Arthritis is a physical condition that causes extensive damage to the joints of the body. It can hamper mobility and can greatly decrease the ability of the patient from performing regular day-to-day activities. Pain is an integral part of this condition and individuals suffering from arthritis have constant pain in their joints. This makes their condition all the more difficult. There are some ways to cope with the pain resulting out of arthritis and patients can try one of these to alleviate their pain.
The most common way to cope with arthritis pain is to take muscle pain relievers that are available in drug stores. A lot of it is available over the counter, though some require prescription from the doctor. There are pros and cons with either kind of medicines. Over the counter medications usually do not have any side effect, but they are mild and may not give the required relief. Prescription drugs, on the other hand, are very powerful and will give immediate relief from pain, but they may have side-effects in the long run. It is up to the patient to decide the kind of drug that must be taken, depending on the age and the severity of the pain.
Another important tip to cope with the pain is to make changes to the current lifestyle. Diet must include more calcium and vitamin and less of protein and fat. So, it is a good idea to include more fruits, vegetables, lean meat and milk. Exercise is an important part of preventing and treating arthritis. When the joints are moved, even at a very slow pace, it can provide relief and it can help them to keep working. Excess weight can make arthritis worse and so one must always be cautious of it. Obese and overweight people must take efforts to reduce weight by changing the diet and by trying to include more exercise into the daily activities. Some relaxation techniques also have a good effect on the pain. Yoga, Tai chi and acupuncture are also used to get relief from the pain.
Physical therapy can help to alleviate the pain. It helps to restore movement in the joints. It can be a very slow, yet effective process. When everything else has failed, the final way to treat pain is to go in for Arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure that helps to bring movement in the joints.
These are some of the ways to cope with pain from arthritis.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Arthritis Causes
When you are diagnosed with arthritis you might not be concerned with why you have it or what caused it, you are more interested in what you can do to get some pain relief and resume your normal life activities. Later, you may wonder what caused your arthritis. Did you workout too hard? Did grandma pass it down to you or is it just a part of your makeup that you will have to deal with. The causes of arthritis depend a lot on what type of arthritis you have.
Medical News Today describes the causes of some of the most common arthritis conditions including osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is caused when cartridge loses its elasticity over time and is commonly caused by aging. As the cartilage wears away the tendons and ligaments are not protected and the bones become vulnerable and pain is investable as they rub against each other. In addition to normal aging, genetics play a large part in developing osteoarthritis. If your family has a history of this disease you are likely to develop it.
Injury to tendons or muscles can cause degenerative arthritis. These types of injury often occur while playing sports or exercising and the arthritis might not appear for years. If your body has an imbalanced metabolism or problems with its immune system you can develop gout or pseudo gout. These are painful arthritis conditions that are a direct result of the body’s metabolic or immune system being off kilter.
Arthritis associated with Lyme disease is caused by an infection that typically comes from being bitten by deer tick. Lyme disease has many other symptoms in addition to arthritis and is a dangerous infection. Once the Lyme disease is successfully treated the arthritis may continue to linger for years. This could be due to the autoimmune system being compromised by the Lyme disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system which also is the cause of systemic lupus. Knowing the cause of the arthritis, such as in lupus and rheumatoid, makes treating the arthritis easier to do and more precise for doctors to do.
Not all types of arthritis have a definitive cause and treatment is more difficult. However, if doctors can find an exact cause for your arthritis you are closer to getting the treatment options to help alleviate your pain.
Resources: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php
Medical News Today describes the causes of some of the most common arthritis conditions including osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is caused when cartridge loses its elasticity over time and is commonly caused by aging. As the cartilage wears away the tendons and ligaments are not protected and the bones become vulnerable and pain is investable as they rub against each other. In addition to normal aging, genetics play a large part in developing osteoarthritis. If your family has a history of this disease you are likely to develop it.
