Tips On Coping With Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that affects many people. People who suffer from arthritis face physical limitations which impacts their daily life. However, there are things that can be done to make living with arthritis more bearable. This article will outline simple things you can do to cope with arthritis.
If you suffer from arthritis, you don't have to rely on just pain medication to alleviate it. One alternative which has been known to provide relief to arthritis sufferer is acupuncture. Acupuncture is believed to alleviate pain by increasing endorphins, which block the pain. A typical acupuncture treatment can last from 5 to 30 minutes, usually once or twice a week. Some symptoms of arthritis can be alleviated after the initial treatment, while more severe symptoms may require several treatments.
The foods you eat can make a difference in the severity of your arthritis. Making small changes to your daily diet can help you better manage your arthritis. One good food to incorporate into your diet is fatty fish or any food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. These include soy beans, walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seed and canola oil. Omega 3 decreases inflammation and inhibit the enzymes that cause it. Green tea can also help relieve arthritis since it contains antioxidants that diminishes the occurrences and severity of the disease.
There are some vitamins you should take that help improve the symptoms of arthritis. People that have a vitamin C deficiency should take vitamin C daily since a vitamin C deficiency increases the risk of arthritis. Arthritis sufferers should also include vitamin B in their daily routine to improve the low levels of vitamin B associated with arthritis. Other essential vitamins to take when dealing with arthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements lessens pain and improves the function of joints in people with arthritis.
It is important for people who suffer from arthritis to control their stress. Stress has a very negative effect on the body. It can increase pain and make it harder for arthritis sufferers to cope with the additional burdens of their disease. Stress causes tension in your muscles and worsens the symptoms of arthritis. Learn to reduce stress by identifying what triggers it and avoiding it. Incorporate stress reducing techniques such as meditation, massages, or deep breathing in order to manage it.
One essential factor to treat arthritis is exercise. Being physically active helps strengthen bones and muscles, reduce fatigue and increase stamina and flexibility. Exercise is crucial for having healthy joints. Your exercise program should include stretching, strengthening and endurance exercises. Stretching exercises are important to prevent deformities and stiffness in the joints and help keep them mobile. Strengthening exercises help increase the strength of the muscles which makes the joints more stable. Endurance exercises improve symptoms of arthritis by increasing strength and improving a person's mental attitude. However, if your joints are inflamed and swollen make sure to discuss with your doctor any exercise routine to avoid further injury.
Although arthritis can be a debilitating disease, there are many things that can be done to manage it. Implement some of the tips mentioned in this article to help you cope with arthritis and improve your quality of life.
