Arthritis is that painful swelling and stiffness in the joints and is also, an irritating reminder of the inevitable aging process. It strikes many and is often unavoidable. "Unavoidable" is hardly the same thing as "untreatable," though. There are plenty of ways to make arthritis easier to live with. This article has some tips to help any arthritis sufferer.
Be sure to establish a proper balance between exercise and rest in your daily life. When you get plenty of exercise, as well as plenty of rest, you will find your arthritis is less bothersome. Remember that even very fit athletes need to give their bodies time to rest and recuperate between workouts, and so do you.
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.
Elevate your legs to relieve foot and knee pain. Most people who suffer from arthritis have it the worst in their knees and ankles. Elevating your legs can help to relieve swelling and inflammation, and quickly bring pain to a standstill. Try laying on a couch, and putting your legs up on the armrest.
When suffering from severe arthritis symptoms, try looking into getting some physical therapy. If your doctor can prescribe it, it is possible that it will be covered by your health insurance. Although it is typically a short term option, physical therapy can help you gain enough strength and movement to begin a proper exercise program.
Get checked to see if you have any deficiencies in vitamins B 12 or iron. These elements can help make your bones and joints stronger and reduce the pain you are experiencing. If these vitamins are missing from your diet. consider taking a supplement or eating foods rich in iron and vitamin B 12.
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.
If you experience arthritis pain and you don't want to take medicines to control it, then the best tip to help you reduce pain is to drink a lot of water. Water flushes out toxins of the body and lubricates your joints that will help relieve the pain.
Arthritis pain can be disrupting to your life. However, you may be able to control some of the pain by avoiding and incorporating certain foods to your diet. The foods associated with increased arthritis pain is alcohol, corn, nuts, tea, chocolate, eggs, sugar, coffee, salt, jams, soda, and bread. The good foods that are least likely to cause arthritis are apples, beans, cabbage, celery, avocados, spinach, squash and garlic.
While it may not be possible to dodge arthritis, it is almost always possible to deal with it. Simple steps, like the ones in this article, can ease arthritis pains and make it easier to put the affliction out of mind. The sufferer bears no responsibility for the onset of arthritis, but he or she can do a lot to minimize its impact.
