Here are some of my suggestions:
1. Warm bath. Taking a warm bath has Always helped me, that is, when I can get in the tub.
2. Hold your hands under warm, running water.
3. Feet in the bathtub. Sit on the edge of the tub with your feet under the warm running water. A foot soaker works also.
4. Firm ball massage. Take any type of firm ball. A golf ball works the best, but any small ones will do. For sore feet & hands, place ball on floor & roll feet over it.
5. Heating pad. Yep. I usually manage to set up the heating pad when I think it'll help. I keep it plugged in near my bed.
6. Warm shower. Just standing, or sitting, in a warm shower helps.
7. Paraffin wax. You can buy these at Walgreen's. Warm wax you dip your hands, feet or elbows into. Let it dry & peel off the wax to feel it warm, smooth & moisturized.
8. Pet a cat or a dog. If you have the privilage of owning a furry pet, pet it. The motion of petting an animal increases circulation. Cats purring helps relieve pain in the hands due to the vibration of the cat.
9. Whirlpool. This is obvious.
10. Get in the pool. If you're able to, any type of moving in a pool helps. A warm pool is best. A cold one may aggrivate arthritis. If you're unable to get to the pool or get a suit on & off, try the bathtub.
11. Self massage. No, this isn't what you think. Simply rub your hands together somewhat fast. The motion increases blood flow making it easier to move your fingers & hands, and the heat just makes it feel better.
12. Stretch!! I cannot stress this enough. Stretching helps! I refused to stretch so many times when I was in pain, because I was in pain! But my wonderful boyfriend made me stretch & now I see the difference it makes. You must force yourself to stretch, even if it's just a finger or two.
1. There's a great, free, message board for those with arthritis that I goto all the time. The address is www.arthritisinsight.com. When I was alone & depressed & needed answers from others gong through the same thing, I went to the message board & found my answers & lots of caring people.
2. Talk to friends, loved ones or your doctor. Your doctor can also give you names of support groups.
3. Music! For me, music soothes my soul. When I am down, I put some music on & I start to forget my troubles!
4. Stretch!! I know it's hard to even think of moving when you feel so stiff, sore & depressed. But you have to! Just try a little bit, as much as you can. You will see an improvement in your attitude.
