Arthritis is a potentially painful and debilitating condition that keeps people from enjoying their bodies and life. The spread and development of arthritis can seem like a slowly shrinking prison to those who suffer from it, but a little light of knowledge can shine space into this growing darkness. Read on for some enlightening advice on arthritis.
Cut back on cigarettes or quit smoking all together. Even though smoking may seem to help inflammation, this is an illusion. It constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow causing temporary numbness. Your joints can be damaged if the blood flow is reduced, making your arthritis more severe that if you didn't smoke.
If you are a woman suffering from arthritis, make the commitment to not wear heels. They may seem to be attractive, but they're not good for your feet. It makes it harder on the knees and makes arthritis pain worse. Try wearing comfortable shoes so that you can diminish your arthritis pain. Your body is sure to appreciate your decision.
Even though it may seem difficult, you must exercise often if you have arthritis. If your joints don't have the opportunity to move, they will become more weak which can be a negative impact on your arthritic condition. Any exercise that encourages flexibility is terrific in managing arthritis because in boosts your available motion range.
Before you begin self-treating for arthritis pain, be absolutely certain that the cause of your joint pain and stiffness is really osteoarthritis. A lot of people make assumptions that aches and pains they suffer as they age are from arthritis, but a wide variety of ailments can cause joint pain. A CT-Scan is the best way to know if your pain is really caused by arthritis.
Consider dropping those extra pounds. If you are overweight and have arthritis, you are more likely to suffer from swelling and inflammation. If you are overweight it can but extra strain your your joints, this will cause them to flare. You can decrease the severity and frequency of arthritis flareups by dropping those excess pounds.
Listen to what your body has to say. 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. Watch your body's signals as they may be warnings. When you become exhausted, abandon your activity and relax.
Get educated about your unique condition. There are over a hundred different types of arthritis, and learning about yours will only help you be able to manage it more effectively. Get a diagnosis from a doctor, and then do your own research to find out what to expect and how to deal with it.
As was mentioned earlier in this piece, growing arthritis can seem like a darkening nightmare to a sufferer. However, if the advice and ideas in this article are kept in mind, an arthritis sufferer can continue to enjoy years of happiness and hours of daily activities they want and love to do.
