Managing your arthritis may feel impossible. Not only does it complicate a number of everyday tasks, but the pain can be excruciating. But as difficult as dealing with arthritis may seem, there are a number of things that can be done to help. This article will give you some of the best tips on how to better deal with your arthritis.
Take a warm bath and use bath salts in it before bed to soothe aching joints and sleep better. The bath will put you in a relaxed state and reduce the severity of your pain, which will help you get to sleep and stay asleep.
Consider joining an arthritis support group. Friends and family members who don’t suffer from arthritis may have a hard time understanding exactly what you are going through and how much it affects your life. Connecting with other arthritis sufferers in a supportive environment can make it easier to cope with the chronic , day to day pain and other difficulties associated with the disease.
Find a doctor, who is supportive of you starting a family with rheumatoid arthritis. Some rheumatologists are not comfortable providing advice or support for a woman having a child with this condition but don’t be discouraged. There are doctors out there who are knowledgeable about the challenges you will face.
Find a support group. Suffering from arthritis can make you feel like an invisible and lonely victim, even when you are not. Joining a support group of others who have the same condition can help you feel better about it, as well as give you a way to share ideas for coping.
Walking is an activity that helps arthritis in many aspects. Not only does it help your body to release any tensions it may have, but it also helps by stretching out weak joints and muscles. If it is possible, try to talk a 20 to 30 minute walk every day.
Eat plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids to help combat inflammation. Recent studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation for arthritis sufferers. Food sources that are high in Omega-3s include fish, walnuts, and flaxseed. Better yet, try adding cod liver oil to your diet. Not only is it rich in Omega-3s, but it also has been shown to help significantly reduce arthritis pain.
If excess weight and poor physical fitness are things that you struggle with, then deal with these things immediately. Issues, such as weight, can make your arthritis worse. Losing weight can sometimes alleviate the pain and discomfort of arthritis. Even losing just a little weight can have a big effect on how you feel.
Know the Arthritis Triad: osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Each kind of arthritis requires its own treatments.
In the past, people who suffer from arthritis have been told they should avoid alcohol. Recent studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption does not exacerbate arthritic conditions. Actually, a few studies have even claimed that drinking alcohol in moderation can actually lower your symptoms.
Although you may not find it necessary to run to the doctor over every little twist or sprain, addressing such injuries may prevent a buildup of scar tissue, which can later contribute to arthritis. Your physician will be able to treat any minor fractures and bandage injuries properly, preventing the formation of scar tissue as the injuries heal.
If you are having trouble walking because of arthritis pain in your legs, ankles, and hips, try using a cane. Using a cane will help take almost 20 percent of your body weight off of your lower body joints. Some people will associate a cane with having a disability, but if it will reduce your pain, who cares what anyone else thinks.
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.
Get enough sleep; take a nap if you have to. If you need to take regular naps as a means of getting enough rest, then schedule them in routinely.
Through exercise, you can improve your arthritis symptoms as well as improve your overall health and fitness. Exercise helps keep your joints moving and it strengthens the muscles around your joints. It also promotes the health of your bones and keeps them strong. By participating in daily exercise, you will be able to complete basic daily activities more easily.
Regular exercise can help you manage the pain which is associated with arthritis. Your doctor can recommend an exercise program for you. Some physicians elect to send their arthritis patients to a physical therapist or an occupational therapist to have them design an exercise program for them to follow.
Do not feel bad about not being able to perform certain tasks any more. Remember that you have to because of a medical condition, not because you are lazy. Do not blame yourself: even if there are measures you can take to improve your condition, you cannot be blamed for your arthritis.
Learn how to budget your energy. You might not have as much energy as you are used to, and there are more activities you need to do, such as exercising. Find ways to restore your energy for instance, with power naps or healthy snacks, and establish a schedule of your activities so you find time to do everything.
Get checked to see if you have any deficiencies in vitamins B 12 or iron. These elements can help make your bones and joints stronger and reduce the pain you are experiencing. If these vitamins are missing from your diet. consider taking a supplement or eating foods rich in iron and vitamin B 12.
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