Although it’s often associated with older hands, arthritis can strike at any age and anywhere in the body. The pain and stiffness in bones and joints can make daily chores difficult.
It’s important to stop arthritis as soon as possible. One way to prevent the onset of arthritis is to practice good typing habits. Try keeping your hands level on the keyboard and use your mouth on a raised mouse pad. These simple techniques can lower the potential for strain in the hands and fingers, and work as a preventive measure toward future problems.
In order to handle arthritis better you need to look for ways to eliminate stress and relax. If you are under stress, it can release chemicals that will make your muscles inflamed and you will feel pain from arthritis. Consider scheduling your days out to avoid stressful situations, or engaging in exercise to help relax and strengthen your body.
Flexibility Loss
Create a routine for stretching. Flexibility loss is a big complaint from arthritis sufferers. If you stretch every muscle daily it can delay or prevent flexibility loss. Begin with your toes, and work your way up.
Put more vegetables and less meat on your plate. A vegetarian diet will help you lose weight, and reduce the swelling and inflammation in your joints. If you simply cannot bear to cut meat from your diet, compromise and fill half of each meal with nutritious vegetable sides.
Acquire some products to assist you in your everyday activities. People with arthritis can take advantage of a number of products that help them do everyday tasks. Things like shoe horns, specialized can openers, zipper pulls and kinves are all great products that can make your life easier. Invest in any helpful tool that can make your life easier.
If you are overweight, try to slim down. If you are overweight and you have arthritis, you will experience a greater amount of inflammation and swelling. When you are carrying extra weight, it can put undue stress on your joints, causing them to flare. Losing these excess pounds can calm the flare ups and prevent them from happening so frequently.
Listen to what your body is saying. Because every case of arthritis is unique, you are the one person who really understands exactly what effects you are experiencing. Listen to the messages your body is sending you. If you tire easily, don’t try to work through it. Take a rest.
Use a timer regularly. If you are trying to get things done, a timer that goes off when you need a break can greatly help. Most people try to keep working through the pain so that they can finish the task, though this will be harmful for you to do.
If you are suffering the symptoms of arthritis, try taking yoga. It helps the body and mind. Because it involves stretching, relaxation, and muscle toning, it can be of help to most people who suffer from arthritis. If you do not feel comfortable actually taking a class, purchase a yoga workout DVD. You will get the same benefits as you would from a class, but you don’t even have to leave home.
Talk to your doctor about heat or cold treatments. Ice water soaking or packs of ice can soothe inflammation and swelling, while heating pads and hot packs can loosen stiff joints and offer a feeling of comfort. Alternating between the two can be beneficial, as well, but it is important not to overuse this remedy.
Help might come from participating in cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy helps people change negative behaviors by changing the way they think about the things in their life. As arthritis can lead to a lifetime of suffering, this type of therapy is quite instrumental in improving a person’s quality of life.
By being mindful of this information, a person with arthritis can still compete in stressful exercise such as track events. You never want to let arthritis get you down mentally or physically. There are many options in dealing with arthritis’ pain and fighting the condition itself. Arthritis can often be managed so that you can maintain an active lifestyle.
