Arthritis diagnoses have risen quite a bit over the years. The pain caused by inflammation in the joints can sometimes inhibit physical movement. This article provides some great tips for treating and managing arthritis.
If you are a smoker, you should quit. You should also avoid being around smokers. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, which reduces blood flow to the extremities. This can produce short-term pain relief. This reduced blood flow may also cause joint damage, which can make your arthritis more severe than if you didn’t smoke.
Reconsider your use of high heeled shoes if you suffer from arthritis. While high heels look nice, they are very hard on your feet. They apply a great deal of pressure to the knees and can exacerbate arthritis problems. Therefore, it is advised that you wear comfortable shoes to diminish arthritis pain. You feet and joints will thank you.
Supplement your arthritis treatment with exercise. This can help keep you healthy and fit, along with enhancing your flexibility. You can do a few low impact exercises each day to work your muscles. Provided that you do not do too many of them, these exercises will keep you in shape without causing joint inflammation. When exercise begins to be painful, it is time to take a break.
Smoking cigarettes can cause a decrease in flexibility, and makes arthritis symptoms worse. You might find quitting tobacco is hard, but if you know that it can hurt your arthritis, you may be more likely to do just that.
Stay fit and healthy to limit the wear and tear on your body and joints. Being too heavy can put too much pressure on your joints, resulting in a worsening of your arthritis. Rather than skipping meals or starving yourself to lose weight, follow a healthy diet that gives your body the nutrients that it needs.
Make sure you sleep in a good bed. Ask your doctor about mattresses and what is the best solution in your case. Each person and his or her pain is unique, so it is important to consult your doctor when deciding which bed to buy for your personal situation.
As already stated, arthritis sufferers have greatly increased in the past few years. This could be due to an aging population combined with poor diet and exercise. When you put the information you have just learned into practice, you can successfully treat arthritis and the symptoms that go with it, and improve the quality of your life.