Arthritis is nothing to laugh at, and the symptoms can begin to appear at any age or location. Arthritis occurs as the cartilage in joints is damaged. It can be painful enough to disrupt normal activity.
Don’t get around cigarette smoke, and quit smoking if you smoke. Arthritic conditions can be exacerbated by inflammation, sometimes caused by nicotine reducing the flow of blood throughout your body. The reduction of blood flow to the joints may damage your joints in the long run and worsen your arthritis. Therefore, your arthritis will worsen more quickly than it would if you were a non-smoker.
Consider an ice pack or heating pad when you need pain relief in your joints. Alternating back and forth, between hot and cold, may provide the best relief. Talking to your doctor will help you learn how to properly use the heating pad and ice packs.
The evidence shows that moderate drinking does adversely affect the symptoms of arthritis. On the contrary, some experts suggest that moderate consumption may even provide some benefits to those suffering with arthritis.
Try keeping a journal or how arthritis affects your living. Keeping a diary gives you a reference point to find patterns in your symptoms. It can also provide clues to what is helping. Discuss the information you gather with your physician, so that he or she can suggest the best treatment options. It is a priceless tool to have when you’re dealing with pain.
Arthritis pain can make sleep difficult. Try taking a bath with warm water and soothing bath salts. You can fall asleep faster and stay asleep better if you have done this method, which will ease arthritis pain.
Simply relax in a comfortable position with eyes closed and breathe deeply. You will be able to forget your problems and focus on something happier.
One way to tackle the symptoms of arthritis is reduce the stress you feel in your life. Stress can be a factor in how your arthritis develops and in how painful it can be. Perhaps you could find a more efficient way to organize your time, exercise, or simply learn to see things from a different perspective and stop worrying about details.
By putting this information into action, one can continue to live a normal, active life with arthritis. You never want to let arthritis get you down mentally or physically. A variety of options exist for coping with the pain and fighting the symptoms. Try not to let yourself get down and remember that you can overcome this.