How To Treat Your Arthritis When You Overdo It
In spite of all your careful planning and best intentions, you will occasionally work or play too strenuously for your arthritic joints. This result of this will probably be an increase in pain and the symptoms of your disease. This article outlines some suggestions on how to minimize the price you have to pay for overdoing it.
Increase your pain medications as much as they allow. Whether you are taking prescriptions or over the counter pain killers, a slightly increased dose can help you get past the temporary spike of pain and stiffness you are sure to feel.
You probably know all about using hot and cold compresses to help your arthritis. Now would be a good time to try another course of alternating hot and cold treatments. Be sure to limit the time either is applied to 15 minutes, and wait until your skin regains its normal color before you apply the next compress. If your skin has red or dark purple patches after you remove the compress, the treatment was probably too strong.
Rest your body so it can heal itself. Even if you do not want to actually sleep, just allowing your muscles and joints to relax can help. It may be difficult to indulge in inactivity, especially if you have important tasks that need to be done. It is best to at least reduce your activity level, and take breaks to sit or lie down often.
Taking it easy will be more enjoyable if you have a good book you want to read, or pop in a DVD that you have been meaning to watch. If you have a laptop, you can also do some catching up on your emails, financial accounts or other online work that needs attention.
If you are person who is usually somewhat active, it may be difficult to continue resting long enough for your body to recover. It is important to make sure you are back to your normal self before you resume your daily activities. As a person who suffers from arthritis, your activity level is probably somewhat limited as compared to someone without it. Take care that you do not push yourself too hard again, even though you might feel you have to catch up on everyday chores that were neglected while you were recovering.
If you have access to a gym with a pool and a hot tub, take advantage of your downtime to spend some time there. Relaxing in the very warm water of a hot tub can sooth your aching joints, but do not spend too much time in the water if it is very hot. Once you are feeling a little better, use the pool to support your body while you gently exercise your joints. Movement is very important to prevent the stiffness that is associated with arthritis.
There are probably other common sense methods you know about to ease the pain of your arthritic joints. Add these valuable tips to your treatment plan to help yourself feel better faster.
