TIP! Get tested for nutritional deficiencies regularly. Being low in certain vitamins or minerals, like vitamin B-12 or iron, can cause havoc for arthritis sufferers.

You might lack a full understanding of what you can do to deal with arthritis, even if you or a loved one is painfully afflicted with it. Luckily, you have come to the right place if you want to learn more about what arthritis is and what to do about it.

TIP! For rapid relief from arthritis pain, apply a moistened heating pad over the affected joints. Combining high temperatures with moisture can quell the inflammation fairly quickly.

Consider taking a hot shower or bath to help relieve the pain from arthritis. This will help your muscles and joints relax in the heat while you forget about your stress. A warm, moist heating pad can be used for a similar effect. You can find these at just about any general goods store that sells other personal health items.

TIP! Try going vegetarian or vegan to alleviate arthritis pain. Vegetarian diets may improve arthritis symptoms, such as stiffness, difficulty making a grip, and general pain.

Support yourself with a cane. Unfortunately, cane’s come with a disability stigma that many people don’t want to be associated with. If a cane helps to alleviate your pain and help your mobility then it makes you less disabled, not more. You should pick out a cane that goes with your personality so you are more comfortable with it.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep; even a nap is fine. Even if you must set an appointment to nap, getting enough rest should be a priority.

TIP! If you are suffering arthritis in the knees, consider buying a knee brace. The brace can reduce pain and swelling and may help you to avoid painful knee surgery.

The use of heating pads and ice packs has been shown to help alleviate some arthritic joint pain. For the most effective results, you should alternate between hot and cold methods. Your doctor will be able to tell you how to best use heating and cooling to find relief from your discomfort.

TIP! Increase your intake of vegetables, and cut back on the amount of meats in your diet. A vegetarian diet will help you lose weight, and reduce the swelling and inflammation in your joints.

A massage can help aching muscles, but schedule it for when your joint are not too painful to be touched. This can be amazing for relaxing sore joints and muscles, as well as reducing stress. Look for a massage therapist that is familiar with those who have arthritis. If your joints are extremely sore, a massage can prove a painful experience best delayed a day or so.

TIP! Those with arthritic conditions would do well to avoid uncomfortable shoes, particularly those with high heels. Even if you don’t have any form of joint discomfort or arthritis, wearing heels and uncomfortable shoes will still result in a negative effect on your body.

Do not carry as much. Arthritis of the shoulders is actually very common. It is even more common in women. Large purses and totes can wreak havoc on the neck and shoulders, causing pain and inflammation. If you have to carry a bag, it should be light.

TIP! In the past, arthritis sufferers were strongly advised to avoid alcoholic drinks. Recent studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption does not exacerbate arthritic conditions.

Make an appointment with a nutritionist to discuss an anti-inflammatory diet. It should include a lot of Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. Such a diet can help you from becoming overweight. Educate yourself about foods that will help to relieve arthritis pain and its complications.

TIP! Weight loss is often a great relief for anyone who is diagnosed with arthritis. Excess weight places a great amount of stress on the joints, which increases the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Improve your knowledge on arthritis so that you can develop a good strategy to fight it. The information here is a start for you to learn about the various treatments available to arthritis sufferers. Following these tips can help you better handle the symptoms of this painful disease.