Arthritis is a common condition which affects the joints, bones, and digits and makes them difficult to move without causing pain. While it typically appears during late adulthood, it can strike people of all ages – even children. The arthritis tips and tricks in this article may make it easier for you to understand and cope with the condition.
Be sure to get enough exercise and that you are doing the right kinds of exercise. People with arthritis should choose exercises that support and strengthen the joints, such as swimming, instead of exercises that damage them, such as running. Failing to exercise can also increase joint stiffness and pain.
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, keep an arthritis journal. A diary or journal can help you better understand what sets your arthritis flare-ups in motion. Keeping a diary can help you identify the causes of and effective treatments for your painful arthritis symptoms. Share this info with your physician to help him give you the best possible treatment for arthritis. This makes a daily diary an essential tool.
For people who suffer from chronic arthritis, be careful when choosing a pet for your family. Remember, if your arthritis is acting up or even gets worse, it may be hard for you to care for your pet. Instead, you may want to consider getting a pet that is easier to take care, such as a fish.
Stretching should be a daily activity to keep your arthritis symptoms under control. You can prevent injuries just by spending 10 minutes a day stretching all of your major muscle groups. These stretches warm up for your muscles and tendons making them less likely to sustain an injury.
Drink a little wine. While some people will tell you that people who suffer from arthritis should never drink, studies have shown this to be an unfounded concern. Light drinkers do not have any excess issues with their arthritis, and red wine may actually help to prevent damaging inflammation from cropping up.
Try to put more vegetables in your diet and cut out some of the meat. People with arthritis can reduce pain by sticking with a veggie diet. If you love meat, fill at least one half of your plate with a salad or vegetables so you don’t eat too much meat and still get most of the benefits that vegetable provide.
If you have arthritis, you should consider taking fish oil supplements. Research has shown that the omega-3s that fish oil contains can decrease joint pain and inflammation. Supermarkets and health food stores carry a variety of fish oil supplements.
You should know the symptoms to look for with arthritis. Early diagnosis is key to managing your symptoms. If you are afflicted by any symptoms of arthritis, then you should have your condition properly diagnosed by a doctor. This will help you to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Get educated about your unique condition. There are over a hundred different types of arthritis, and learning about yours will only help you be able to manage it more effectively. Get a diagnosis from a doctor, and then do your own research to find out what to expect and how to deal with it.
Do not be afraid to consider surgery. Many people who suffer with arthritis will initially balk at the thought of having surgery done to correct an issue. Let your doctor coach you on what may be the best method of treatment for you, and if surgery is an effective option, try not to immediately dismiss it.
If you have been having trouble turning door knobs, consider having your door hardware switched out for handles instead of knobs. When you are dealing with arthritis flare ups, you can use your elbow and forearm to do the work of opening the door saving your hands the trouble.
Vitamins A, C, and E as well as omega fatty acids are great ways to help fight against arthritic pain. It is not recommended that you start taking every vitamin known to man, Instead a good multivitamin or a couple of doctor suggested individual vitamins can do the trick too.
Whenever you are considering alternative treatments for arthritis, remember to talk them over with your doctor, and if you see an herbalist or other alternative care provider, be sure to disclose all your medical treatments. Some alternative treatments and medical treatments work very well together. Others counteract each other. You want to be sure all of your treatments work together properly for optimum care.
Determine what is causing the most pain and what activities are reducing your pain. If you can find out the triggers for pain and those things that are soothing the pain or aren’t causing inflammation, you can better balance your day and refrain from those activities that are causing you greater stress. This will improve your lifestyle as well, giving you a more healthy feeling from day to day that is pain free and enjoyable.
Do not overexert yourself trying to complete all of your regular chores and errands in a single day. Aim for one mega household chore each day and don’t worry about the rest.
Staying positive will improve how you feel. If you find that you are dwelling on arthritis and the suffering that goes with it, the pain will be even more noticeable. Instead, you should be focused on comforting thoughts of your day to day activities and things you would like to accomplish in your future.
Arthritis is greatly affected by stress. When you are stressed, your pain will be worse, and your condition may progress faster. You should find a way to release your stress, for instance with a hobby, or by doing relaxation exercises such as Pilates or meditation. Not being a part of stressful situations is a great help too.
