We understand the feeling. One of the most difficult aspects of life with arthritis is the loss of control. Something bad is happening in your joints and it’s not your fault. Simple tasks have become more difficult. You can’t live your life the way you want.

Thankfully — with medical advances, treatments like our warming and cooling arthritis relief creams, and simple, common sense everyday activities — there is still so much you CAN manage.

Here are some highlights from our Health and Lifestyle Choices For Arthritis (plus a few more relevant tips we’ve picked up from the arthritis community):

Slim Down/Remember to Eat Properly

If the primary color of your diet is “steak brown,” you might want to add a little color to the plate. Fresh oranges, orange juice and many other fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and offer more for your joints than that rib eye steak.

Also, did you know that the amount of your vitamin C intake can have effects on arthritis ? Take this diet quiz to see how much there is to learn.

Have a Plan

Limit your sitting time. Sitting loads more forces into the discs of your spine than any other position. Standing all day is not good either. Get up and move around every 45 minutes or so. Stretch and loosen up.

Also, consider reading aides to improve your sitting posture and ease strain on your bones. Be aware of how you are pacing your activities throughout the day, so you won’t be stuck in one position too long. This means driving, working, cleaning, shopping… and even reading.

Cool Swollen Painful Joints

Ice therapy can be great for inflammation, swelling, pain and edema. Don’t run out and waste money on ice packs. You can make them yourself in a one-gallon freezer bag. Put in two parts water and one part rubbing alcohol and toss it in the freezer. Also consider using Castiva Cooling Arthritis Relief Lotion.

Warm Stiff Painful Joints

Warming your joint tissue helps increase blood flow to the affected area and eases joint pain. A hot bath or a good heating pad can do the trick. Also consider using Castiva Warming Arthritis Relief Lotion with capsaicin.