Injury to tendons or muscles can cause degenerative arthritis. These types of injury often occur while playing sports or exercising and the arthritis might not appear for years. If your body has an imbalanced metabolism or problems with its immune system you can develop gout or pseudo gout. These are painful arthritis conditions that are a direct result of the body’s metabolic or immune system being off kilter.
Arthritis associated with Lyme disease is caused by an infection that typically comes from being bitten by deer tick. Lyme disease has many other symptoms in addition to arthritis and is a dangerous infection. Once the Lyme disease is successfully treated the arthritis may continue to linger for years. This could be due to the autoimmune system being compromised by the Lyme disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system which also is the cause of systemic lupus. Knowing the cause of the arthritis, such as in lupus and rheumatoid, makes treating the arthritis easier to do and more precise for doctors to do.
Not all types of arthritis have a definitive cause and treatment is more difficult. However, if doctors can find an exact cause for your arthritis you are closer to getting the treatment options to help alleviate your pain.
Resources: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php
Friday, February 19, 2010
Arthritis Foods - Understanding Foods That Have Anti-Inflammatory Magic
Arthritis foods simply means dieting properly so that the pain you experience becomes manageable. You cannot prevent arthritis from happening to you, but you can control how it affects your life. One of the recommended ways is to watch your food intake, and make sure that you avoid fatty, sugary foods, while including anti-inflammatory foods.
Extra Virgin Oil is the best kind of oil to use because it is teeming with monounsaturated fat. It will work very well on arthritis sufferers by stemming inflammation. This is because of the presence of anti-oxidants called polyphenols. To use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you can make your own Italian dressing for your salads. You can also use it for cooking as long as you do not cook the oil for long. Olive oil is not good for deep-frying. It loses its “magic.” In fact, what you can do is add it to your cooking a few minutes before removing from heat - like in spaghetti sauce.
Seafood, Seaweed, Salmon, Flaxseeds are food rich in Omega-3. This is fatty acids that suppress enzymes production like cytokines which causes bone damage that leads to arthritis. However, not all seafood fall under this category, so you will need to get a detailed list from your doctor which seafood to avoid.
Spices like ginger and turmeric also have anti-inflammatory magic, and are good arthritis foods to include in your diet. This means having a rich seafood or chicken curry once in a while. There are also arthritis foods with ginger in many Asian dishes like Broccoli with Oyster sauce and Chopsuey. You can even have ginger tea or ginger cookies, if you are feeling adventurous enough. Just make sure that it is not too sweet.
Vegetables and Fruits will naturally be part of arthritis foods that have anti-inflammatory magic. Again, we see a lot of anti-oxidants in broccoli, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and berries. It would be also better if you buy the organic produce to lessen the amount of preservatives you ingest.
Green Tea, Black Tea from Japan or China should be part of your daily diet. In fact, green tea is the most beneficial tea variety for almost all illnesses, including arthritis. The best kind of green tea would be to brew your own. It’s easy to do, and you get the full benefits of green tea.
When you have to adjust your diet to help you deal with the pain, the best arthritis foods will always be anything that contains anti-oxidants. Aside from the abovementioned food and spices, you should also consider nuts, cocoa powder, corn, natural Vitamin C, and whole grain.
With a solid diet of magic arthritis foods, managing pain from this potentially debilitating condition becomes easier. The question is, “Do you believe in magic?”
Extra Virgin Oil is the best kind of oil to use because it is teeming with monounsaturated fat. It will work very well on arthritis sufferers by stemming inflammation. This is because of the presence of anti-oxidants called polyphenols. To use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you can make your own Italian dressing for your salads. You can also use it for cooking as long as you do not cook the oil for long. Olive oil is not good for deep-frying. It loses its “magic.” In fact, what you can do is add it to your cooking a few minutes before removing from heat - like in spaghetti sauce.
