reduces the incidence of joint pain. Do not go overboard when working out.

Planning ahead is important. Maintain a solid plan and understand what you need to do in the event of a flare-up. Do your chores in sections that allow you to rest frequently, or even stop indefinitely without inconvenience.

Listen to what your body is saying. Every arthritis sufferer is different from the next, and you are no exception. Only you are aware of how the condition specifically affects your body. Look at the signals your body sends out, and make changes accordingly. When you are fatigued, take a break and rest for a bit.

Sleep in a bed that is right for you. People who suffer from arthritis should talk with their doctors about finding out what is the right kind of bed for someone in this condition. Your doctor can help you with your unique needs, allowing you to find the bed that is best for you.

Because there are so many different classifications of arthritis, it is hard to figure out the best way to deal with it. Luckily, this article’s information is meant to help arthritis sufferers cope with their discomfort and pain. Use the information as a guide to give you relief from the harmful effects of this disease.