The effects are arthritis are inflicted on many people every day, creating pain, immobility and stiffness. It can impact the hands, knees and hips, among other areas, making it difficult to perform daily functions. The tips in this article will help people suffering with arthritis to cope while living with their condition.

Cigarette Smoke

The use of heating pads and ice packs has been shown to help alleviate some arthritic joint pain. You should try alternating between heat and cold to get the best results. Ask your doctor about what he recommends when you use cold and heat to soothe your pain.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, yours or anyone else’s. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, which reduces blood flow to the extremities. This can produce short-term pain relief. In the long-term though, smoking will corrupt your joints and sharpen the pain that you feel from arthritis.

If you have arthritis, working out in new, fresh shoes is especially important. You might further hurt yourself if you do not wear good shoes. This can cause the pain in your joints to worsen. If your workout shoes have uneven wear on the soles, replace them right away.

Yoga can be an effective remedy for arthritis pain. The pace of yoga exercises are ideal for arthritis, and research has shown that it offers some relief for those suffering from joint pains.

You have the right to make use of handicap parking spaces if you have a chronic arthritis condition. Many sufferers are not aware of this and then they park in regular spots, which may be difficult for them.

If you suffer from arthritis, both emotionally and physically, consider therapy. Many people with arthritis feel very alone; therapy can help to remember that you aren’t helpless. Depression is common with arthritis sufferers, so a support group or therapy can help with this as well.

Avoid uncomfortable shoes and high heels if you have arthritis. Wearing uncomfortable shoes can contribute to an abnormal walk. This can negatively affect your arthritis, regardless of where it is located on your body. A good option is to purchase a pair of well fitting sneakers that offer decent support.

Find the best equipment to help you out. Certain tools can be used to reduce the strain on your body. Devices such as tools that can pick up items or reach high shelves without you bending over can really save wear and tear on your hips and back. Special can-openers, velcro shoe straps, and many other items can get those jobs done with little or no pain. Investing in the correct tools can help you save big on arthritis pain and strain!

Do not impose guilt on yourself or allow anyone else to do so. You might not feel comfortable doing some tasks with arthritis. Do not feel guilty for not being as active as before. Remind yourself that you are not responsible for your arthritis. Giving certain things up isn’t a reason to feel bad.

If you are living with arthritis and happen to be designing a brand new home, make certain to ask for builder modifications that will help you. Make a list of things you would like to adjust. Such simple modifications can greatly reduce your arthritis pain and improve your daily life.

If you want your joint pain to improve, work on your abdominal muscles. Medical research has proven that the muscles in the abs help to improve posture, which in turn helps prevent joint damage. You should not overdo it while you work out.

Make sure you get enough sleep. Especially for someone who suffers from arthritis, sleep is very important to rejuvenate your body and supply the necessary energy to get you through the next day. Hide all light sources when sleeping, including your alarm clock and cell phone, and meditate before going to sleep.

Do a large amount of research about arthritis and its symptoms to take control of your condition and manage your life. You can find information in many resources; look for help on exercise routines, diets or pain management techniques. You will eventually find a treatment that works well for you between working out and eating better.

Eat a lot of protein. If you suffer from arthritis, your body uses more protein than a non-arthritic person. Therefore, it is vital that you eat enough of it. If you have chosen a vegetarian lifestyle, it is vital that you find healthy protein sources and eat them often to ease the symptoms of arthritis.

Strenuous Activities

Acupuncture is often very helpful for chronic arthritis. Acupuncture has been proven to help the pain that many arthritis suffers experience. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, so you should continue treatments to reap the full benefits of the procedure.

When you perform strenuous activities, use assistant devices. If you must lift big objects or have to stand for a long time, make sure you protect yourself and your joints from extra pressure that will damage them. If you hurt your joints, you will feel much more pain. The best defense against this is to ease the pressure from strenuous activities.

Use the tips in this article to help you overcome the symptoms of arthritis. The tips provided here give a perfect starting point, although further help could be needed.

If the arthritis treatments you have tried have not produced the effects you were hoping for, then it may be time to consult with a doctor about possibly having joint surgery. This can repair some of the damage arthritis has done to your joints as well as restoring some of your lost flexibility and mobility. Many patients have benefited from these procedures.