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Millions of people experience painful and physically limiting arthritis in one form or another. Even sleeping habits and mood
changes can impact arthritis and its symptoms There are a variety of helpful treatments, including medications, exercise, diet,
and lifestyle changes, which when combined, will help manage the disease and the pain.
So, what can you do to better deal with this disease?
Preventive Measures
There are several methods, some are preventative, to lessen how much pain you have when your arthritis acts up. One way is to
lose weight -- extra pounds add additional stress to your joints. Eating a healthy diet will not only help with those extra
pounds, but there are specific vitamins that are particularly beneficial to arthritis. Vitamin D absorbs calcium, builds bone
mass, and prevents bone loss; calcium strengthens your bones, and vitamin C repairs tissue.
Moderate exercising strengthens your joints and improves flexibility and stability. Those with rheumatoid arthritis need to
avoid exercising during flare-ups and should only exercise to the point where you feel mild discomfort. You should not feel pain.
Patients with arthritis should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep.
Immediate Treatment
When your arthritis does flare up there are different treatments to control the pain and inflammation. Ice packs can help
reduce swelling and inflammation, but people with circulatory problems should avoid this. You can use a heating pad or take a hot
bath or shower. Patients with arthritis sometimes use splints, braces, canes, or walkers for better stability. Medications can
have serious side effects, so you need to weigh the advantages against the setbacks with your doctor.
If you don't move around a lot throughout the day, this can also affect your arthritis. Sitting at a computer desk for 8 hours
or more a day can stiffen your joints. Take frequent breaks to move around and stretch. Using a trackball rather than a mouse and
a split keyboard are better options. And save on your typing. If you have the right software you can use "macros" to store
frequently used words and phrases.
There are also some at-home measures you can put into practice to ease your arthritis. A "grabber" can help you pick laundry
up off the floor or get a can out of the cupboard. Replace round doorknobs with levered handles and faucet handles that twist.
Most importantly, don't overdo it. Tiring yourself out can especially provoke flare-ups for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Take breaks and don't feel like you have to do everything on your to-do list every day.
There is no direct correlation between how severe your arthritis is and how much pain you feel, but there are many things you
can do to avoid or reduce arthritis flare-ups. You don't want your arthritis to flare up because you've overextended yourself, so
take it easy. While it's essential to do your part, it's also important to consult with your doctor. Don't be reluctant to seek
out help and look into what resources are available from your local Arthritis Foundation.
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