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Were you aware that not only does arthritis cause pain and discomfort for the individual, but it also costs the United States just under $130 million per year? This is important to know because it shows that our economy takes a huge hit in addition to our bodies. Read this article for further information.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, measure your pain. Use a scale of one to ten to let yourself know how difficult a new task is for you to accomplish. Take a measurement before the task, and again after. This will let you know how that task is effecting your body, and your life.

One way that you can combat arthritis trouble is to be on the lookout for ergonomically-designed household tools. Today many manufacturers produce appliances and tools designed to maximize comfort and ease of use. These alternatives require less strain than traditional designs. Buying and using such products can help you prevent joint stress and avoid arthritis flare-ups.

Learn tai-chi. Tai-chi is a mind and body connective technique, that is also a form of light martial arts. Using tai-chi can help to convince yourself your body is not in as much pain as your mind believes. Some arthritis sufferers even claim that the use of this method allows them to use their mind to convince their body they are more flexible.

Smoking can increase your risk for different forms of arthritis which means you should cut back or quit altogether. The health benefits of quitting smoking are important overall of course, however, the prevention of potential joint damage or other more severe symptoms associated with arthritis are good reasons to drop the habit.

Keep your home clear and organized. Having a clean home can not only better your mood, but it also can prevent any safety hazards that may be lurking in the form of trips and falls. Get some help to straighten up your home, and you will have an easier time keeping it that way.

Try physical therapy. A good physical therapist should be able to help you identify where your issues come from and show you what kind of exercises you need to do. You might not have to go to physical therapy regularly. Perhaps, going once to establish a good work-out plan is enough.

Eat light foods. Eating heavy meals can make anyone feel slow and sluggish, and that effect is multiplied on those that suffer from arthritis. Having a light soup instead of a heavy steak can keep you feeling peppy and positive instead of fatigued and painful, so skip anything that may be too much.

Check out the Arthritis Foundation's list of recommended products and appliances. A lot of products are not easy to open for someone who suffers from arthritis, and certain appliances might be difficult to operate. This list contains products and appliances that can be opened or operate easily for someone with arthritis.

Treat yourself to a massage to help your arthritis pain. Seeing a trained massage therapist can help soothe your sore muscles, reduce your swelling and inflammation. You can also see these same benefits at home by massaging the affected areas for just a few minutes a day. Make sure to use oils or creams to make it as gentle as possible.

In conclusion, you now know that arthritis can hit home by causing great discomfort to you and your loved ones, as well as cause a great dent in the country's budget. Hopefully, this article will help you to understand how big of an impact this ailment causes and what you can do to help.