Coping with arthritis pain can be challenging. Depending upon where your arthritis is located, you can suffer mild to severe lack of mobility because of this condition. There are many ways to deal with pain, and what works for you might not work for someone else. Sometimes you may need more than one approach to pain. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can take measures to cope with your pain so it doesn't debilitate you.

Get Plenty of Exercise

Regular, moderate exercise helps strengthen joints, improves flexibility and can help ease pain. Incorporate aerobic exercise as well as strength training into your lifestyle. Strength training makes your muscles stronger and range-of-motion exercises ease stiffness. Don't engage in activities that put pressure on your joints. Running, jumping, high-impact aerobics or exercises that involve repetition over an extended amount of time should be avoided. It is important to exercise at your own pace, reports the Arthritis Foundation. Listening to your body is critical because pain indicates you might need to slow down.

Apply Heat and Cold

Applying heat to your joints may decrease pain because reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles. Sometimes soaking in a hot bath will ease pain considerably. You can also apply a heating pad to achy joints. An alternative to heating pads is heat wraps, which can be more convenient than heating pads. Sometimes ice, or cold, can help east arthritis pain. Cold packs reduce blood flow and are beneficial for swelling after exercise or during a flare-up.

Try Nontraditional Approaches

Biofeedback involves focusing on your body's reaction to pain and stress. The idea is to learn how your body feels when it is relaxed so you can control responses. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) occurs through a device that sends electrical pulses to a painful area. Some TENS devices block pain and others cause your body to release endorphins. Acupuncture involves placing thin needles in specific spots on the body with the intent of blocking nerve pain. Ultrasound therapy involves using sound waves to soothe aching joints.

Look for Support

Don't be afraid to seek help and support from others. Support groups are helpful because they help you realize you are not alone. It's also good to exchange information with others who experience the same problems as you. Some cases may call for the help of a trained counselor to help you cope with the emotional toll of certain health conditions.

Source:

Arthritis Foundation: How to Cope with Pain

Arthritis Today: Pain Treatments

Arthritis Foundation: Managing Pain