Take Control of Your Arthritis

Did you know that evidence of arthritis has been discovered in dinosaurs? While this fun fact may not make your elderly parent feel much better about their condition, there are plenty of helpful tips and tricks in this article. If you would like to know more about arthritis and ways that you can ease the effects, then read this article.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep. The stiffness and pain that is common in arthritis can lead to debilitating fatigue, and many of the treatments for the condition can also cause fatigue. Do what you can to ensure a good night's sleep every night, and you'll feel better and be healthier.

Make time in your day to do the things you love. Increased stress levels can lead to more arthritis flare-ups. If you find time to do the activities you enjoy, you'll improve your mood and your energy levels. This kind of effect will lead to lasting improvement for your symptoms.

It is important to exercise, but you need to ensure that you are performing the right type of exercising for your body. This can help keep you healthy and fit, along with enhancing your flexibility. You can prevent joint inflammation with low-impact exercise, but don't overdo it. If you begin to experience pain, you should immediately stop.

Always protect your joints when you are dealing with arthritis. Keep your joints moving throughout the day and avoid holding them in the same position for too long a period of time. Always consider how to best execute a task to minimize stress to your joints.

Try acupuncture. While many people believe this method does not really work, studies have shown that using it can actually release pain relieving endorphins. This can work wonders for arthritis sufferers by targeting painful inflammation and swelling points in the joint, and sending these relieving chemicals to the area to trigger immediate relief.

Listen to what your body is saying. Arthritis is different for everyone, and only you know how bad the condition is for you. You need to heed your body’s signals. If you are feeling fatigued or overworked, it is acceptable to take a break.

If you are uncomfortable using a particular type of medication your pain management doctor recommends, or if you feel that a particular kind of therapy is just not right for you, be sure to speak up and tell your doctor. There are plenty of choices available in arthritis therapy. Your course of treatment should fit you perfectly.

Your diet should include lots of fatty acids, preferably Omega 3. These can be found as dietary supplements in capsule form, and you can also get these from foods, such as nuts, flax seeds and oily fish. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and relieve the pain in your joints.

Losing weight will assist in relieving arthritis aches as well as improving your health. Consuming a diet that includes healthy, non-inflammatory foods can place less pressure on your joints and reduce the level of inflammation in your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers will find such a diet a real relief.

A great way to soothe the pain of arthritis symptoms is to get a massage. If the pain is not too severe, massages are a great way to help with pain as long as your muscles are not too tender. Massage helps release tension associated with joint stress. Try to find a massage therapist who is familiar with patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Check out the Arthritis Foundation's list of recommended products and appliances. A lot of products are not easy to open for someone who suffers from arthritis, and certain appliances might be difficult to operate. This list contains products and appliances that can be opened or operate easily for someone with arthritis.

Throw away worn, old shoes, especially when they've been constantly used for a year. Pressure is placed on joints when shoes become worn out and should be replaced.

Have someone that can be there for you when the pain is severe. Having a helping hand, whether they are doing light chores for you or helping you get through the house without injury or excess strain on your joints, can be a great way to ensure that you are always able to deal with arthritis without putting too much on yourself.

The hardest part of arthritis to deal with is its pain. It is possible to learn techniques to help reduce the pain and keep it from getting worse over time. You first need to find out what type of arthritis you have by consulting either a specialized arthritis pain doctor or a general pain management specialist. Once you know what condition(s) you are dealing with, the healing can begin.