Dealing With Arthritis

Did you know that approximately 70 million Americans may have arthritis in one form or another, and that you may be one of them? Think there's nothing you can do about it? Well, here's some great news.

You can act right now to lessen the incidence of arthritis or to reduce the pain and discomfort that typically accompanies the disease. Here are ten simple steps that can improve your health, emotional outlook, and pain level, and generally make it easier to cope with arthritis.

Tip! You can help to relieve joint pain with the use of ice packs or heating pads. Try taking turns between the hot and the cold to receive the most optimal relief.

Pay attention to symptoms and see your doctor. If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it's time to see your doctor. Only a doctor can tell if it's arthritis.

You have arthritis" is not a diagnosis. Ask for a specific diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have. Getting the right treatment requires getting the right diagnosis.

Start early. The earlier, the better. Early diagnosis and treatment can often mean less joint damage and less pain.

Avoid Excess Stress on Joints. Exercise to reduce pain and fatigue and to increase range of motion. It relieves stress and can help enable you to maintain your daily activities. Use simple stretching techniques to keep joints and muscles flexible.

Exercising in the water can build strength and increase range of motion while the waters buoyancy reduces wear and tear on sore joints. Use assistive devices to make tasks easier.

Tip! Be proactive, and educate yourself about your symptoms and the best ways to treat them. You can find a lot of information about managing pain, exercise, and nutrition from a variety of sources.

Watch your weight. Try to maintain the recommended weight for your age and body type. Every extra pound means added stress to your hips and knees. Excess weight can mean more pain, contribute to and aggravate osteoarthritis, and increase your risk of gout.

Follow a healthy diet regimen. Research has shown the importance of antioxidants in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and its progression.

Take your medication just as your doctor prescribes. If you're tempted to stop because you feel its not working or you believe its causing side effects, call your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, both prescription and over the counter.

When you go out into the sun, protect yourself. Some forms of arthritis, as well as certain medications, can leave you more vulnerable to the suns harmful rays. At a minimum, use sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for protection.

Tip! Avoid pain killers, if possible, when managing arthritis pain. Many of the painkillers on the market are very addictive, and will only help temporarily relieve pain.

Talk to Someone About Arthritis. Each week, commit to learning something new about arthritis and sharing it with others. A support group is important and the more they understand about how arthritis affects your life, the more they'll be able to help you get through the hard times.

Relax. Pain can cause both physical and emotional stress. Pain and stress have similar effects on the body, e.g. increased heart rate and blood pressure; fast, shallow breathing; and muscle cramps. Relaxation can help you reverse these effects, give you a sense of well being, and make it easier to manage your pain.

Tip! Make an effort to stretch regularly. Many sufferers of arthritis lose flexibility, which can worsen the effects of arthritis and further limit mobility.

Consider taking a nutritional supplement. If your current medication isn't working as well as you 'd like, or if its causing unacceptable side effects, ask your doctor about other treatment options. There are several all-natural functional health beverages available that have desirable anti-inflammatory properties. Check them out online.

Of course, there are many other ways to lessen the pain and discomfort of arthritis, but these ten are an excellent place to start. Most importantly, while arthritis may limit some of the things you can do, it doesn't have to control your life. Build your life around wellness, and think of pain as a signal to take positive action to help you manage your condition. Think positively, eat well, and exercise regularly.

Resolve to enjoy our beautiful world. As the old saying goes, Live like there's no tomorrow; love like you've never been hurt; dance like no-one is watching.

You can act right now to lessen the incidence of arthritis or to reduce the pain and discomfort that typically accompanies the disease.

Only a doctor can tell if it's arthritis. Some forms of arthritis, as well as certain medications, can leave you more vulnerable to the suns harmful rays. Of course, there are many other ways to lessen the pain and discomfort of arthritis, but these ten are an excellent place to start.