Tips from the Arthritis Foundation

• Pay attention to symptoms, see your doctor and get an early, accurate diagnosis
• Educate yourself about the disease and on drug therapy options
• Avoid excess stress on your joints
• Exercise in water or through other low impact activities
• Lighten your mood – listen to music, visit with friends, take a vacation
• Eat more citrus fruits – for vitamin C and folic acid
• Dig in the dirt – its good for your fingers!
• Have a good laugh – it relaxes your muscles and relieves stress
• Protect yourself from the sun
• Talk to someone or keep a journal
• Lose some weight
• Increase your calcium intake
• Wear well-padded, well-fitting shoes
• Take a warm bath or get a massage
• Stretch
• Use pea or corn ice packs for sore joints
• Stop smoking

For more information, visit the Arthritis Foundation.