A large majority deal with arthritis and it's become a common desire to come up with ways to treat it and prevent it. While arthritis is typically not curable, there exists many available treatments and ways to stop it from getting worse. This article will help you understand how to control arthritis, as well as keep it out of your life with prevention tips.
Stay away from smoking, and quit if you are already smoking. Nicotine slows blood flow and can exacerbate arthritis-related inflammation. In addition, your joints can also suffer longer term damage from a decreased flow of blood.
If you have arthritis, consider taking part in aquatic activities. Water activities are not weight-bearing, so they are easier on your joints. In addition, the soothing feel of warmer water can feel great on your sore joints. If you are not already a swimmer, taking a few classes can help you to start participating in these wonderful activities.
The best way to deal with arthritis is to become knowledgeable about the condition. There are numerous resources available for arthritis sufferers where you can find helpful tips on nutrition, exercise and pain management. If you take time to research arthritis, you'll find all kinds of new ways to reduce pain, as well as new therapies and foods that may help you.
You might not have thought of this, but you can help out with arthritis pains simply through calming music. This music relaxes you and your muscles, and in the process, relieves some of the pains caused by arthritis. If your arthritis causes insomnia, quiet and calming music can even help you sleep.
Eat a lot of protein. You need protein to fight the effects of arthritis on your bones, muscles and joints. If you are a vegetarian, it is especially important for you to find healthy sources of protein, and eat them regularly to stave off pain and inflammation.
Make losing weight a priority. Being overweight can cause painful swelling and inflammation if you have arthritis. When a person weighs too much it can cause the joints to have flare ups because they are under a lot of pressure. Shedding a few pounds can lessen how bad and how often the inflammation or swelling occurs.
Take note of your body's signals. Arthritis affects everyone differently, and only you know how your arthritis is personally affecting you. Pay attention to any signals your body may be sending out, and heed them. If you're weary, stop to rest.
Keep an arthritis journal. By keeping track of your daily activities and how much pain you feel, you will be able to find patterns that can help you identify triggers. Jot down everything you can so that when you have different levels of pain you can associate that with your diet, location, and activity.
While arthritis has no cure, it can be prevented. Should you get arthritis, it is possible to live a more comfortable life through treatment. By using the advice in this piece, hopefully you are now equipped with the tools you need to address arthritis before it takes too great a toll.
