Arthritis is a potentially painful and debilitating condition that keeps people from enjoying their bodies and life. The spread and development of arthritis can seem like a slowly shrinking prison to those who suffer from it, but a little light of knowledge can shine space into this growing darkness. Read on for some enlightening advice on arthritis.
Make sure you don’t smoke. Smoking has been shown to increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Not only that, but if you do develop it, smoking has been shown to worsen the joint damage. Patients who smoke most often have much more severe symptoms than those patients who don’t smoke.
You should take up yoga or meditate if you have chronic arthritis. These exercises can help relax muscles and reduce your pain. You must do them at least 3 times a week for them to help you.
Stay away from heating pads if your arthritis is flaring up. All they are going to do is make your symptoms worse. Instead, apply a cold compress to the area where your arthritis is located. You could even wrap a package of frozen peas or another frozen vegetable in a towel and apply to the area.
Therapy can do a lot for you. People suffering from arthritis sometimes have problems being alone, so therapy can help you remember you’re not a helpless person. Those who suffer from arthritis are also likely to become depressed, or develop other conditions. Therefore, group or individual therapy can help address anything other conditions related to arthritis.
Learn ways to adapt to your child’s need to play without injuring yourself or making your rheumatoid arthritis worse. If your child wants to play on the floor, try sitting on the bed or on the stairs to give yourself a break from trying to get up and down from the floor.
Consult a health care specialist about available options for treating pain. In many cases, you should find a treatment plan that deals with frequent pain from your arthritis. Your physician can discuss FDA-approved prescription medications, physical therapy or lifestyle changes that can benefit you without worsening your condition.
Focus on something else. When you are in pain, your mind is solely interested in that fact. If you can find something to draw your attention away from it, you will likely notice that your pain is actually lessening or possibly even disappearing. A distracting and focused hobby can be a great technique to use for this.
Use either hot or cold compresses on your aching joints. This can help to relieve the pain you are feeling. Alternating between hot and cold is also a great way to help your joints feel better. It is important to speak with your doctor about the best way to use this technique.
Don’t become disheartened if the first arthritis therapy you try does not work. Sometimes it takes quite a bit of hit-and-miss before you finally settle on something that really works for you. Be sure to give each type of arthritis pain therapy that you try enough of a chance to have an effect. However, remember there are always more kinds of therapy to try if one just doesn’t work out.
A tip to help with arthritis pain is to get in the water and do some exercise. Water aerobics is a low impact form of exercise that causes very little stress to your joints, but will provide enough resistance to insure you have a good workout. Check with your local YMCA or community center pool to see if they have water aerobics classes.
Sometimes people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis find it beneficial to get involved in an active community of other people who also have the condition. Even if you just read blogs and articles written by others who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you will feel less isolated and feel more empowered with the knowledge.
Some people afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis also have to deal with feeling guilty because they can no longer perform certain tasks. If you can, try doing things that don’t use as much physical activity when having an arthritis flare up and don’t feel guilty.
If you are a woman that is currently suffering from arthritis, you may want to trade in your heels for some comfortable and supportive running shoes. Shoes that stress your feet when you walk also stress your joints, and can even affect your upper back. Most athletic running shoes have just the right amount of support to help your joints and bones stay free from stress. Alternately, a pair of orthopedic dress shoes would be appropriate for work.
Do not be afraid to ask for help when dealing with arthritis pain. Many people are more than willing to help and all you have to do is ask. Maybe a neighbor could deliver your mail for you, or a trusted friend can help you with chores around the home. There are always people who are willing to help if you just ask.
If you are hurting try alternating heat and cold. You can use hot and cold packs for instance. Once the hot packs stops having any effect on your arthritis, apply the cold one on the same spot. Repeat this operation until the pain is completely gone or at least attenuated.
Establish a work out routine with your doctor. You should not try to exercise too much or the pain will become worst. Usually, exercising three times a week for thirty minutes should be enough. This will make your joints more supple and reduce the pain as well as give you more energy.
Although living with arthritis is difficult, take it slowly, and deal with things on a day to day basis. Stay motivated and maintain a healthy heart to maximize your chances for success.
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