Seafood, Seaweed, Salmon, Flaxseeds are food rich in Omega-3. This is fatty acids that suppress enzymes production like cytokines which causes bone damage that leads to arthritis. However, not all seafood fall under this category, so you will need to get a detailed list from your doctor which seafood to avoid.
Spices like ginger and turmeric also have anti-inflammatory magic, and are good arthritis foods to include in your diet. This means having a rich seafood or chicken curry once in a while. There are also arthritis foods with ginger in many Asian dishes like Broccoli with Oyster sauce and Chopsuey. You can even have ginger tea or ginger cookies, if you are feeling adventurous enough. Just make sure that it is not too sweet.
Vegetables and Fruits will naturally be part of arthritis foods that have anti-inflammatory magic. Again, we see a lot of anti-oxidants in broccoli, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and berries. It would be also better if you buy the organic produce to lessen the amount of preservatives you ingest.
Green Tea, Black Tea from Japan or China should be part of your daily diet. In fact, green tea is the most beneficial tea variety for almost all illnesses, including arthritis. The best kind of green tea would be to brew your own. It’s easy to do, and you get the full benefits of green tea.
When you have to adjust your diet to help you deal with the pain, the best arthritis foods will always be anything that contains anti-oxidants. Aside from the abovementioned food and spices, you should also consider nuts, cocoa powder, corn, natural Vitamin C, and whole grain.
With a solid diet of magic arthritis foods, managing pain from this potentially debilitating condition becomes easier. The question is, “Do you believe in magic?”
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Arthritis Nutrition Tips
It may often seem like every time you go to the doctor his answer is diet and exercise no matter what your ailment is. While that may be stretching it slightly, it is true that nutrition plays a huge role in keeping your body healthy and can impact ailments such as arthritis. In order to know how food affects your body and arthritis in particular you need to have some arthritis nutrition tips to use as a guideline while grocery shopping.
At All 4 Natural Health they suggest some diet and nutritional goals that will help with arthritis. The number one diet tip that is offered is to increase the amount of fatty fish that is consumed. This is because of the Omega-3 fatty acids that you get when you eat fish such as salmon and mackerel. These have been shown to help with arthritis.
If you don’t like fish you can add soybeans and avocado to your diet to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. These foods are also rich in the essential amino acid. You can also take a supplemental tablet of Omega-3 that is made from fish oils.
Research has shown that arthritis sufferers should limit their consumption of beef, corn or salt. The research shows that these foods have high allergic tendencies that often aggravate arthritis symptoms.
People with arthritis need to add fresh fruits and vegetables to their diets in order to keep their arthritis symptoms at bay and have better overall health in general.
Foods that should be avoided by arthritis sufferers are those foods that prevent the body from absorbing calcium such as cranberries, coffee, alcohol and spinach. Avoiding these foods can help keep you from having arthritis flare ups and helps your body absorb the calcium it needs to be bone and joint healthy.
Pick your foods carefully; they are doing more than just providing nutrition. In many cases they are helping you avoid outbreaks of illness and ailments and helping you stay healthy and strong. Arthritis, like any other disease, has foods that aggravate it and foods that are beneficial to it. Choose those foods and keep your arthritis where it belongs, in the background.
At All 4 Natural Health they suggest some diet and nutritional goals that will help with arthritis. The number one diet tip that is offered is to increase the amount of fatty fish that is consumed. This is because of the Omega-3 fatty acids that you get when you eat fish such as salmon and mackerel. These have been shown to help with arthritis.
If you don’t like fish you can add soybeans and avocado to your diet to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. These foods are also rich in the essential amino acid. You can also take a supplemental tablet of Omega-3 that is made from fish oils.
Research has shown that arthritis sufferers should limit their consumption of beef, corn or salt. The research shows that these foods have high allergic tendencies that often aggravate arthritis symptoms.
People with arthritis need to add fresh fruits and vegetables to their diets in order to keep their arthritis symptoms at bay and have better overall health in general.
