Many people say that arthritis is one of the most painful and irritating conditions that they have ever suffered from. Like anything else, it is much easier to reduce the pain and irritation of arthritis if you are properly informed. This article contains a number of tips on dealing with your arthritis effectively.
If you are a smoker, you should quit. You should also avoid being around smokers. The nicotine in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to your extremities, which may reduce inflammation in the short term. Remember too, that slow circulation will also affect joint health, making your arthritis symptoms more severe.
For arthritis sufferers, it is important to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Excess weight just puts more strain and pressure on your arthritic joints, which can make your arthritis even worse. It is a proven fact that every pound you lose is four less pounds of pressure on your knees.
Squeeze tubes are your friends when living with arthritis. Buy them whenever you have the option. Whether it is the mayonnaise or jelly, opening a jar is a difficult task when your hands hurt. Buy a squeeze tube instead and the task will be much easier to accomplish. This means less pain in the kitchen and a more enjoyable day.
For people who suffer from chronic arthritis, be careful when choosing a pet for your family. Remember, if your arthritis is acting up or even gets worse, it may be hard for you to care for your pet. Instead, you may want to consider getting a pet that is easier to take care, such as a fish.
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.
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.
One way to reduce the pain from chronic arthritis is by visiting a sauna. Moisture and heat are two things that can help the inflammation caused by arthritis, this will help your pain. You need to go to the sauna regularly to see results.
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.
Take special precautions when you are in the sun, and protect yourself from UV rays with sun block. Exposure to too much sun can aggravate arthritis conditions, even leaving sufferers more vulnerable to other conditions, such as Lupus. Use sunscreen every time you go outside, and use protective clothing whenever you can to help reduce your risk.
Set a definite intention about how long you will do something. If for example, you have to do some chores, you should set a timer to remind you when to take breaks. Pushing past your body’s limitations could lead to a temporarily debilitating state.
Get guidance from a physical therapist so that you can find a safe, non-destructive workout for your arthritis symptoms. Developing an exercise routine that caters to your condition is a great way to workout while limiting your potential for injury. Exercise will help arthritis sufferers in a multitude of ways. It strengthens the body and enables the affected joints to still remain in use, instead of being left to languish.
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, always pay attention to what you are eating. Some foods can actually cause arthritis pain in some people. Try using an elimination diet. Remove problem foods from your diet and slowly add them back over time. Dairy and seafood are known to cause allergic reactions which trigger arthritis symptoms.
As was stated at the beginning of this article, dealing with the pain of arthritis is a matter of having the proper knowledge and information. If you know the right way to treat your arthritis, it becomes much more manageable and less irritating to handle. Apply this article’s advice and be on your way to improving your arthritis.
