Many times, chronic arthritis can reduce the enjoyment of your life. Even everyday tasks can be a struggle. If you are experiencing these problems, then continue reading for information that could be helpful to you. In this article you will find advice to help you manage arthritis and make your life more pleasant.
Taking a long warm bath before bed is a great way to help you to sleep easier, and can also alleviate some of the pain. This can relax your muscles and alleviate the arthritis pain. This, in turn, allows you to fall asleep and remain asleep for a longer time.
You can help yourself by stopping arthritis early on. One way to prevent the onset of arthritis is to practice good typing habits. It is important to make sure your hands always even with your keyboard. Likewise, using a pad that is slightly elevated underneath your computer mouse is also a good practice. This position will reduce strain to your hands and prevent problems from developing later in life.
Plan activities with your joints’ capacities and limits in mind. Living with arthritis means that even the slightest effort spent on a small task can result in pain. Avoid lifting things when you can by sliding them instead, or ask for assistance from someone. Protecting yourself from further discomfort and pain is important in day to day tasks, and can go a long way in helping you feel better with arthritis.
Some professionals have asserted that cigarette smoking can contribute to inflexibility, and an increased chance of arthritic pain. Although it’s hard to quit smoking, it may help to think about how it negatively impacts your arthritis.
Consider meeting with a therapist. Independence may be difficult for people who suffer from arthritis, so therapy can help sufferers realize that they are not helpless. Depression is common with arthritis sufferers, so a support group or therapy can help with this as well.
Eat less meat and more vegetables. People with arthritis can reduce pain by sticking with a veggie diet. If your carnivorous side is too strong to ignore, try to eat only a small portion of meat while filling at least half of your plate with vegetables, and you can still garner the majority of these benefits.
Relaxing Music
Even though it might be hard to believe, it is a fact that some arthritis symptoms can be relieved by listening to relaxing music. This music works to unwind and relax, soothing your body and alleviating some of the uncomfortable and daunting pains of arthritis. Relaxing music may also help you get to sleep if arthritis is causing sleeplessness.
No arthritis treatment program is complete without physical therapy. If arthritis or general inflammation is truly bothering you, then a physical therapist can help you figure out a workout plan that will increase your flexibility and decrease muscle swelling. To get the best results, follow the physical therapist’s recommendations regularly, and get back into your daily routines.
Be sure to get equipment that will help you with daily tasks. Using proper tools can let arthritis sufferers do any job. Devices that extend a persons’ reach, such as long shoehorns or zipper pull extensions, and tools that are modified to exert less stress on joints like specialized can openers, jar openers, eating cutlery, and writing implements can all help an arthritis patient maintain independence with day-to-day tasks. You can invest into living an easier life with these tools.
You should never feel guilty or allow anyone else to make you feel guilty for having arthritis. Although you are obviously unable to perform as well as you used to, this is still nothing to feel guilt or shame over. If you make yourself feel guilty you may feel as if you have to try and this will just worsen your pain and feelings of inadequacy. Remember, having arthritis is never your fault! Not being able to do everything is not a reason to feel bad.
If you’re a chronic arthritis sufferer who experiences problems like those described in the beginning of this article, you know how debilitating your disorder is. We hope you’ve learned something from this article that you can apply to become a happier, healthier person who has an easier time living.
