Tips to Cope With Arthritis Flare-Ups
Here are some ways you can cope with painful bouts of arthritis:
Wrap a towel around a hot-water bottle or a hot pack and place it on the painful area. Heat relaxes muscles and increases blood circulation. Use a cloth to protect skin from injury when treating an area over a bone that is close to the skin's surface
Apply a cold pack or ice pack to the painful area. Cold numbs the sore area and reduce inflammation and swelling.
Between heat or cold treatments, allow skin to return to a normal temperature and color.
Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) heat rub.
Get a gentle massage.
Wear clothes that keep you warm and dry.
Wear socks, gloves, leg warmers or knee socks to keep your joints warm while you sleep.
Use an electric blanket to pre-warm your bed and keep you warm at night.
Use OTC medications such as ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent that relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Be sure to understand and follow your health care provider's instructions.
