Wednesday, October 2, 2013

6 Tips on Coping With Arthritis Pain


1.Get enough sleep. Your body needs rest to repair, rebuild and restore itself. When your joints rest, the inflammation decreases, alleviating the pain and swelling. Try to get at least seven to nine hours each night.

If you need to take a brief nap (around 15 minutes or so), this can help restore your energy level too. If you are having trouble sleeping, read these tips on getting a good night's sleep.

2. How is your attitude? Focus on what is good in your life; enjoy being with your family or friends and discovering what makes you laugh. If you do not have a regular exercise program, then start one. Keep your body moving.

3. Be conscious of your posture. Standing up straight will relieve the pressure on your joints. Also, if you need to get rid of excess weight, you will be amazed at the difference it makes. A weight loss of 10 pounds takes at least 30 pounds of weight off your knees.

4.Keep a health journal to help you notice any improvements and what may have helped. Record the times and intensity of any pain, along with your diet, medications, and exercises performed. When you look back over the journal, you may isolate something that triggers pain. Your health care provider will find a health journal a valuable tool with your next appointment.

5. Ladies: Your foot ware may be glamorous, but if the heels are at least two inches high, it increases the twisting on your knees and the back of the kneecap joint. Check the wear on your shoes. If you are exercising with shoes that are worn out you can overstress the joints.

Note: If you have been using one pair of athletic shoes for a year, it is time to replace them.

6. Evaluate your diet. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, alcohol or caffeine contribute greatly to the distress of arthritis. Also, avoid excess use of antacids...there are other solutions that are not so harsh on your body.

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