Foods that should be avoided by arthritis sufferers are those foods that prevent the body from absorbing calcium such as cranberries, coffee, alcohol and spinach. Avoiding these foods can help keep you from having arthritis flare ups and helps your body absorb the calcium it needs to be bone and joint healthy.
Pick your foods carefully; they are doing more than just providing nutrition. In many cases they are helping you avoid outbreaks of illness and ailments and helping you stay healthy and strong. Arthritis, like any other disease, has foods that aggravate it and foods that are beneficial to it. Choose those foods and keep your arthritis where it belongs, in the background.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Common Arthritis Treatments
Arthritis is a common problem in America and it is estimated that more than 20 million people suffer from it. There are many kinds of arthritis and the most common ones are Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Psoriasis and Infectious arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system of the body rebels and attacks the body tissues, especially those near the joints. This is a serious disease and it can make individuals severely crippled and deformed within a few years. It has no cure mainly because it usually occurs in the later part of one's life. The treatments are all based on drugs and medications for this kind of arthritis.
Some immuno-suppressant medications can control the immune system's attack of the cartilage and tissues while pain relievers can provide relief from the pain. Some doctors even prescribe an anti-rheumatoid drug that can limit the immune system from causing further damage to the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that affects larger bones in the body like hips and back. It occurs in the later stages of life and it is caused due to the daily wear and tear of bones and joints. It causes two bones to rub against each other. This condition limits movement and it can be very painful to even do the daily activities. One of the main reasons for osteoarthritis is obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be prevented by regular exercise and healthy eating habits. The main treatment is a change to the overall lifestyle. Mild exercises like swimming can provide a lot of relief to the pain. Massage with any kind of herbal oil will also help to alleviate the pain. Many pain killers and heating pads are available that can also be used to reduce the pain.
Psoriasis is a kind of arthritis that starts off as a skin disease and slowly progresses to pain in the joints. This form of arthritis can occur periodically and there is no treatment available. Infectious arthritis is also severe and it is accompanied by fever and chills, besides the pain.
Arthroplasty is a surgical treatment available for people who are in their advanced stage of arthritis. Artificial surfaces are attached to bones to provide better movement in the joints. Pain relievers, massage, yoga and acupuncture can provide temporary relief from pain. Due to this lack of treatment, it is a good idea to prevent them from occurring in the first place by regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Some immuno-suppressant medications can control the immune system's attack of the cartilage and tissues while pain relievers can provide relief from the pain. Some doctors even prescribe an anti-rheumatoid drug that can limit the immune system from causing further damage to the joints.
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that affects larger bones in the body like hips and back. It occurs in the later stages of life and it is caused due to the daily wear and tear of bones and joints. It causes two bones to rub against each other. This condition limits movement and it can be very painful to even do the daily activities. One of the main reasons for osteoarthritis is obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be prevented by regular exercise and healthy eating habits. The main treatment is a change to the overall lifestyle. Mild exercises like swimming can provide a lot of relief to the pain. Massage with any kind of herbal oil will also help to alleviate the pain. Many pain killers and heating pads are available that can also be used to reduce the pain.
Psoriasis is a kind of arthritis that starts off as a skin disease and slowly progresses to pain in the joints. This form of arthritis can occur periodically and there is no treatment available. Infectious arthritis is also severe and it is accompanied by fever and chills, besides the pain.
Arthroplasty is a surgical treatment available for people who are in their advanced stage of arthritis. Artificial surfaces are attached to bones to provide better movement in the joints. Pain relievers, massage, yoga and acupuncture can provide temporary relief from pain. Due to this lack of treatment, it is a good idea to prevent them from occurring in the first place by regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tips for Handling Arthritis Inflammation
If you suffer from arthritis you are probably open to any advice and willing to try most anything within reason and depending on how severe your suffering is you might even try outlandish treatment suggestions. Thankfully you don’t have to reach for the outlandish treatments when looking for tips on handling arthritis inflammation. Inflammation is the cause of the pain in arthritis sufferers and if you can control that you can control the pain.
