When it comes to arthritis, it seems that nobody is safe. Men and women of all ages and fitness levels, are potential targets of this painful and degenerative disease. These tips and tricks offer some basic insight into the different options that are available for anyone who is struggling to cope with the symptoms of this condition.
Women who suffer from arthritis should not wear high heels. While stylish, high heels can cause a great deal of pain and damage to your feet. Heeled shoes increases torque around your knees and can make arthritis worse. Your arthritis troubles will be minimized if you wear comfortable shoes whenever possible. Your body will appreciate the reduced arthritis pain and added comfort.
For arthritis sufferers, it is important to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Excess weight just puts more strain and pressure on your arthritic joints, which can make your arthritis even worse. It is a proven fact that every pound you lose is four less pounds of pressure on your knees.
Make time in your day to do the things you love. Increased stress levels can lead to more arthritis flare-ups. If you find time to do the activities you enjoy, you’ll improve your mood and your energy levels. This kind of effect will lead to lasting improvement for your symptoms.
Sit back, relax, close your eyes and breathe deeply for a while. Doing this will help you focus on something else and feel less pain.
Consider joining an arthritis support group. Friends and family members who don’t suffer from arthritis may have a hard time understanding exactly what you are going through and how much it affects your life. Connecting with other arthritis sufferers in a supportive environment can make it easier to cope with the chronic , day to day pain and other difficulties associated with the disease.
If you smoke you might lose some flexibility, and your arthritis is more likely to flare-up. It can be hard to quit smoking, but you can be more motivated when you keep in mind that doing so may help your arthritis.
Staying at a normal weight will put less pressure on your joints. Your joints can become strained, making your arthritis symptoms worsen by being overweight. Do not deprive yourself of food when losing weight. Instead, eat healthy foods that will provide you with essential vitamins and nutrients.
In order to have the energy you need to cope with your arthritis symptoms, it is important to get plenty of sleep. Dealing with the pain and inflammation of arthritis can take a toll on your body and leave you feeling fatigued. The best way to keep your energy up is by making sure you are getting enough sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, try eliminating caffeine or talk to your doctor about medications that may help.
Watch for symptoms of depression when you are dealing with psoriatic arthritis. The fatigue you experience with psoriatic arthritis can mask the symptoms of depression. It is hard to feel like you will ever be normal again after the diagnosis. Make sure to see a doctor and deal with symptoms of depression.
Find a rubber mat to place at your stove to help prevent back and leg pain while you are standing and cooking. These buoyancy of these mats help keep pressure off of your legs which will do wonders for keeping your body feeling healthy. Buy one as well for in front of your sink to use when you are washing dishes.
Sometimes, the treatments that your doctor offers for arthritis can be assisted and enhanced with alternative treatments such as hydrotherapy, yoga, hot and cold therapy or some herbal or dietary supplements. Be sure to ask your doctor about alternative treatments that will help you make the most of your arthritis care.
Many people have found heat and cold treatments to be very good therapy for arthritis. Try using an old pure cotton sock filled with dry rice as an easy, mess-free method of applying either heat or cold. Put it in a plastic bag in the freezer to prepare for cold therapy. Pop it in the microwave briefly to prepare it for heat therapy.
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.
Avoid putting too much pressure on your joints. Even if they are not hurting, you should still avoid lifting heavy things or typing on a keyboard for too long. You will have to make conscious efforts at first to protect your joints but very soon everything will become a habit.
Most exercise programs for people who suffer from the pain and stiffness of arthritis include range-of-motion exercises. Range-of-motion is the normal amount of distance that your joints can move in a certain direction. These types of exercises help to keep your joints flexible. Some physicians also recommend Tai Chi as an alternative to improve flexibility and increase muscle strength.
Practice breathing exercises and other techniques designed to help your mind improve the condition of your body. Other methods could include biofeedback, guided relaxation and even yoga. These techniques help you learn to use your mind to deal with your pain and also increase the flexibility you have in your body and joints.
Laughter is the best medicine. Research shows that laughing helps to improve your mood and limit the excess stress arthritis can bring. Take some time out to make yourself laugh and make yourself feel good.
