eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. If this seems like an impossible dream, ask your doctor for advice.
10. Keep a diary of your pain
The diary can help you understand your condition and give your doctor important clues for treatment. The very act of putting pen to paper can also give you a much-needed feeling of control.
11. Consider massage therapy
Massage can help ease the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Be sure to find someone who is used to working with patients with arthritis.
12. Practice relaxation
Because people tend to stiffen up and tense their muscles when they are in pain, it’s important to practice relaxation, whether it is through guided imagery, self-hypnosis, or other methods that allow you to calm and control your mind and body, according to arthritis experts. Meditation is another way to achieve this balance.
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13. Fight anxiety and depression
As reported in the Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, mental distress can fuel arthritis pain. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, consider seeking professional help. Remember that depression is a disease like any other, and no cause for embarrassment or shame.
14. Draw on your resources
According to the Arthritis Foundation, many people turn to prayer and their spiritual beliefs to deal with pain. Although few published studies have examined the effect of prayer and spirituality, research in behavioral medicine suggests that the interactions of the mind, body and spirit can have powerful effects on our health, according to the foundation.