Arthritis attacks the joints, as well as cartilage, giving you moderate pain and inflammation, this disease is common but can be dealt with. Millions of adults suffer from it annually, as do a number of children. Find some powerful weapons to wield in the arthritis battle by reading the following article.

Stay away from cigarette smoke, and quit if you do smoke. Nicotine can decrease the blood circulation to your arms and legs, which may decrease inflammation temporarily. It also causes joint damage and will result in your arthritis progressing more rapidly than in a non-smoker.

Stay away from cigarette smoke; if you are smoker, then you should quit. The nicotine contained in cigarettes could reduce the blood flow to extremities; this may reduce inflammation for the short term. Reduced blood flow could ruin your joints, meaning the arthritis is going to be worse and come quicker, than it would if you didn’t smoke.

Do not wear badly worn shoes to workout if you have arthritis. Wearing shoes that are worn out causes an uneven distribution in your weight. This will put a lot of pressure on your knees and will make exercising painful. 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.

Try alternating the use of cold and hot packs. When joints are particularly painful, going back and forth between heat-packs and cold compresses can reduce swelling and ease pain, as well. However, limit the repetitiveness of the temperature-based treatments, excessive applications could make matters worse at a later time. Try to do these on the maximum capped at two times a day.

Ice packs and heating pads can both be of use for relieving your arthritis joint pain. If you want the best results, use them together, alternating between the hot and cold treatment. Always check with your physician for a pain management strategy when using cold and heat for pain.

Be sure to participate in some therapy. Therapy can help an arthritis sufferer to relieve their feelings of helplessness. People with arthritis are also at risk for developing depression and anxiety, and individual or group therapy can help you to deal with any concerns you may have.

If you have exhausted all your options when it comes to treating arthritis, it may be time to discuss joint surgery with your doctor. Surgery helps reverse the damage caused by arthritis, improving flexibility and mobility.

Try to do some swimming if you have arthritis. Not only are water activities good for limbering up your muscles and joints, the water especially when warm, gives off a soothing effect for arthritis sufferers. If you aren’t used to being in water, you might want to sign up for a swimming class.

Fish Oil

If you have arthritis, fish oil might be a very good thing for you. Omega-3 fatty acids, which come from fish oil, are effective in treating joint pain and inflammation. Fish oil supplements are readily available at most supermarkets and drugstores.

Sit back, close your eyes, relax and take a couple deep breaths. This will help you think happy thoughts and ignore the constant pain you are in.

Support yourself with a cane. Many people who have arthritis refuse to use a walking aid to show they have a disability. But if your suffering is less when using a cane, then it will be easier for you to move around. Find a cane that you absolutely like carrying and using.

Before immediately assuming you need surgery for knee pain, see how a brace improves its function first. Surgery should always be your last option, as a brace can reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis. You can wear a knee brace at anytime even at night.

If you have gone through numerous arthritis treatments without success, you should consider speaking to your doctor to see if joint surgery is something you might need. This highly effective surgery can reverse mobility and flexibility problems.

Make sure you sleep in a good bed. Arthritis sufferers need to talk to their physicians about purchasing the optimal bed for a person who has their particular condition. As every person is unique, utilizing the advice of experts is really the sole way to go about finding the right bed for you.

Make sure you apply sun block to protect yourself from UV rays. Unfortunately, those afflicted with arthritis are also more likely to contract other conditions, such as Lupus. Taking the extra time to put on some sun block, and to monitor your time outside in direct exposure, will help to prevent any further diseases or illnesses that that may arise.

Arthritis sufferers can benefit from taking fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have been proven to be beneficial in reducing pain and joint inflammation. You can find fish oil anywhere where supplements and vitamins are sold.

With the endless variations of arthritis out there it can seem overwhelming and difficult to find methods that can help you cope you through the disease. With that goal in mind, this article contains advice for anyone who is afflicted with arthritis. These tips can help you find relief from arthritis.