Take care of yourself and your arthritis by learning more about dealing with this condition. There are many different factors that go into preventing and reducing the symptoms of arthritis. In this article we will cover a few areas that you can focus on to deal with this condition.
Learn as much as you can about the disease. The more you know about the symptoms and treatments for arthritis, the more of an active role you can play in your treatment plan. It can also help you to feel less alone, to read about what others with the condition are going through and what they’ve been trying.
Rearrange the furniture in your home. You want to be able to walk a straight line from one room to another. The fewer turns you have to make, the less stress you will place on your weight-bearing joints, especially your hips. You should enlist the help of a friend to move your furniture, of course.
Yoga and meditation are great arthritis remedies. The techniques of yoga have been shown to reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis by relaxing the mind and body. You must do them at least 3 times a week for them to help you.
If you are a woman who suffers from arthritis in your back, you may want to think about changing what bras you wear. Believe it or not, certain bras can make your arthritis worse by putting pressure on your back. There are actually bras that are made just for women with arthritis.
Keep in touch with your doctor about different options for treating your arthritis symptoms. There are almost always new options coming on the scene for treating arthritis. From new drugs to new physical therapies, stay on top of these advances by making sure your doctor knows that you are interested in learning more and trying new options.
When you experience pain and tiredness, try using a heat pad. Many people believe cold packs are great for all kinds of pain, but this isn’t the case with arthritis sufferers. Heat with revitalize your energy levels while eliminating the pain caused by fatigue.
Use light exercises and stretching to prevent further joint damage and pain from arthritis. light exercise avoids excess strain on the joints and you will find that it creates more limber and flexible joints that are conditioned for healthier activity. With stretching, you are giving yourself more flexibility for common activities you will encounter without causing pain from inflamed joints.
Pay extra attention to the effects the sun has on you; use sun block and other means of protection from UV rays. Unfortunately, those afflicted with arthritis are also more likely to contract other conditions, such as Lupus. Do what you can to avoid sun exposure, from wearing clothing that protects from the sun to sunscreen, no matter what the season is. Even during the winter, you are absorbing a great deal of the sun’s rays.
Get educated about your unique condition. There are over a hundred different types of arthritis, and learning about yours will only help you be able to manage it more effectively. Get a diagnosis from a doctor, and then do your own research to find out what to expect and how to deal with it.
Let the sun in. Vitamin D has been shown to help relieve some symptoms of arthritis, and sunshine is well-known for increasing positive thoughts and bettering moods. Opening your blinds for around fifteen minutes every day can be enough to give you some great benefits, while still being in the comfort of your home.
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.
Hopefully these tips have given you some things to consider when dealing with your condition. While we can’t cover every possible tip here, you can use what you have learned to go out and discover more. Knowledge is the best weapon we have in the fight against arthritis and its effects.
