Arthritis is normally associated with the elderly, but this joint pain and stiffness can affect people of any age. If you suffer from achy, swollen joints and find yourself less mobile or active because of it, you may have arthritis. Read this article for tips on how to live with arthritis.
Create a support system that includes other patients with arthritis. Friends and family members may not always be supportive of the pain you're in, or may simply not understand the crippling nature of the condition. Having friends with arthritis can give you someone to talk to about your pain, who understands the problem and won't judge you, while also taking the stress off of your family, when trying to deal with your issues.
Buy accessories for your life and your home that make things easier. For example, you can purchase products that make it easier for you to open doors or take the lids off of jars. If you can increase the ease of your daily life, you'll reduce pain and stress and improve your attitude.
Ice packs or heat pads are great to relieve joint pain. Alternating back and forth, between hot and cold, may provide the best relief. Your doctor will be able to give further advice on the most appropriate way to use fluctuating temperature methods for pain relief.
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.
Exercising can help you manage your arthritis symptoms by helping you to lose weight. Weight loss can help your joints function more efficiently and help keep those symptoms under control. Talk with your doctor about setting up an exercise plan that you can do safely on a routine basis.
Cigarettes have been blamed for diminished flexibility and could cause arthritis flare-ups. Although breaking your tobacco habit may be challenging, it will be well worth it to preserve your joints and muscular functions.
Take the time to have your family educated about your rheumatoid arthritis and the different challenges that will occur while you live with this condition. There are classes available through The Arthritis Foundation, and there are many books available that can be used to teach your family about the condition.
Know your limits. Pushing yourself too hard can be detrimental to your health and safety. If you want to attempt something that may be a reach, try to have someone nearby in case you need assistance. You do not want to cause undue stress on your mind or your joints, so give yourself boundaries.
Always keep your eyes open for new and innovative treatments. Usually, doctors don't want to try out something new until the treatment program the patient is currently on isn't working out. If you find something that you thing would help you more, talk to your doctor about it.
Make sure your doctor is knowledgeable on the subject of arthritis. Some doctors have had extensive training in the field, and know better and more effective treatments than other doctors might. Ask your doctor how much they know about arthritis, and if they would be comfortable recommending you to someone more experienced.
Avoid smoking if you would like to reduce arthritic symptoms. Research has shown that non-smokers have less swollen joints and pain from arthritis than smokers do. If you are a smoker you should think about quitting to minimize your symptoms. If you cannot quit by yourself, your doctor can prescribe you something to help you stop.
Elevate your legs to relieve foot and knee pain. Most people who suffer from arthritis have it the worst in their knees and ankles. Elevating your legs can help to relieve swelling and inflammation, and quickly bring pain to a standstill. Try laying on a couch, and putting your legs up on the armrest.
When you are thinking about looking into herbal treatments to help you treat your arthritis symptoms, keep in mind that herbal remedies are not regulated by the FDA. You should always seek the advice of your physician and/or a skilled and experienced herbalist when considering the use of herbal remedies.
You doctor will be better able to treat your arthritis symptoms if you are able to describe them well. Every condition is different and you are the only person who can do something about it. Your doctor will only use general information common to all arthritis patients, which is why it is important that you develop your own way of dealing with your condition. You need to understand what treatment options are out there, and which of those would benefit you the most.
The pain and swelling of arthritis doesn't have to impede your success or your physical movement. Many people suffer from this illness, and there are ways to successfully combat it. Remember the tips in this article if you or a loved one is suffering from the pain and stiffness of arthritis.
Orignal From: Advice That Arthritis Sufferers Should Read About
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