If you suffer from joint pain due to arthritis, there are many things you can do every day to improve your condition. Some may seem quite simple!

1.Reduce the stress on joints
Standing up for long periods, repeating the same tasks. Try changing the daily routine slightly which could mean sitting down for rest bites every hour. A change of footwear could help cushion the joints acting as shock absorbers wear thick sole shoes instead of thin shoes. Try and keep in your ideal weight range, extra weight means more pressure. Try low impact sports such as swimming to reduce weight. Equip your home or office with things that will help you carry out your daily tasks.

2.Diet
Fruit and vegetables hold great amounts of natural benefits, eating a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables, rice and pasta can also help with weight loss. Some people with arthritis find their condition improves when they give up certain foods. One theory is that this is because of a food allergy or food intolerance. To date no evidence has been found relating certain foods and conditions.

3.Help reduce the pain
This part relates to basic first aid on joints, if warmth is applied to the affected area it can relieve the pain and stiffness. Items such as creams, heat lamps and even hot water bottles can help. If the problem area is inflamed use an ice pack to help reduce this. Always remember to cover the ice, ice can burn if placed directly on the skin. Stress and muscle tension can also be a contributing factor try listening to music, having a long hot bath this can also help.

4. Foods that help
Foods can help with arthritis certain foods and dietary supplements have been linked to helping people with the condition. Some have been tested more than others. For example, there's evidence that the essential fatty acids found in fish oil and plant seed oils, such as sunflower oil and evening primrose oil, may help some people with rheumatoid arthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and cod liver oil can help those with osteoarthritis.

Posted: Friday, 7 November 2008 By Martyn Bleasdale