The word arthritis comes from two Greek words that translate to "joint inflammation". However, as those who've lived with arthritis can testify, the pain experienced can feel like a lot more than just inflammation. In this article, you'll find some tips on how to deal with that pain, and how you can make arthritis easier to live with.

When kitchen work starts making you feel a little unsteady on your feet, take the stress off of arthritic joints with a stable, light-weight kitchen stool. Keeping a basic four-legged stool in the kitchen can get you off of your feet and still allow you to sit at a comfortable height for work on counters or the stove top.

It is important that you try not to put too much stress on your joints if you suffer from arthritis. The only thing that this is going to do is make your arthritis worse. Instead, be sure that you don't overdo it when you have to use your arms or legs for an activity.

Check with your doctor before starting a vitamin regimen. There are multiple conflicting studies associated with different vitamins, so you want to make sure you are taking the ones that will be most beneficial to you. Your doctor will be able to tell you which vitamins are best for your body, as well as how often you should take them.

Have your eyes checked each year. Some types of arthritis can have a negative impact on your eyes; in serious situations, these complications can cause blindness. If you are having blurred vision, pain, redness or light sensitivity, you should make sure that you get to an eye doctor, as soon as possible.

Many people with arthritis become depressed because of their condition. It can alter many different aspects of their lives. Consider going to counseling to help you feel better. Counseling can help you identify problems in a way that will help you to think and act differently so that you can feel good about yourself.

If you find that your arthritis is getting worse and you cannot figure out why, you want to tell your doctors about certain medications that you are taking. Believe it or not, one of the side effects of many common medications is arthritis flare ups, and if this is the case for you, your doctor may have to switch your medication.

Do not be uncomfortable about asking for help or finding someone who can help you in times of discomfort just by being there or giving you an ear to listen to. Having a support system of close friends or family will help you take some of the worry and stress out of your daily routine just by being able to talk or have a shoulder to lean on.

As was stated at the beginning of this article, dealing with the pain of arthritis is a matter of having the proper knowledge and information. If you know the right way to treat your arthritis, it becomes much more manageable and less irritating to handle. Apply this article's advice and be on your way to improving your arthritis.