Even the simplest things can appear nearly impossible because of arthritis. There is some great advice that you can use so you can live with your arthritis with less pain. Coping with the painful symptoms of arthritis can be easier than you think.
Ice packs or heat pads are great to relieve joint pain. For optimal results, alternate between cold and heat. Talking to your doctor will help you learn how to properly use the heating pad and ice packs.
Getting enough sleep is important for dealing with arthritis. Without enough of it, your body is compromised and you will feel the punishing side effects. Get no less than eight hours of sleep. Get even more if the day was particularly stressful. Your body will respond very favorably when you get enough sleep.
When you smoke, you will have less flexibility, and more chances for arthritis pain. It may be hard to quit smoking, but it can be easier if you know how the habit is making your arthritis worse.
Make an appointment to go to therapy. People with arthritis sometimes find it challenging to live alone, and therapy can help reduce a feeling of helplessness. People with arthritis also develop health problems such as depression; therapy can help people deal with these issues whether it is individual or group therapy.
Plan for the future! Arthritis can start bothering you almost anytime, so it is important to be prepared for when it happens. If you have a long job, make sure that you take breaks to reduce the overall pain that you feel.
One way to tackle the symptoms of arthritis is reduce the stress you feel in your life. When your body and mind are stressed, hormones such as excess cortisol circulate and trigger increased inflammation and pain, which aggravates arthritis. You may want to consider brushing up on your time management skills or adding light exercise to help you cope with stress.
By putting this information into action, one can continue to live a normal, active life with arthritis. The important thing is not allowing arthritis get you down, physically or emotionally. Moderate exercise, adequate sleep, physical therapy and even meditation can help lessen pain and improve joint health. Keep a positive attitude and do your best.