Nutrition and health expert Joy Bauer explains that certain foods and your overall diet are the major tip for fighting inflammation that you should use. There are anti-inflammatory medications that you can use but if you follow these tips on anti-inflammatory foods you will find that you get relief that lasts.
The first tip is to keep your weight under control. Not only are you putting extra stress on your joints and increasing your pain you are increasing your inflammation when you have extra body fat. Body fat is metabolically active and can cause an increase in inflammation due to the chemicals and hormones it produces in your body. Reduce your body fat and you reduce the levels of these chemicals and the swelling that goes along with them.
There are foods that you should avoid in order to prevent swelling include saturated fats, trans fats, simple and refined carbohydrates. These foods should be limited or even excluded all together if you want to keep your inflammation at the lowest levels possible.
It’s not always about what to exclude, you also need to make sure you include certain foods to help with inflammation. These foods include Omega-3 fatty acids like you find in salmon, mackerel, fish oil supplements, oysters, flaxseed oil, walnuts, soybeans, and omega-3 fortified eggs.
Olive oil contains antioxidants called polyphenols which protect the body from inflammation and have been proven to reduce arthritis inflammation. You should use olive oil for your salads and in place of other oils in your cooking.
Using these simple tips for handling arthritis inflammation and altering your diet slightly you can control your arthritis symptoms and live a pain free life for many years.
Resources
Joy Bauer, MSN http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18023958/ns/today_health/
Nutrition and health expert Joy Bauer explains that certain foods and your overall diet are the major tip for fighting inflammation that you should use. There are anti-inflammatory medications that you can use but if you follow these tips on anti-inflammatory foods you will find that you get relief that lasts.
The first tip is to keep your weight under control. Not only are you putting extra stress on your joints and increasing your pain you are increasing your inflammation when you have extra body fat. Body fat is metabolically active and can cause an increase in inflammation due to the chemicals and hormones it produces in your body. Reduce your body fat and you reduce the levels of these chemicals and the swelling that goes along with them.
There are foods that you should avoid in order to prevent swelling include saturated fats, trans fats, simple and refined carbohydrates. These foods should be limited or even excluded all together if you want to keep your inflammation at the lowest levels possible.
It’s not always about what to exclude, you also need to make sure you include certain foods to help with inflammation. These foods include Omega-3 fatty acids like you find in salmon, mackerel, fish oil supplements, oysters, flaxseed oil, walnuts, soybeans, and omega-3 fortified eggs.
Olive oil contains antioxidants called polyphenols which protect the body from inflammation and have been proven to reduce arthritis inflammation. You should use olive oil for your salads and in place of other oils in your cooking.
Using these simple tips for handling arthritis inflammation and altering your diet slightly you can control your arthritis symptoms and live a pain free life for many years.
Resources
Joy Bauer, MSN http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18023958/ns/today_health/
Tips for Handling Arthritis Joint Pain
Arthritis is a disease associated with joints and it occurs due to a whole range of reasons starting from old age to sedentary lifestyle. Pain is the most uncomfortable part of this disease, besides the limited mobility. In many cases, the pain can be very excruciating and you may require some help in the form of medications or massage to alleviate the pain.
There are some techniques that you can follow to reduce your pain and suffering. First and foremost, you must not stop moving your joints because of the pain. It will only worsen the pain. So, it is suggested that the patients must move the joints in the range of motion that does not cause a lot of pain. This motion must be done at least a couple of times everyday to keep the joints active. While doing this, you must ensure that you do not overdo it because it can result in a l ot of pain after wards. Even while using your joints, you must not do any awkward movements or twists as it will increase the pain. Use your body and the joints in an appropriate way. Sitting slouched or working on the computer or typing for extended periods of time or carrying heavy objects can put a big strain on your joints and so you must be careful while doing them. In short, you must do mild exercise and activities that does not increase pain in any way.
