The severe pain that typically accompanies arthritis often leaves sufferers feeling exhausted and depressed. This article will provide you with effective tips for living with the discomfort of arthritis.
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.
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.
Avoid wearing high heels and shoes that are not comfortable if you are one of the many that suffers from arthritis. It doesn’t matter where you have arthritis, uncomfortable shoes can make you walk in an abnormal fashion and negatively affect your arthritis. So, it is important to get a pair of gym shoes that will give you proper support and keep you comfortable.
When you have osteoarthritis, exercising your joints is an essential part of managing your condition. Experts have found that exercise helps relieve stiffness and keeps your joints more flexible. Stretching exercises along with light weight training can also improve your endurance and help you sleep more soundly, leading to less pain and a better quality of life.
It is important that you get the flu shot if you suffer from arthritis. Just like with many other chronic illnesses, arthritis symptoms will get much worse if you get the flu and could even land you in the hospital. The flu shot is a simple shot that you only have to get once a year.
Use heat and cold alternately. It is easy for your joints to become inflamed or hurt, so the combination of heat and cold will help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, over-heating or over-icing can also be harmful, so don’t go overboard. Try to do it just twice per day.
Don’t give up on finding a way to manage your arthritis pain. Dealing with a debilitating condition can leave you feeling frustrated and hopeless – particularly if you are having trouble finding any treatment options that work. If what you are doing is not working, talk to your doctor about other treatment options or explore alternative treatments such as acupuncture, nutrition or holistic medicine until you find something that helps.
For arthritis sufferers, you may want to consider Yucca as a natural treatment. It is a proven medical fact that the extract from Yucca helps to ease the pain of arthritis. You can buy Yucca at most grocery stores, or get the extract from stores that sell vitamins and supplements.
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.
Take the time to have your family educated about your rheumatoid arthritis and the different challenges that will occur while you live with this condition. There are classes available through The Arthritis Foundation, and there are many books available that can be used to teach your family about the condition.
Stay fit and healthy to limit the wear and tear on your body and joints. Being overweight can strain your joints, worsening arthritis symptoms as a result. Instead of skipping a couple meals or simply starving your body to drop weight, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet that provides your body with the nutrients it needs.
Think about starting a fitness routine and weight loss program. Even a modest amount of weight loss could lessen the painful symptoms associated with arthritis. Even a couple pounds will make a difference in your level of pain.
Take your medication like you are supposed to. Many arthritis sufferers will only take their medication if they are in pain, and forget it later. This is detrimental to your body, because you are actually trying to prevent these attacks from happening. Set a daily reminder, and take your medication on a strict schedule.
Make sure to wear supportive footwear and braces if you are dealing with swollen or tender joints. These supportive items can help reduce your pain which will get you out and about and active again. Do not just accept the pain, work to reduce the symptoms as much as possible.
New innovations are helping arthritis sufferers find relief from painful symptoms. Until that day comes, take action to mitigate the symptoms and live a normal life. This article has life changing advice to help you control your diabetes. Just this can be a huge help.
