Arthritis is no laughing matter. The symptoms are often debilitating and can show up in anyone of any age. The pain and stiffness in bones and joints can make daily chores difficult.
Reduce the stress in your daily life. Stress causes your body to release the neurochemical cortisol, while causes inflammation. People with arthritis should know that inflammation is the main cause of the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Reducing stress reduces your body's production of these chemicals, which relieves your symptoms.
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.
Keep pain relieving medications and ointments handy, such as on the countertop. If you suffer from a sudden attack, you may not want to have to reach and grab for your pills. In addition, if you have your medications in your purse or in your car, they will be available if you need them while not at home.
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. Look for ways to relax such as meditation or yoga. Light, low impact exercise may help reduce stress and also help your pain.
Before you can get the proper treatment for arthritis, it is important that you know which type you suffer from! There are treatments, both natural and medical, that may help certain kinds of arthritis while doing nothing for other types. If you are uncertain to which kind you have, ask your doctor.
Check with your doctor before starting a vitamin regimen. There are multiple conflicting studies associated with different vitamins, so you want to make sure you are taking the ones that will be most beneficial to you. Your doctor will be able to tell you which vitamins are best for your body, as well as how often you should take them.
If you suffer from arthritis and you are going to exercise, be sure that you spend enough time stretching before you begin your workout routine. By jumping right into exercising, you are not giving your joints the stretching that they need so that they do not flare up and cause pain.
Have a regular schedule. When your body is out of tune with your mind, flare ups will occur more often. Going to bed and waking up at regular times, as well as having a good morning routine, can help get the two in line with each other and better prepare you for whatever the day holds.
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.
Learn as much as you can about your condition if you have arthritis. The old adage that knowledge is power is especially true in this case. The more you learn about your form of arthritis and its treatments, the better chance you have of living a full and active life in spite of your condition.
Make time for yourself. Setting aside at least thirty minutes a day to do something strictly for you should not make you feel guilty. Doing this can make you more productive and relaxed, which will in turn prevent flare ups and painful swelling. Learn to relax, and you will find yourself in better health.
Eat light foods. Eating heavy meals can make anyone feel slow and sluggish, and that effect is multiplied on those that suffer from arthritis. Having a light soup instead of a heavy steak can keep you feeling peppy and positive instead of fatigued and painful, so skip anything that may be too much.
Watch your knees. Your knees absorb at least three times the impact of any other joint on your body, so they need extra care. Always make sure to use pads when kneeling and try to flex them often. Sitting cross-legged for too long can also cause issues, so you should stretch them out on a regular basis.
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.
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.
If you are uncomfortable using a particular type of medication your doctor recommends, or if you feel that a particular kind of therapy is just not right for you, be sure to speak up and tell your doctor. There are plenty of choices available in arthritis therapy. Your course of treatment should fit you perfectly.
Fight back! The pain of Arthritis can literally sap you of your will to move, so battle back with a little heat! Heating pads, heat gels, or even a warm bath can help loosen joints and reduce swelling. Once the pain has lessened - you may have more energy to get up and move again!
When one takes steps like those suggested above, it is quite possible to deal with arthritis and still do everything one wants to do. The key is not letting it pull you down emotionally as well as physically. You have many different resources available as you battle your condition and its effects. Remain optimistic, and you will prevail.
Orignal From: How You Can Enjoy Life Even With Arthritis
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