| 1.Get enough sleep. Your body needs rest to repair, | | | | improvements and what may have helped. Record the |
| rebuild and restore itself. When your joints rest, the | | | | times and intensity of any pain, along with your diet, |
| inflammation decreases, alleviating the pain and | | | | medications, and exercises performed. When you look |
| swelling. Try to get at least seven to nine hours each | | | | back over the journal, you may isolate something that |
| night. | | | | triggers pain. Your health care provider will find a health |
| If you need to take a brief nap (around 15 minutes or | | | | journal a valuable tool with your next appointment. |
| so), this can help restore your energy level too. If you | | | | 5. Ladies: Your foot ware may be glamorous, but if the |
| are having trouble sleeping, read these tips on getting a | | | | heels are at least two inches high, it increases the |
| good night's sleep. | | | | twisting on your knees and the back of the kneecap |
| 2. How is your attitude? Focus on what is good in your | | | | joint. Check the wear on your shoes. If you are |
| life; enjoy being with your family or friends and | | | | exercising with shoes that are worn out you can |
| discovering what makes you laugh. If you do not have | | | | overstress the joints. |
| a regular exercise program, then start one. Keep your | | | | Note: If you have been using one pair of athletic shoes |
| body moving. | | | | for a year, it is time to replace them. |
| 3. Be conscious of your posture. Standing up straight | | | | 6. Evaluate your diet. Diets high in refined |
| will relieve the pressure on your joints. Also, if you | | | | carbohydrates, alcohol or caffeine contribute greatly to |
| need to get rid of excess weight, you will be amazed | | | | the distress of arthritis. Also, avoid excess use of |
| at the difference it makes. A weight loss of 10 pounds | | | | antacids...there are other solutions that are not so harsh |
| takes at least 30 pounds of weight off your knees. | | | | on your body. |
| 4.Keep a health journal to help you notice any | | | | |