Tag: joint pain

How to Prevent and Manage Arthritis Pain

If you suffer from arthritis, pain becomes a part of your life. Even those who have dealt with arthritis for years, still suffer. With arthritis, the pain is more than physical. It is emotional too. Help must be sought.

If you suffer from arthritis, you want pain relief. In fact, you may want it now. Yes, it is important to seek pain relief, but first look at the cause. When seeking relief, you want more than temporary relief. The best approach is to stop pain before it starts. How? Luckily, you have many options.

Exercise. Exercise is vital to create a strong and healthy body. Not only that, it can relieve and prevent the pain associated with arthritis. Those suffering from severe pain, often left their symptoms go untreated. Their joints are so stiff that it literally hurts to move. If you have reached this point, it will take time. If not, start the process now. Exercise results in joint movement, lessening the stiffness and the pain overtime. It also builds muscle strength. This strength provides the joints with protection, lessening the pressure and pain.

Wise use of joints. Those who suffer from severe forms of arthritis suffer every minute of the day. They wake up and feel pain. In fact, a full nights sleep may be near impossible. Prevent joint pain by wisely using your joints and muscles. Do you suffer from arthritis in your elbows or hips? If so, lessen the strenuous activity that requires these joints. Instead of lifting heavy boxes with your arms, lift with the entire body. Instead of turning only the upper part of the body at the hips, reposition the entire body to get a good look.

Sleep. As previously stated, sleep can be difficult for those suffering from severe pain. A good nights sleep is vital to preventing pain. The energy the body receives from sleep can ward off pain or lessen its severity. If your nights are restless, sleep whenever possible. This may involve afternoon naps, but the payoff is worth it. A well-rested and well-energized body is able to ward off pain and manage it better.

Do not load up on pain medication. Unfortunately, those who suffer from pain, whether it be arthritis or not, rely on pain relievers. Some reach the point where they take medication before pain even sets it. It will arrive eventually, so why wait. Do not take this approach, unless advised by a medical professional. The body grows dependant on the medication we ingest. It is easy to become addicted to over-the-counter pain medication. To prevent pain, exercise, eat healthy, and get a good night sleep. Wait until the pain arrives before turning to over-the-counter medication.

Speaking of when the pain arrives, you now know how to prevent arthritis pain, but what if you still feel it? The above mentioned steps prevent some from experiencing severe pain, but there are no guarantees. Our bodies are all different. If your attempts prove unsuccessful, the next step is management. You need to learn to manage your pain. Pain management will allow you to function from day-to-day.

Reduce stress and relax. There is no doubt that arthritis sufferers deal with pain. This is a proven fact. However, our bodies play a huge role in the impact it has on our lives. A positive outlook on life will help. The less you focus on your pain, the less you will feel. Relaxation is key too. Does a warm bath relax your body and sooth your joint pain? If so, fill up the bathtub, add scented bubbles, and turn on your favorite music.

Get a massage. Most patients are surprised to hear their physicians recommend massages. Most assume they will be loaded with pain relievers and sent homes. Yes, over-the-counter relievers do assist with pain, but so does a good old massage. It relaxes the body and mind. Massages also warm the body and promote movement. In some cases, regular massages can help to prevent pain.

As you can see, there are many ways to avoid and manage the pain associated with arthritis. In fact, these are just a few of your options. No matter what type of arthritis you suffer from or how severe the symptoms, know you are not alone and that relief is available.

PPPPP

Word Count 717

Home Remedies for Arthritis Pain Relief

Do suffer from arthritis? If so, the relief of symptoms is vital. Your ability to function day-to-day depends on your ability to prevent joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as treat it. The good news is that most can do this right from the comfort of their own home! Home remedies do vary. Not everyone sees relief from their arthritis symptoms, but you usually have nothing to lose by trying. So, which home remedies for arthritis relief should you try?

Epsom salt baths. Epsom salts main component is magnesium. It has long been used as a way to seek pain relief. To seek that relief, prepare a warm bath and add in epsom salt. Use the package to determine the appropriate mixture. The magnesium in the salt will help to reduce inflammation, resulting in pain relief and decreased swelling. The warm water calms the body and improves circulation. Pain relief is likely. Continued epsom salt baths not only relieve pain, but help to prevent it too.

Epson salt sprays. As previously stated, epsom salt baths can reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Unfortunately, those with disabilities or the inability to fully move may have difficulty settling into a bathtub. In these instances, epsom salt sprays are an ideal and convenient alternative. Take a spray bottle and fill with water. Use the salt package to determine how much salt should be added. Spray onto your unclothed body and rub. This mixture can be applied anytime of the day, but it is best to do after a warm shower.

Apple cider vinegar drink mixtures. For many arthritis patients, apple cider vinegar not only results in pain relief, but increased mobility. Mix up to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a large cup of water. You can also add honey for extra sweetness. Drink once or twice a day. Apple cider vinegar is acidy and it has a sour taste; always mix with water.

Apple cider vinegar soaking mixtures. In addition to drinking a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, you can also create a soaking mixture. This is ideal if you want to target a specific area of your body and get immediate pain relief. Mix cup of apple cider vinegar, with around one or two liters of water. Warm and soak. For large areas, soak a washcloth or towel in the mixture and apply to your achy joints.

Low-impact exercises. With arthritis, there is always the risk of complications. The risk of severe joint stiffness and deformities can be reduced with low-impact exercises. For many arthritis patients, stretching is enough of a workout. If you are overweight, lose weight. It lessens the pressure placed on joints. Low impact exercises include dancing around the house or walking around the block.

Foods with anti-inflammatory benefits. Did you know that some foods can reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis? Some can. These foods include fresh pineapples, fresh cherries, cayenne pepper, and sesame seeds. Although there is little to no proof to backup these claims, many arthritis patients have been eating these foods for years and recommend them.

The above mentioned home remedies are just a few of your many options. Your best bet is to purchase a home remedy book, available for sale online or in most bookstores. Look for any remedies that treat pain, discomfort, depression, difficulty sleeping, and inflammation.

PPPPP

Word Count 563