You must also learn to now the difference between arthritis pain and other mild discomforts that can occur from time to time. When arthritis pain occurs, you must respect it and take the necessary medications. Also, during this period, you must not over-use the joints as it will further increase the pain.
Another common remedy is to take pain reliever medications that are available in the market. There are two kinds of pain relievers that can be used and they are over the counter drugs and prescri ption drugs. Over the counter drugs are relatively milder than prescription drugs when it comes to pain control. On the other hand, they also have very minimal side effects. So, it is a personal choice that one has to make after taking their medical condition and age into consideration.
Good rest and healthy diet are important to get relief from arthritis pain. You must not work for long periods, but at the same time you must not keep your joints rested in the same position for a long time either. A good balance between the two will help keep your joints active and will also minimize pain to a large extent.
There are some techniques that you can follow to reduce your pain and suffering. First and foremost, you must not stop moving your joints because of the pain. It will only worsen the pain. So, it is suggested that the patients must move the joints in the range of motion that does not cause a lot of pain. This motion must be done at least a couple of times everyday to keep the joints active. While doing this, you must ensure that you do not overdo it because it can result in a l ot of pain after wards. Even while using your joints, you must not do any awkward movements or twists as it will increase the pain. Use your body and the joints in an appropriate way. Sitting slouched or working on the computer or typing for extended periods of time or carrying heavy objects can put a big strain on your joints and so you must be careful while doing them. In short, you must do mild exercise and activities that does not increase pain in any way.
You must also learn to now the difference between arthritis pain and other mild discomforts that can occur from time to time. When arthritis pain occurs, you must respect it and take the necessary medications. Also, during this period, you must not over-use the joints as it will further increase the pain.
Another common remedy is to take pain reliever medications that are available in the market. There are two kinds of pain relievers that can be used and they are over the counter drugs and prescri ption drugs. Over the counter drugs are relatively milder than prescription drugs when it comes to pain control. On the other hand, they also have very minimal side effects. So, it is a personal choice that one has to make after taking their medical condition and age into consideration.
Good rest and healthy diet are important to get relief from arthritis pain. You must not work for long periods, but at the same time you must not keep your joints rested in the same position for a long time either. A good balance between the two will help keep your joints active and will also minimize pain to a large extent.
5 Facts about Arthritis Disease You Should Know
Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints of the bones. In fact, there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis that can affect different parts of the body at varying degrees. The most common diseases are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, fibromyalgia and psorasis. Osteoarthritis is the most common one and it affects a lot of people in the United States. It occurs as a result of wear and tear of the bones and cartilage and this disease is mainly prevalent in the later years of life. Fibromylagia causes stiffness in the joints and it mainly affects the neck, hips and back.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis in which the immune system acts against the body tissue leading to swelling and pain. Psorasis is a disease that starts with the skin and slowly progresses to the joints. Infectious arthritis is caused by bacteria and it is accompanied by fever and chills. It must be treated immediately to avoid permanent damage to bone joints. A common fact about all kinds of arthritis is that it limits mobility to a great extent. In many severe cases, it may even be difficult to perform the daily activities and individuals become largely dependent on others for the smallest of their needs.
Another common fact about arthritis is the pain in the joints. It comes with any kind of arthritis and there is really no escape from this. Muscle pain relievers that are commonly available in drug stores can help to reduce the pain. There are also prescription medicines that have a stronger effect than over the counter pain relievers. However, these medicines may have long term side effects and so one must choose a medicine that is best-suited for their needs.
The sad fact about arthritis is that there is no permanent cure. In some severe cases, arthroplasty is done. It is a surgical procedure that uses artificial surfaces to make the joints smooth so that movement can be restored. Other than that, there is no cure for arthritis. Many relaxation techniques like physical therapy, yoga, tai chi and massage can provide temporary relief from pain. So, it is always better to prevent it than looking for a cure.
