Did you know that evidence of arthritis has been discovered in dinosaurs? While this fact may not make your elderly parent feel much better about their condition, there are plenty of helpful tips and tricks in this article. If you would like to know more about arthritis and ways that you can ease the effects, then read this article.
Buy accessories for your life and your home that make things easier. For example, you can purchase products that make it easier for you to open doors or take the lids off of jars. If you can increase the ease of your daily life, you’ll reduce pain and stress and improve your attitude.
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.
Stay away from cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself or not. Initially, your inflammation may subside as the nicotine from cigarettes reduces blood flow, yielding a calming sensation. Remember too, that slow circulation will also affect joint health, making your arthritis symptoms more severe.
Reconsider your use of high heeled shoes if you suffer from arthritis. High heels are attractive, but they wreak havoc on your feet. Heeled shoes increases torque around your knees and can make arthritis worse. Instead, wear comfortable shoes to keep arthritis pain to a minimum. There are many designer shoes available that will make you look good while being comfortable and protecting your body.
Squeeze tubes are your friends when living with arthritis. Buy them whenever you have the option. Whether it is the mayonnaise or jelly, opening a jar is a difficult task when your hands hurt. Buy a squeeze tube instead and the task will be much easier to accomplish. This means less pain in the kitchen and a more enjoyable day.
The best way to deal with arthritis is to become knowledgeable about the condition. You can find information in many resources; look for help on exercise routines, diets or pain management techniques. If you take the time and do the research, you will discover new treatments and techniques to help you cope with and prevent the pain of arthritis.
Do not stop a medication just because you feel it is not working. Most arthritis medicines take from days to months to truly make an impact on your symptoms. Never stop a new medicine without talking with your doctor first as there may be side effects from an abrupt withdrawal.
Give yourself a new routine for stretching. Most arthritis sufferers experience a loss in flexibility. When you routinely stretch you make your muscles flexible it is great for your body. Begin at your feet and slowly work your way across your entire body up to the top of your head.
Get in the water. Water aerobics is a great low impact exercise for arthritis sufferers, because not only does it put minimal strain on joints, it also provides resistance for strengthening. If you are uncomfortable with doing these in large groups, learn a few moves and take to the pool. You will quickly become more comfortable.
For those that have arthritis in their knees, Hyaluronic acid injections are a great option. Because people who have arthritis in their knees are lacking lubrication to keep their joints in top condition, these injections are a great way to give knees lubrication. Speak with your doctor before taking these injections.
Listen to what your body is saying. Arthritis conditions are unique to their sufferers, so only you are aware of how your arthritis impacts you. Watch your body’s signals as they may be warnings. For example, if you have a flare-up, the best thing to do is to rest until it passes.
Know your limits. Pushing yourself too hard can be detrimental to your health and safety. If you want to attempt something that may be a reach, try to have someone nearby in case you need assistance. You do not want to cause undue stress on your mind or your joints, so give yourself boundaries.
Avoid carrying too much weight. Arthritis in the shoulder happens more than one would think, especially in women. If you have arthritis problems, carrying heavy bags can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the shoulders and neck. If you must, carry only the absolute necessities, and keep them in a light bag you can remove at every opportunity.
In conclusion, you have learned not only that arthritis has been affecting living beings, much longer than recorded history, but you also picked up a few ways that you can make it easier for you or your loved ones to live with the condition. Hopefully, you can start using this today and live a happier life.
