It can be difficult to learn to deal with arthritis. You can benefit from the following tips if you are the one suffering from arthritis or caring for someone who suffers from it. Read each piece of advice carefully to learn some great methods to reduce the discomfort that comes with it.
Start using other parts of your body to do the work when you are lifting items. You can use your shoulder to help get something that is placed a little higher. Incorporating other areas of your body will reduce the strain that you put on your most heavily used joints and muscles.
Before you can get the proper treatment for arthritis, it is important that you know which type you suffer from! There are treatments, both natural and medical, that may help certain kinds of arthritis while doing nothing for other types. If you are uncertain to which kind you have, ask your doctor.
There is no harm in admitting you can't do something because of your arthritic condition. So, don't be ashamed to ask family and friends to help you out. Being honest about your limitations, and thereby getting the necessary assistance, can actually prolong your ability to function at a high level.
Practice breathing exercises and other techniques designed to help your mind improve the condition of your body. Other methods could include biofeedback, guided relaxation and even yoga. These techniques help you learn to use your mind to deal with your pain and also increase the flexibility you have in your body and joints.
Do not stop a medication just because you feel it is not working. Most arthritis medicines take from days to months to truly make an impact on your symptoms. Never stop a new medicine without talking with your doctor first as there may be side effects from an abrupt withdrawal.
If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, make sure you're getting enough omega-3 in your diet. If you're not, consider taking a supplement like fish oil to help get those levels up. Studies have shown that omega-3 has many anti-inflammatory benefits for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
To help with arthritis, you should always protect your joints. You shouldn't just sit around all day; you need to move around from time to time so your joints aren't always in the same place. When you are doing your many tasks throughout the day, you should always use the stronger joints in your body to accomplish your goal.
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.
Arthritis is a very painful condition that can cause a great hitch in your lifestyle. You want to make sure that your symptoms have truly been diagnosed as arthritis; if it is, understand what you can do other than treat the pain, and how you can help yourself to be healthier and less effected by your condition. Be sure to take the advice in this article to heart so you can begin your journey towards a pain-free life with arthritis under control.
