Useful Tips To Help You Cope With Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a debilitating condition that causes pain, stiffness and a reduced range of motion. The severity varies from one sufferer to the next, but it inevitably has an impact on quality of life. It can affect hands, knees, hips, or the back, making it painful to flex or move. This article’s tips can help sufferers of arthritis handle their disease.
For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, it is important that you have enough Vitamin C in your diet. Medical research has shown that Vitamin C reduces pain in osteoarthritis patients and helps prevent it in young people. You can get Vitamin C from many fruits, such as oranges, or you can take a supplement.
You should find ways to eliminate stress and relax to help manage your arthritis. Part of your body’s chemical reaction to stress is the release of hormones and other agents that can cause inflammation and arthritis flare-ups. Activities, such as exercise and learning how to better manage your time, and responsibilities can help to alleviate stress.
Cigarettes have been blamed for diminished flexibility and could cause arthritis flare-ups. Although it may be difficult to stop smoking, the knowledge of how it can affect your arthritis should make it easier.
Keep in touch with your doctor about different options for treating your arthritis symptoms. There are almost always new options coming on the scene for treating arthritis. From new drugs to new physical therapies, stay on top of these advances by making sure your doctor knows that you are interested in learning more and trying new options.
You may want to consider using celery seeds if you suffer from chronic arthritis. Not only are these seeds natural and healthy, but they help to reduce some of the swelling that is associated with arthritis pain and other chronic conditions. You can purchase these seeds from many health food stores.
Join a group for parents with rheumatoid arthritis to have support from others who have been there and done that. Being able to get advice from someone who has first hand knowledge of the challenges can be a great help in dealing with the issues that you will face. Check online for groups if there aren’t any real life groups in your area.
Investing in a home sauna might just help to alleviate your arthritis pain. Saunas provide the moisture and the heat that greatly helps to lower the level of inflammation in the joints. This will help greatly with the pain caused by arthritis. To have this be an effective practice you’re going to have to go to the sauna regularly.
Do what you can to get enough sleep. The cell’s within your body rejuvenate while you sleep, so adequate rest is especially important for people who suffer from arthritis. It can help to minimize distractions by turning your phone ringer off, and darkening anything that omits any type of light.
Always use proper form when you are exercising. Having an improper grip or stance can put massive amounts of stress on your joints, so you should always try to begin exercising at a gym or therapist’s office. These professionals can correct the way you are exercising, and prevent you from causing unnecessary injuries.
Never wear high heels. Women who suffer from arthritis should stay far away from these shoes, as they put extra stress on the ankles and knees. Wearing these can actually cause tears in the tendons surrounding joints, which will only worsen any inflammation and pain that already exists in the area.
Have sturdy footwear that is meant for the activity you are performing. Different shoes are necessary for normal wear and exercise, because you are putting strain on different joints for each action. Having great shoes meant for each activity will decrease any chance of injury or irritation, as well as making sure to increase flexibility.
Avoiding alcoholic beverages has often been recommended to people with arthritis. The latest studies, however, seem to suggest that alcohol consumed in moderation is okay. Some of that research even suggests that alcohol may actually reduce arthritis symptoms.
Be sure to keep yourself in the best physical condition possible. Even though, there is not currently a cure for arthritis, that does not mean there will never be. By maintaining your health and keeping fit, you are keeping yourself ready for that possibility. If-and-when a cure is found, you will be ready to try it successfully!
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.
To help improve your arthritis symptoms, try using vitamins to help treat the condition. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any vitamin regimen. Many vitamins can cause serious side effects when used while taking certain medications. Mixing supplements, or taking too much can also have negative effects.
Look for special tools if you suffer from arthritis. These tools are specifically designed for those suffering from joint problems. There’s no need to go to disability aid stores to purchase these items now. You can find ergonomic products like these in mainstream stores. Can openers, pens, knives, and drawer pulls are all being designed to make them easier to use.
You cannot plan when your arthritis will flare, so plan your activities accordingly. If you prepare and plan for arthritis problems before they happen, you will not be disappointed if symptoms show and you have to take a break. If you start an activity, try to make sure you can end at any point so that if you have an arthritis flare up, you can come back to it later.
Use the tips in this article to help you overcome the symptoms of arthritis. While these tips cannot replace regular visits with your physician, each one is an excellent starting point for arthritis sufferers who are ready to take the next step in pain management.