Tips to Cope With Arthritis Flare-Ups

Here are some ways you can cope with painful bouts of arthritis:

• Wrap a towel around a hot-water bottle or a hot pack and place it on the painful area. Heat relaxes muscles and increases blood circulation. Use a cloth to protect skin from injury when treating an area over a bone that is close to the skin's surface

• Apply a cold pack or ice pack to the painful area. Cold numbs the sore area and reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Between heat or cold treatments, allow skin to return to a normal temperature and color.

• Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) heat rub.

• Get a gentle massage.

• Wear clothes that keep you warm and dry.

• Wear socks, gloves, leg warmers or knee socks to keep your joints warm while you sleep.

• Use an electric blanket to pre-warm your bed and keep you warm at night.

• Use OTC medications such as ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent that relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Be sure to understand and follow your health care provider's instructions.