About 14 percent of all people have some form of arthritis and suffer enough to seek medical care. Arthritis can be discouraging, however there are lots of ways to relieve pain and release stiff joints.
Take a walk
Walking can greatly improve a person's attitude and fight against the vicious circle of depression and pain arthritis can bring.
Walking provides a natural tranquilizing and mood-elevating effect and can help ease arthritis pain. Start slowly, walking as far as you can without feeling more pain than before you started. If that means walking across the room then that's a good start.
Walk in water
If walking proves too difficult try walking in water. The water supports most of your body weight, taking the stress off of your back, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
Use heat to ease pain
Moist heat can ease pain and stiffness from both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Chill out pain
Cooling treatments can also soothe some inflamed joints. However make sure you keep a layer of cloth between a cold pack and your body to avoid skin damage. Avoid too much cold if your circulation is poor.
Try a warm shower
A way to loosen up stiff joints is to take a warm shower or bath first thing upon rising. You can also try wearing socks or leg warmers to bed which may help keep the pain away at night.