When people that you love, or even yourself, have arthritis pain, you may feel helpless. There is hope, however. This article is filled with a variety of useful tips and guidelines for understanding different aspects of arthritis.
Stretch your symptom-free joints every day. A warm shower followed by a gentle stretching routine will cause you to feel looser for the rest of the day. Warm, loose muscles will cause less stress on your joints, which means that you will suffer from fewer flare-ups and less pain throughout your day.
Women who have arthritis should avoid wearing high heels. It does not matter what parts of your body are affected by arthritis, uncomfortable shoes could make you walk in an abnormal manner, which could effect your arthritis negatively. Instead of that you should get comfortable shoes that give support to your body.
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.
As simple as it may seem, it is important that you flex your muscles at least one an hour, if you suffer from arthritis. Sitting or standing in one spot for too long can cause your joints to cramp up and give you pain. For 5 minutes, stand on one foot, with the other pushed up against the wall and then, switch feet.
Lose weight to help reduce your arthritis symptoms. Losing even a few pounds has been shown to take pressure off of weight bearing joints and reduce the pain that you suffer with arthritis. It can also help reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee and can slow the rate in which your arthritis progresses.
Attend therapy. Independence may be difficult for people who suffer from arthritis, so therapy can help sufferers realize that they are not helpless. 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.
Do not neglect yourself and your needs, if you are a parent with rheumatoid arthritis. Make sure you make time to stretch and exercise to keep yourself strong and your symptoms under control. It is easy to forget yourself when you are taking care of children, but make sure you set aside some time that is just for you, so that you can take care of your body’s needs.
Get support from others who are dealing with psoriatic arthritis. The fatigue that is caused by this condition can make you feel closed off from the world. Do not make the mistake of drawing into yourself and thinking no one understands you. Joining a support group can do wonders for helping you accept your condition and find ways around your new energy levels.
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.
Learn the information that is out there about your condition. When you get the diagnosis of your specific type of arthritis, hit the internet and all the sources that are offered, even pamphlets and brochures from the doctor’s office, all about arthritis and your specific type, so you know what you are dealing with and how to fight back.
Get involved with something bigger than yourself. Having outside goals, such as helping a charity, can remind you that you are not the only one in your position. Doing this will help to distract you from pain and also stop you from feeling sorry for yourself. Many charities will allow you to help without having to leave your home, so anyone can do it.
Pay close attention to your medical treatment plan. Many arthritis sufferers make the mistake of simply closing their minds to what their doctors are saying to them. A good patient should take notes on what the doctor is telling them, as well as what the pharmacist says. Doing this can keep you informed on your own condition.
Ask your doctor for copies of their notes. Having a copy of what they have written about you will allow you to point out any flaws or mistakes, as well as clarify what the doctor may believe to be aggravating symptoms. Most doctors will readily hand these to you, so that you can examine them as well.
Don’t let your arthritis get the upper hand. Instead, educate yourself about your condition so you will be better able to manage it. The information we have provided here can be a starting point in choosing treatments that will eventually help you to reduce and even prevent the pain of arthritis.