Arthritis can be prevented by having a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can go a long way in preventing arthritis. A well-balanced diet also provides the necessary nutrients for the body to fight this disease. These are some of the facts about arthritis that can help to fight it better.
Photo: Salvatore Vuono
Arthritis Acupuncture
Arthritis acupucture is a method originally used by Chinese doctors and adopted by Western doctors. It’s purpose is in stimulating energy channels in the body so that a person can fight off the pain and discomfort brought on by arthritis.
With arthritis acupucture, you will be able to find relief from pain, but it is not going to be permanent. The pain will come back. Also, arthritis acupucture cannot be the sole treatment plan for your arthritis. It is a supplement treatment.
Acupucture doctors use long stainless steel needles to trigger the endorphins in the body so that pain will decrease. This is accomplished when the acupucture needles go in and find the muscle nerves. When the muscle has been poked by a needle, it will begin to feel full, and will send a message to the brain. In turn, the brain will release the endorphins.
The number of needles that will be used will depend on the condition of the person. They are also not pierced through the body at a standard depth. Some needles may not go in as deep. The needles are left in the body anywhere between 10 minutes to one hour. During this time, the needles are electrically charged and twirled. The degree of electricity used can be adjusted if the patient is feeling uncomfortable. The pain of the needles being inserted is even less than a regular injection, however, you may feel a tingling sensation after.
It is important that you refrain from driving or handling heavy equipment after treatment. You might not be as alert as you should be, and this could cause accidents. Bring someone with you when you go in for an arthritis acupucture session.
For the Chinese, arthritis acupucture is science. It is not some kind of hocus pocus medicine. In fact, even the Western culture has deemed acupucture to be safe, provided it is done by a professional. In the United States, there are over 6,000 licensed acupucture doctors; while FDA has approved the acupucture needles as a medical device.
With regards to its effectiveness as a cure for the joint pains, this still has to be proven with further study. So far though, all studies have pointed to improvements in pain management for arthritis sufferers. Again, it will not remove the pain, but minimize it.
One of the recognized benefits of arthritis acupucture is the fact you do not get dependent on pain medication. You will also not develop resistance to pain medication. The problem with drugs is that you need to keep increasing dosage because you develop tolerance, and this translates to an even bigger problem of drug dependence.
With arthritis acupucture, you will be able to find relief from pain, but it is not going to be permanent. The pain will come back. Also, arthritis acupucture cannot be the sole treatment plan for your arthritis. It is a supplement treatment.
Acupucture doctors use long stainless steel needles to trigger the endorphins in the body so that pain will decrease. This is accomplished when the acupucture needles go in and find the muscle nerves. When the muscle has been poked by a needle, it will begin to feel full, and will send a message to the brain. In turn, the brain will release the endorphins.
The number of needles that will be used will depend on the condition of the person. They are also not pierced through the body at a standard depth. Some needles may not go in as deep. The needles are left in the body anywhere between 10 minutes to one hour. During this time, the needles are electrically charged and twirled. The degree of electricity used can be adjusted if the patient is feeling uncomfortable. The pain of the needles being inserted is even less than a regular injection, however, you may feel a tingling sensation after.
It is important that you refrain from driving or handling heavy equipment after treatment. You might not be as alert as you should be, and this could cause accidents. Bring someone with you when you go in for an arthritis acupucture session.
For the Chinese, arthritis acupucture is science. It is not some kind of hocus pocus medicine. In fact, even the Western culture has deemed acupucture to be safe, provided it is done by a professional. In the United States, there are over 6,000 licensed acupucture doctors; while FDA has approved the acupucture needles as a medical device.
With regards to its effectiveness as a cure for the joint pains, this still has to be proven with further study. So far though, all studies have pointed to improvements in pain management for arthritis sufferers. Again, it will not remove the pain, but minimize it.
