Arthritis can be a difficult thing to handle. You can help yourself not get this debilitating condition, if you begin earlier in life to take preventive measures to lessen the effect it has on your health, by eating right and by moving certain joints certain ways. You sometimes can’t completely prevent it, but you can lessen the effect.
Even if you aren’t currently experiencing an arthritis flare-up, adjust your motions to protect your joints. Taking care of joints that are symptom-free now, will lead to less pain later. Use good posture, use larger joints instead of smaller ones, and don’t ever assume that even a small task is an acceptable risk.
Take your time with major clean up tasks if arthritis is a part of your life. Major cleaning tasks, like mopping and changing bed sheets, put a strain on your body. They involve the use, and sometimes over use, of several different muscles and joints. Take a break when you can or better yet, ask for help. You don’t have to do it all in one day.
Discover new ways to eliminate stress so you can relax and manage your arthritis. Chronic stress causes your body to release chemicals like cortisol, which increases inflammation and arthritis pain. Perhaps you could find a more efficient way to organize your time, exercise, or simply learn to see things from a different perspective and stop worrying about details.
Exercise is one of the best medicines for arthritis. It is a great help in reducing pain and stiffness in your joints. It will increase your flexibility and the strength of your muscles which will help your body avoid further injury. Make sure to make time every day for exercise and you will see the benefits.
Therapy can do a lot for you. Therapy can be helpful in reminding people with arthritis that they are still capable, despite the difficulties of living by themselves. People with arthritis are also at risk for developing depression and anxiety, and individual or group therapy can help you to deal with any concerns you may have.
Start a stretching workout. One of the biggest issues for arthritis sufferers is the loss of flexibility. When you stretch daily, you can prevent this from happening. Start these range of motion exercises at your feet, and then legs, arms and neck, until you have stretched all major muscle groups.
When used with a combination of medicines and other treatments, hypnosis has been proven to help with arthritis. Although doctors are not sure why, patient studies have shown that hypnosis can ease arthritis pain in up to 75% of patients. It is recommended that patients have three rounds of hypnotherapy for the most effective results.
A cane or walking stick is a valuable source of support. Many people equate canes to disability; however, this is not true. But, if pain can be reduced by the support of a cane, then you will be more disabled without using one. Find a cane that is comfortable and that fits your style.
If you want your joint pain to improve, work on your abdominal muscles. Medical research has shown that having muscles in your abs helps improve your posture, which helps to prevent damage to the joints. Be sure to listen to your body and avoid overextending yourself.
Do everything possible to get sufficient sleep. Rejuvenating rest is particularly vital for someone with arthritis, to restore depleted energy needed to take on the next day. Consider sleeping in total darkness with all forms of light hidden or turned off and then practice your relaxation techniques before you go to sleep.
Take monthly visits to your doctor to look for different types of vitamin deficiencies. When you’re low on specific nutrients, like B-12 or iron, your arthritis can flare up and could cause more pain more. Making sure your levels are satisfactory will minimize possible side effects like painful inflammation and avoid other hazards associated with vitamin deficiencies.
If you suffer from arthritis, you need to have a quality social support network. Have some friends and family and some professionals on your team to help you deal with it. You should join a support group to interact with other people who are dealing with the same issues.
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.
If you find yourself with arthritis, there are still many options to help you. Taking preventative measures may not be the only way to get rid of arthritis, but it sure will help in the long run. A doctor will be able to help you if you find yourself in a bind with arthritis.
