It is a common misconception that one cannot develop rheumatoid arthritis until they are old and have lived a physically demanding lifestyle. The truth is, RA can begin to appear in nearly anyone that does not practice a healthy routine and take care of the joints they use on a daily basis.
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.
If you want to minimize the pain of arthritis, avoid being over weight. Having just a few extra pounds on your body adds strain to joints and ligaments. It can increase the pain of arthritis, and keep your symptoms coming back again and again. Losing just ten pounds can make a big difference, so do it today.
If you suffer from arthritis, try not to wear clothing that is too tight against your skin. Tight clothing is just going to put more pressure on your joints, which in turn, will increase your pain. Instead, try to wear clothes that have enough room in them so that you are comfortable.
Buy products that are specially designed for arthritis sufferers. There is no need to struggle with tasks like opening a jar, buttoning your shirt or turning a doorknob when there are products on the market designed to help you do all of those things. In fact, there are products designed to help arthritis sufferers with just about any task you can think of. Try searching online for arthritis-friendly products or check with any of the leading arthritis organizations for a list of helpful products.
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.
Do not try to hide your condition from your children. Having a family member with rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone in the household even if they can't understand exactly what's going on. Teach younger children on a level they can understand. Just make sure that you keep them involved in what is going on with you.
You should always sleep as much as your body desires. Arthritis patients need proper rest, it rejuvenates your body and give you energy for the following day. Consider sleeping to total darkness (hide your alarm clock), turn off any cell phones, and implement some relaxing exercises before you go to bed.
Use gardening as an effective therapy against arthritis. There are so many studies out there about arthritis, natural therapies, and one of the top therapies identified is gardening. Simply planting a small garden in your backyard or gardening with some pals can be such a great help in relaxation and relief of your pain.
Put additional consideration into your choice of sun block and other UV protection. Some arthritis medications can increase sensitivity to the sun, and create a greater risk of developing skin cancer. 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.
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.
Sometimes, the treatments that your doctor offers for arthritis can be assisted and enhanced with alternative treatments such as hydrotherapy, yoga, hot and cold therapy or some herbal or dietary supplements. Be sure to ask your doctor about alternative treatments that will help you make the most of your arthritis care.
Many people have found heat and cold treatments to be very good therapy for arthritis. Try using an old pure cotton sock filled with dry rice as an easy, mess-free method of applying either heat or cold. Put it in a plastic bag in the freezer to prepare for cold therapy. Pop it in the microwave briefly to prepare it for heat therapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis may be able to effect nearly anyone, but it can also be fought by those same people. All it takes is a determined spirit and some simple guidelines, such as those mentioned above. Take them to heart and watch each day as life gets just a little bit better.
Orignal From: Tips For Treating Your Arthritis Pain And Symptoms
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