| Learn to Cope with Arthritis | | | | chrondroitin, and SAMe supplements may |
| Learning to cope with a chronic illness | | | | reduce pain, swelling and stiffness for |
| is an ongoing process. | | | | some people. In some studies, fish oil |
| With most illnesses, you know it will go | | | | has been shown to reduce inflammation, |
| away in a few days or weeks. But a | | | | pain and stiffness. At least a dozen |
| chronic illness like arthritis may never | | | | different herbs have been used to ease |
| go away. Millions of American suffer | | | | the symptoms of arthritis. The National |
| from arthritis. People with the same | | | | Institutes of Health considers |
| symptoms and pain cope differently. | | | | acupuncture an acceptable alternative |
| Some people see themselves as fairly | | | | treatment for osteoarthritis. Studies |
| helpless and limited. Others see | | | | have shown that it helps reduce pain, |
| themselves in control of their disease | | | | may significantly lessen the need for |
| and focus on what they can do and | | | | painkillers, and can help increase range |
| don’t dwell on what they | | | | of motion in affected areas. Copper |
| can’t do. People with a positive, | | | | bracelets have long been used to ease |
| proactive attitude will usually | | | | the pain of arthritis for many people. |
| experience less pain and limitations. | | | | Bio-Magnetic Therapy is being used by |
| Lifestyle changes are often necessary. | | | | many people to help control the symptoms |
| Stress causes muscle tension which can | | | | and pain of arthritis. |
| worsen arthritis pain. You will need to | | | | It has been proven to reduce pain, |
| learn to control stress by avoiding | | | | lessen stress, improve sleep, increase |
| situations which cause stress or | | | | energy, and improve circulation. All of |
| changing your reaction to the situation. | | | | these benefits of Bio-Magnetic Therapy |
| You will need to understand your pain | | | | are things that will help you cope with |
| and your body’s needs. Learn when | | | | your illness. Unlike most medications |
| it is time to relax and rest before you | | | | for arthritis, there are no known side |
| become too tired. Learn to ask for help | | | | effects of using bio-magnetic therapy |
| with a task when necessary. Learn to | | | | and it can be used in conjunction with |
| tell the difference between pain | | | | other treatment options. |
| associated with your illness and that | | | | For many, although by no means everyone, |
| caused by overuse. Use assistive | | | | arthritis seems to be an inevitable part |
| devices to make daily tasks easier and | | | | of the aging process. |
| less harmful. Don’t view these | | | | There are no signs of a real cure on the |
| devices as a sign of weakness; they are | | | | immediate horizon. However, advances in |
| just one more tool you can use to help | | | | conventional medical treatment and |
| preserve function of your joints for as | | | | alternative therapies make living with |
| long as possible. Exercise is important | | | | arthritis more bearable. You may not be |
| to keep your body moving and flexible. | | | | able to make arthritis pain totally go |
| A good night’s sleep is important | | | | away or do everything that you once |
| in pain management. | | | | could. But you can make the most of |
| If you never reach Stage 3 sleep (the | | | | what you can do, which includes fully |
| deep sleep you need for your body and | | | | utilizing the medical and alternative |
| muscles to get true rest), your fatigue | | | | therapies available to you, leading a |
| and pain will worsen. Talk to your | | | | joint-healthy lifestyle, and maintaining |
| doctor, Tricycles antidepressants can | | | | a positive attitude. is a popular |
| improve your sleep. | | | | Bio-Magnetic product guide where you can |
| There are now a numbers of alternative | | | | find valuable information, articles, and |
| therapies used for arthritis. | | | | knowledge about arthritis treatments, |
| Discuss them with your doctor if you are | | | | procedures, and products to help relieve |
| considering using any of them. Many of | | | | your symptoms. |
| these therapies have not been proven to | | | | (*You may reprint this article as long |
| be effective, although they seem to work | | | | as you keep this resource box intact and |
| for some people. Glucosamine, | | | | all links clickable. |