Learn to Cope With Arthritis

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