The Top Ten Ways To Manage Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a very difficult condition to live with, especially if you love being active. Check out the following powerful and effective tips that will help you manage arthritis better.

1. Know your risks. Genetics and previous injuries can be significant precursors to developing certain types of arthritis. Talk to your doctor as early as possible about your odds and the preventative measures you can start taking right now.

2. Stay physically active. Especially with joint pain, movement may seem unappealing to you but it's really the best thing you can do for your body. With or without arthritis, low-impact workouts strengthen and condition joints and muscles and help keep the body in good fighting condition.

3. Maintain a healthy weight. Try carrying around a five-pound weight for a few hours and you get a pretty good idea of the strain a little extra weight puts on your entire body. Just a few pounds can tax your joints to the extent that you are at greater risk for developing or worsening arthritis conditions.

4. Change your diet. Antioxidants can actually alleviate pain, and omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation; talk to your physician about the best foods to include as part of a healthy, arthritis-fighting regimen.

5. Ask for help from friends and family. If you have to rake a large yard, clean out the garage or move heavy things around, solicit the help of a caring individual. Tell your family, friends and neighbors about your arthritic conditions and what your limitations may be, so that they will be ready to give you a hand at the first heavy snow fall or whatever the case may be.

6. Watch your posture. The strongest, healthiest bodies are susceptible to the strain and contortions of poor posture; anybody suffering with arthritis is at even greater risk for pain and possible damage. Walk, stand and sleep in a manner which protects and supports your body.

7. Stretch often. Especially first thing every morning, or if you sit for long periods of time throughout the day, gentle but thorough stretching is highly recommended for those suffering with arthritis stiffness and pain. Check with your doctor about the safest and most efficient methods of working out kinks and keeping flexibility in muscles and joints.

8. Take your medicine. Many doctors report being frustrated over patient's refusal to cooperate with taking arthritis medicines, and many patients report frustration with the lack of effectiveness or adverse side-effects of them. Keep the lines of communication open and look for ways to combat side-effects, like drinking more water and increasing your fiber intake. Medication can be very helpful in reducing inflammation and preventing further damage.

9. Keep your check-ups. Regular visits to your physician are essential for managing arthritis; new treatments and information are constantly emerging from the medical community, which may improve your condition in a number of ways. Follow-up evaluations are essential, especially when a new treatment or medicine has been introduced.

10. Stay in the know. Read up on the topic of your particular type of arthritis and keep yourself up-to-date with the latest advancements and discoveries. Try signing up on a forum where other people suffering with this difficult condition gather to compare notes, help and support each other or just vent about the challenges.

Arthritis may not be curable, but it is livable. Follow these tips, along with your doctor's good advice and you can overcome the challenges posed by arthritis.