Coping with arthritis is a daily challenge for many people. One thing that many fail to do is seek advice and help in dealing with their pain and symptoms. Open your mind to alternative ways of thinking and allow these tips to guide you in your daily routine and incorporate that thinking into your lifestyle.
Exercise is one of the best medicines for arthritis. It is a great help in reducing pain and stiffness in your joints. It will increase your flexibility and the strength of your muscles which will help your body avoid further injury. Make sure to make time every day for exercise and you will see the benefits.
The first action you need to take when dealing with arthritis is to consult your physician. Your doctor knows best and he is aware of your past medical history. He can recommend a daily routine that will make you feel fresh and vibrant instead of achy and old.
Schedule time in your day to rest and relax. Having a little downtime can reduce the pain in your joints and help you feel more energized. You do want to be careful not to get too much rest, however; it is important to stay active to help with the symptoms associated with your arthritis.
If you suffer from arthritis, do your best to use diet and moderate exercise to lose any unnecessary weight you are carrying. Excess weight puts more stress on bones and joints and causes them to wear out more quickly. Losing weight will not only lessen the stress on your back, hips and knees, but also make it easier to engage in more physical exercise.
It is very important that you drink a lot of water and stay away from sugary drinks if you suffer from chronic arthritis. Water helps to improve muscle and joint strength, while sugary drinks like soda make you gain weight, which causes more pressure to be put on your joints.
There is nothing wrong with getting a little sympathy from your family and friends to help you through the rough patches with arthritis. They can be a shoulder to cry on, bring meals or do your shopping for you, and a helping hand into the bathtub for a warm shower never hurt.
Learn the information that is out there about your condition. When you get the diagnosis of your specific type of arthritis, hit the internet and all the sources that are offered, even pamphlets and brochures from the doctor's office, all about arthritis and your specific type, so you know what you are dealing with and how to fight back.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may go into remission for years and may seem to be cured; however, it can come back in full force at any time. For this reason, it is very important for young people with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to continue exercising and following a proper, anti-inflammatory, weight control diet. This will help control pain and symptoms if/when the disease returns.
Always make sure that you are doing everything you can to protect your joints, even the ones that are not causing you pain right now. If you are suffering from arthritis, don't lift a lot of things with your hands. For example if you are cooking, instead of lifting the pot, try to slide it across the counter to make it easier.
Regular exercise can help you manage the pain which is associated with arthritis. Your doctor can recommend an exercise program for you. Some physicians elect to send their arthritis patients to a physical therapist or an occupational therapist to have them design an exercise program for them to follow.
Buy products that are specially designed for arthritis sufferers. There is no need to struggle with tasks like opening a jar, buttoning your shirt or turning a doorknob when there are products on the market designed to help you do all of those things. In fact, there are products designed to help arthritis sufferers with just about any task you can think of. Try searching online for arthritis-friendly products or check with any of the leading arthritis organizations for a list of helpful products.
Do not be afraid to consider surgery. Many people who suffer with arthritis will initially balk at the thought of having surgery done to correct an issue. Let your doctor coach you on what may be the best method of treatment for you, and if surgery is an effective option, try not to immediately dismiss it.
Whether you are struggling with the pain of arthritis or know someone else who is, the advice in this article is invaluable. Follow these tips and learn how to live with arthritis without allowing the pain to control you and keep you from doing the things that you love and enjoy.
While this is a common disease, it is very debilitating. Ask your doctor for tips on gaining the best posture you can, and work on it daily as a routine. Arthritis Pain If you suffer from the pain of arthritis flare ups, try to remember to keep your pain relievers handy.