While there are many forms of arthritis, they all are very similar-- arthritis produces pain. When you have to deal with the pain of arthritis on a daily basis, it can be difficult to cope. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help relieve the pain. Here are some effective, helpful ways to handle arthritis and its symptoms.
Writing notes about your rheumatoid arthritis will help you to gain a better understanding of it. The information in your journal can help you determine if there is a pattern to your flare-ups. In addition, it's helpful in discovering the most effective techniques for relief. Talk with your doctor and they will tell you the treatments they feel will be best for you. A daily diary is an extremely valuable tool to use.
Newly constructed homes can be modified to make living with your arthritis more manageable. Meet with the builder and list all the things you'd like to have modified. Modifying your home in this way can reduce the amount of stretching you need to do over the course of the day, which makes your life much easier.
An early attack on arthritis can sometimes be the best approach. One way to prevent the onset of arthritis is to practice good typing habits. A raised mouse pad and wrist cushion to keep your hands up with the keyboard can be very helpful. This helps to reduce hand strain and helps to minimize any problems from occurring later on in life with your hands.
Do not neglect yourself and your needs, if you are a parent with rheumatoid arthritis. Make sure you make time to stretch and exercise to keep yourself strong and your symptoms under control. It is easy to forget yourself when you are taking care of children, but make sure you set aside some time that is just for you, so that you can take care of your body's needs.
Try hot wax for relief. While heating pads can give great relief when used, they do not completely touch every painful spot. Warm wax envelopes your entire hand or foot, giving you complete relief to the painful areas. Make sure the wax is not too hot, and do not use it too often, or you may cause more irritation than you fix.
If you suffer from arthritis and you are going to exercise, be sure that you spend enough time stretching before you begin your workout routine. By jumping right into exercising, you are not giving your joints the stretching that they need so that they do not flare up and cause pain.
Don't let yourself feel too bad, and never let others make you feel bad. Arthritis sufferers are not comfortable or even able to do many tasks or chores. If you feel pressured or guilty, the situation can be worsened, so you need to remind yourself that you're not at fault. Don't get after yourself for giving up tasks.
Adopt these tips as new habits, and your condition will not bother you as much. You should give it a try to see what will work best for you.
