Being there for someone living with arthritis is especially important to their treatment.

While there are millions of Americans living with arthritis every day, it's important to remember all of those dedicated to supporting and assisting the ones they love who have to deal with this condition. When someone you are close to becomes diagnosed with arthritis, they will need you more than ever to help overcome any flare-ups along the way. Here are some tips to consider to assist someone coping with symptoms of arthritis:

Educate yourself

After you've learned about a loved one's diagnosis of arthritis, it's crucial to start educating yourself on what that person can expect from this disease. This not only lets them know that you're supporting them for the long run, but will also enlighten you to specific symptoms of arthritis you can expect to see. It generally works best when you do your research together with the arthritis patient. That way you both can analyze the best treatment options available.

Establish effective communication

One of the more overlooked elements to living with arthritis is developing effective communication between you and the person coping with the disease. This primarily deals with knowing when symptoms are becoming too severe. It's definitely a possibility that the person afflicted with arthritis may be shy at first about discussing what they are going through. This is where assuring them that they have your full cooperation and emotional support might help them begin to realize that they shouldn't have to go through this disease on their own.

Step to the plate

Sometimes symptoms of arthritis can become so severe that it may temporarily force a person to not be able to perform everyday tasks or duties. You need to realize that your support role may require you to step up and take on more responsibilities than you might be accustomed to. This may range from doing the heavy lifting around the house to simply getting all the essential daily chores completed.

Sense emotional symptoms

While it's not necessarily a common symptom of arthritis, occasionally patients may go through periods of emotional distress, experiencing depression or severe anxiety in relation to their disease. These periods of despair may be inevitable, but if they continue to linger, or a noticeable change in personality has begun to take place, seeking further treatment could be necessary. Treating arthritis can at times go beyond merely alleviating pain and stiffness symptoms. Introducing the idea of cognitive therapy to someone struggling with emotional aspects of arthritis could be the solution for boosting their overall quality of life.

For more on coping with arthritis:

Five Ways to Cope Successfully and Maintain a Positive Outlook with Arthritis
Tips for Coping with Chronic Pain
Coping with Chronic Illness in Marriage