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15 Ways To Handle Arthritis |
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by Pam Stushnoff, Nov 8, 2006 |
If arthritis is slowing you down take a look at some ways to help you cope. |
- Lose weight. Excess weight causes unnecessary stress and pressure on joints
- Stretch – but gently - to keep proper joint alignment. Consider yoga.
- Learn to relax. Study up on some relaxation techniques to help you deal with pain.
- Pace yourself. Don't try to do everything in one day. Do a bit everyday.
- Use a muscle ointment before bed to help you wake up without stiff muscles.
- If available us an isolation or sensory deprivation tank to help relieve pain.
- Try Eucalypt-Mint – a eucalyptus ointment – with moist heat, on stiff joints.
- Try water exercises to help with the pain and to keep you active.
- Use ice when your joint has been stresses from overuse.
- Use heat when your joint is hot, swollen and tender.
- Keep active. Get your pulse rate up you'll feel better all over.
- Limit the drugs. Don't let yourself become dependant on drugs. You may end up with more problems than you want.
- Make sure your getting enough vitamins. Check with you doctor about increasing vitamin C, D and A as a way of handling arthritis.
- Under go an allergy screening to see if you are unknowingly allergic to certain foods which may be aggravating your arthritis.
- Limit your vegetable oil intake. Foods high in omega-6 fatty acids may cause your arthritis to flare up.
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