While most people know what arthritis is, few know how to properly treat it. The information in this article will teach you what you need to know about arthritis and how it can affect you.

If you have arthritis, try reducing your caffeine intake. Some people are extremely sensitive to arthritis. In those individuals, reducing the consumption of caffeine can have a positive effect on arthritis symptoms. Reduce the amount of caffeine you consume gradually to best gauge if your results will be positive ones.

Take your time with major clean up tasks if arthritis is a part of your life. Major cleaning tasks, like mopping and changing bed sheets, put a strain on your body. They involve the use, and sometimes over use, of several different muscles and joints. Take a break when you can or better yet, ask for help. You don't have to do it all in one day.

Always pay attention to your joints. If you suffer from arthritis, the smallest of tasks can be rather painful and difficult. Instead of lifting, try sliding the item across floors or counters, or ask for help. When you protect your joints from irritation, you will suffer from less pain.

Add more vegetables to your diet, and eat less meat. If you suffer from symptoms of arthritis, you will be less likely to have any pain or inflammation if you eat more veggies. If you can't fathom the idea of not eating meat, be sure to load up half of your plate with veggies in order to get the same benefits as those who eat them more regularly.

Do not try to hide your condition from your children. Having a family member with rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone in the household even if they can't understand exactly what's going on. Teach younger children on a level they can understand. Just make sure that you keep them involved in what is going on with you.

Walking is an activity that helps arthritis in many aspects. Not only does it help your body to release any tensions it may have, but it also helps by stretching out weak joints and muscles. If it is possible, try to talk a 20 to 30 minute walk every day.

If you are suffering from arthritis pain, give heat a try. Although many people think cold packs are most effective for any pain, this isn't true for people who suffer from arthritis. A heating pad or other form of hot treatment is best for arthritic pain, because it gets rid of the pain and also provides you energy.

Use musical therapy in order to ease the pain when you are suffering from severe inflammation. While it isn't a permanent fix and is far from medication and serious pain relief, there are studies that have proven classical music and other soothing types of music to be therapeutic when treating pain from arthritis.

Do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed or dominated by this condition. Instead, prove yourself a worthy foe by researching arthritis and looking for ways to improve the situation. The tips you just read are a great way to get started treating your arthritis and live a pain-free life for good.