TIP! Surprisingly, relaxing music has been able to ease some arthritis symptoms. As your entire body relaxes, pressure will be taken off your joints and you will be able to focus on something else.

It can be hard to know the right steps to dealing with arthritis symptoms because there are so many different products on the market that claim to be the best cure for this condition. Fortunately, this handpicked selection of tips and tricks can make it easier for you to make an informed decision.

TIP! By staying fit and active, you will help your arthritis to remain at bay. Try water aerobics classes, if you have difficulty with weight bearing.

If you are suffering from arthritis and you drive, you are eligible to park in handicapped spaces. 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.

Comfortable Shoes

TIP! Having strong abs has actually been proven to help with joint pain. Stronger abs will help you stand straight and take pressure off your joints.

Women with arthritis should avoid high heels. High heels may seem attractive, however, the damage they do to your feet and body is not. High heels increase torque around the knees which just agitates the symptoms of arthritis. Instead, wear comfortable shoes to keep arthritis pain to a minimum. You will feel the effects of wearing comfortable shoes and your body will be grateful.

TIP! When you smoke, you will increase your chance of suffering from arthritis. Quitting smoking is often advised by pain management experts to help alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.

Use plenty of sunscreen for UV ray protection. If someone is a victim of rheumatoid arthritis, their bodies are often more susceptible to the dangerous effects of UV rays and can develop serious conditions easier. Therefore, it is very important that you try to cover up any time that you go out into the sun to prevent more illnesses from developing.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

TIP! Try to lose a couple of pounds. Being overweight while suffering from arthritis causes painful inflammation and swelling.

Vitamin D is an important supplement when preventing or fighting rheumatoid arthritis. No one knows exactly how it works, but research has shown that not getting enough vitamin D is linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. You can take vitamin D supplements, eat foods that are high in vitamin D, or expose yourself to direct sunlight, all of which will provide your body with vitamin D.

TIP! If you struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, consider enlisting the help of a friend and reorganizing your home to make it easier to accomplish daily tasks. You can have difficulty in grasping or reaching during an arthritis flare up, so you should put important items in easy to access areas.

Walking, swimming and cycling are all joint-friendly exercises that help to ease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. If you are unsure whether exercise is okay for you, talk to a doctor first.

Occupational Therapist

TIP! Up your protein. Though you may be unaware of it, protein is consumed more heavily by those with arthritic conditions.

It might be wise for you to have an occupational therapist to consult with. Occupational therapists can help you change your mindset so that you are not focusing on the negative aspects of your life. By doing this, your occupational therapist can give you advice on how to offset or eliminate these problems, which will give you the freedom to do the things you want.

TIP! Consult a health professional as soon as you can to develop the best treatment plan. By beginning treatment at the onset of arthritis, you can lessen the amount of damage done to your joints by this disease.

Snacking can help your body get nutrients for keeping active when arthritis wants to wear you down. You’ll want to stay with healthier snacks, though. Choose options like nuts and seeds, fruits and veggies, or even protein bars. These will offer you a productive energy boost without drowning you in sugar or sodium.

TIP! People who suffer with arthritis in their knees should consider using a knee brace prior to thinking about having surgery. Knee braces are known to be effective against swelling and pain from arthritis, and surgery should always be your last option.

Regardless of which arthritis treatment you choose, the tips in the article you have just read can help you to manage the condition on a daily basis. In learning all you can about your arthritis, you are making sure that your future decisions are informed and realistic about your preferred method of managing your condition.