Arthritis is normally associated with the elderly, but this joint pain and stiffness can affect people of any age. If you suffer from achy, swollen joints and find yourself less mobile or active because of it, you may have arthritis. Read this article for tips on how to live with arthritis.
Be sure to move throughout the day. Remaining in the same position for a long time puts more stress on your joints than if you shift positions. Be sure to take regular breaks to stand and stretch and make sure that your work environment is set up to allow you to protect your joints.
For those who suffer from osteoarthritis, it is important that you have enough Vitamin C in your diet. Medical research has shown that Vitamin C reduces pain in osteoarthritis patients and helps prevent it in young people. You can get Vitamin C from many fruits, such as oranges, or you can take a supplement.
Avoid painkillers for arthritis unless you absolutely require them. You might end up addicted to this medication and the pain will always come back. If your doctor has prescribed these to you and you are going to use them, make sure you use them as the doctor prescribed.
Make sure to educate yourself as much as possible about rheumatoid arthritis, and how it can affect pregnancy and breastfeeding. There’s a lot of different information out there, and being well educated can make all the difference in the world in how you handle your symptoms and flare ups.
Take the time to have your family educated about your rheumatoid arthritis and the different challenges that will occur while you live with this condition. There are classes available through The Arthritis Foundation, and there are many books available that can be used to teach your family about the condition.
Electrical stimulation is a great treatment for osteoarthritis in the knees. Electrical stimulation can help reduce swelling from arthritis, as well as eliminate pain.
Use musical therapy in order to ease the pain when you are suffering from severe inflammation. While it isn’t a permanent fix and is far from medication and serious pain relief, there are studies that have proven classical music and other soothing types of music to be therapeutic when treating pain from arthritis.
Get involved with something bigger than yourself. Having outside goals, such as helping a charity, can remind you that you are not the only one in your position. Doing this will help to distract you from pain and also stop you from feeling sorry for yourself. Many charities will allow you to help without having to leave your home, so anyone can do it.
Find a rubber mat to place at your stove to help prevent back and leg pain while you are standing and cooking. These buoyancy of these mats help keep pressure off of your legs which will do wonders for keeping your body feeling healthy. Buy one as well for in front of your sink to use when you are washing dishes.
The pain and swelling of arthritis doesn’t have to impede your success or your physical movement. Many people suffer from this illness, and there are ways to successfully combat it. Remember the tips in this article if you or a loved one is suffering from the pain and stiffness of arthritis.