Arthritis is a very common, yet serious, disease that affects people all over the world. Arthritis is a wide-reaching condition and can cause anything from mild discomfort to complex issues that may threaten your life. Whether your arthritis is mild or serious, you need to get it under control as quickly as possible.

If you have arthritis, you should be very careful to wear good, supportive shoes, especially for exercise. Shoes that are old and worn out will cause your weight to be distributed unevenly. They also cause numerous problems for the joints in your legs. Exchange your exercise shoes for new ones regularly. Inspect your soles for wear, and immediately replace shoes if you find a pattern of uneven wear.

The earlier you can halt arthritis, the better. One good method of preventing arthritis is to pay close attention to your typing techniques. Keep your hands at the same level as the keyboard, and always use your mouse on a pad. This will decrease the amount strain in your hands, and it is a great preventative measure against developing arthritis and joint problems in the future.

If you have arthritis and still want to get in shape, try aquatic exercises. Aquatic therapy carefully practiced in warm water is gentle on the joints and muscles which can be a soothing way to exercise while lessoning the pain of arthritis flare-ups. Ask your doctor if there a warm water therapy program could be helpful for you.

Engaging in yoga or meditation is a great way to help cope with the symptoms of arthritis. Relaxing your body is what these things will do for you, and it can help you better deal with the symptoms associated with arthritis. You should do these exercises to alleviate your arthritis symptoms around 3 days a week.

Though both hot and cold methods of treatment can be effective, alternate the use of them. Alternating between cold packs and heat treatments can relieve pain and ease swollen joints. Be sure to not overdo it with icing, as you may end up causing more harm than good. At most, do this twice a day.

Prevention of arthritis can be key to a healthy life. If you type a lot, make sure you have the right technique. Your hands need to be level with the keyboard at all times, and there should be an elevated pad underneath your mouse. This practice reduces the strain in the hands and helps ward off difficulties with your hands.

Supplement your arthritis treatment with exercise. Exercise can keep you healthy and fit as well as improve your flexibility. Low impact exercise can keep your body fit and flexible, but be careful not to stress or strain yourself. The moment you begin to experience pain, you should stop.

Talk with your doctor and see if joint surgery is an option for you if everything else fails. Joint surgery can actually reverse some of the effects of arthritis that cause limited mobility and flexibility and is successful in the majority of patients.

Aromatherapy can help to reduce your arthritis pain, so it’s worth giving the idea some thought. Aromatherapy has been shown to have a positive impact on many chronic health problems, including arthritis. It has been medically proven to help relax joints and muscles, which helps to alleviate pain.

Cigarettes can increase the damage done by arthritis. While giving up smoking is hard, it’s nevertheless one reliable way you can fight the effects of arthritis.

Pain killers should be used only if you absolutely have to. Many pain killers can be addictive and only mask the pain, keeping you from successfully treating your arthritis. When you are given pain-killers and you want to take some, ensure that you are only using them as your doctor has told you to take them.

A cane offers great support. Many people with arthritis will not use a cane, since they think it signifies a type of disability. Many times using a cane will alleviate your pain and be able to do things you couldn’t do without one. Look for a cane that can be adjusted to your height so it is comfortable for you to use.

Take note of your body’s signals. Everyone who has arthritis symptoms is different, so you are the one who can truly tell how your arthritis feels. Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to what your body is telling you. If the signals say it’s time to rest, then rest.

Use a cane for support. It can be tough, and a lot of people whom suffer from arthritis refuse to use one, because they imagine that it symbolizes a disability. If you have less pain when you use a cane you should do it. Look for a cane with some personality to feel better about carrying one.

Speak to your doctor about pain relief options. In many cases, finding an effective and safe treatment for pain, can prevent future damage from arthritis. Consult your physician for the most effective therapies for your form of arthritis.

Take on fitness and weight loss if these are issues in your life. Weight is often an agitant of arthritis, and shedding some unwanted pounds can relieve both pain and symptoms. Even the loss of a few pounds can provide you with significant relief from the symptoms of your arthritis.

Consider consulting your doctor about electric stimulation if you are affected by osteoarthritis. It sounds extreme, but it has been shown to reduce the harsh swelling within the knees that is caused by arthritis, while also battling the arthritis separately.

This shows that arthritis does not have to control your life or what you do. You can still enjoy a variety of activities and pleasures, even when you suffer from arthritis. Use the advice here to take control of your pain and limit its effect on your activities; now you can move forward to a new and exciting level of mobility.