Arthritis! Oh no, It can’t be! Am I going to be crippled? Oh my God! My life’s over! Arthritis! I’d rather die than become a cripple! These are just some of the thoughts that run through the mind when a person is diagnosed with arthritis. However, the important thing is that you are not alone; there are hundreds if not thousands like you. Also, even if arthritis is not curable, at least arthritis pain relief is possible. It is very important that you educate yourself by talking to the doctor and by reading up on your ailment. Joining a support group will also help because it will provide the much needed emotional support you need in dealing with your condition.

Arthritis pain relief is a multi-pronged strategy. It includes dietary control and supplements, medication, exercise, alternative therapies, pain management and common sense. First things first. Consult the right kind of medical practitioner. A Rheumatologist is the consultant you need. Ask your physician for a referral. The consultant will be able to guide you n identifying your particular kind of arthritis since there are so many different kind of the condition. He will also help you deal with your fears. The important thing to remember is that even though you have to live with a certain amount of pain, there is no reason why you should live with excruciatingly crippling pain.

The diagnosis of a lifelong condition is a painful situation fraught with grief. The sufferer will first go into denial, next experience anger at having become a sufferer, and then the patient tries bargaining through self talk and prayer; when he finds that the ailment is not going to suddenly disappear, depression sets in. Finally the patient reaches the acceptance stage with or without help. Seeking assistance by visiting a psychologist or finding moral support from joining a support group for dealing with the five stages will help you emerge emotionally stronger. Some individuals are fortunate that they receive adequate support from family and friends that helps them deal with the five stages quite effortlessly.

One way of dealing with pain is to use the medications recommend by your doctor and make sure you use it correctly. This is important because constant pain is psychologically stressful that leads to muscles and nerves strain and even more pain. The vicious circle of pain leading to pain needs to be broken. Deep breathing is one way of relaxing that will help you relax and break the circle.

Using heat and cold is a good way to deal with pain, and can be used for pain relief. However, make sure you use it correctly when dealing with arthritis pain or your pain will worsen.

Your doctor will suggest gentle exercises for you too. These include walking, low impact aerobics, even dance exercise. Follow it religiously. Diet will help keep your weight in control and will help you stay away from foods that may be aggravating your condition. Dietary supplements like Glucosamine may also help but you need to consult your doctor.

Alternative therapies like acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology also make claims about effectiveness, but always talk to the therapist and learn all you can before you begin the therapy and do discontinue if you find that it is not working for you.