Some ways you can manage and prevent arthritis pain and inflammation.

If you suffer from arthritis, pain and inflammation 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’s emotional too.

When seeking relief, you want more than temporary relief. The best approach is to stop pain before it starts. How? Fortunately, you have many options. Let’s go over some of them now:

– Exercise

Exercise is vital to create a strong and healthy body. Not only that, it can relieve and prevent the pain and inflammation 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.

– Protect 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 night’s sleep may be near impossible. Prevent joint pain by wisely using your joints and muscles. For instance, if you suffer from arthritis in your elbows or hips? Limit 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 I mentioned, sleep can be difficult for those suffering from severe pain. A good night’s 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.

– Medication in moderation

Unfortunately, those who suffer from pain and inflammation, whether it’s arthritis related or not, rely on pain relievers. Some reach the point where they take medication before pain even sets in. They think it will start eventually, so why wait. Don’t take this approach, unless advised by a medical professional. The body grows dependent on the medication we ingest. It is easy to become mentally 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.

– Reduce stress

There is no doubt that arthritis sufferer’s deal with pain. 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.