One of the recognized benefits of arthritis acupucture is the fact you do not get dependent on pain medication. You will also not develop resistance to pain medication. The problem with drugs is that you need to keep increasing dosage because you develop tolerance, and this translates to an even bigger problem of drug dependence.
Monday, February 8, 2010
5 Major Arthritis Foundations
Foundations are set up to educate, raise awareness and raise funding for various causes. In the medical field, foundations are typically set up to help educate the public about medical conditions and to help raise funding for research into treatments and cures.
Arthritis, a rheumatoid disease with at least one hundred known types, has many different foundations. The main foundation, the National Arthritis Foundation works to educate and fund research for all arthritis types. They offer patient and family information for arthritis sufferers and contact information to help find local resources. They also raise money to fund research and help subsidize patient programs where needed.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Alliance is a community within the Arthritis Foundation that is dedicated to sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. This alliance educates the community on the effects of RA. They work toward changing the way RA sufferers are looked at and by helping them to have a voice in the community and in their treatment.
The National Fibromyalgia Foundation is a foundation for sufferers of this mysterious illness that does not have a specific cause or specific signs or symptoms. It is more of a collection of signs and symptoms that happen together. The NFA offers support and information to these people as well as raising money for research into treatment for fibromyalgia.
The American Juvenile Arthritis Organization, an arthritis alliance foundation focused on the more than 300,000 juveniles with arthritis was approved to be independent of the Arthritis Foundation in 2006. This foundation is connected with the arthritis community through the Arthritis website and its leaders are made up of members of the Arthritis Foundation. The focus of the AJAO is the improvement of the health of children with arthritis and to continued and expanded research for a cure.
The Lupus Foundation of America works to help people understand this baffling auto-immune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the joints and muscles. In some people lupus is mild while in others it is chronic and life threatening. Lupus is an inflammatory disease which places it in the arthritis category. The Lupus Foundation helps families cope with their disease as researchers work towards a cure.
If you have arthritis you can rely on the Arthritis Foundation or one of its counterparts to help you learn about your illness and keep up with current research and news.
Arthritis, a rheumatoid disease with at least one hundred known types, has many different foundations. The main foundation, the National Arthritis Foundation works to educate and fund research for all arthritis types. They offer patient and family information for arthritis sufferers and contact information to help find local resources. They also raise money to fund research and help subsidize patient programs where needed.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Alliance is a community within the Arthritis Foundation that is dedicated to sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. This alliance educates the community on the effects of RA. They work toward changing the way RA sufferers are looked at and by helping them to have a voice in the community and in their treatment.
The National Fibromyalgia Foundation is a foundation for sufferers of this mysterious illness that does not have a specific cause or specific signs or symptoms. It is more of a collection of signs and symptoms that happen together. The NFA offers support and information to these people as well as raising money for research into treatment for fibromyalgia.
The American Juvenile Arthritis Organization, an arthritis alliance foundation focused on the more than 300,000 juveniles with arthritis was approved to be independent of the Arthritis Foundation in 2006. This foundation is connected with the arthritis community through the Arthritis website and its leaders are made up of members of the Arthritis Foundation. The focus of the AJAO is the improvement of the health of children with arthritis and to continued and expanded research for a cure.
The Lupus Foundation of America works to help people understand this baffling auto-immune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the joints and muscles. In some people lupus is mild while in others it is chronic and life threatening. Lupus is an inflammatory disease which places it in the arthritis category. The Lupus Foundation helps families cope with their disease as researchers work towards a cure.
If you have arthritis you can rely on the Arthritis Foundation or one of its counterparts to help you learn about your illness and keep up with current research and news.
What is Arthritis Disease?
What is arthritis disease? Well, depending who you ask, you may get varying answers, but to people who have it, it all means one thing: burning, agonizing pain, that may not be there sometimes, and then comes at the most inconvenient moments. The word arthritis is derived from the Greek word for joint (arthron) and suffix for inflammation (-itis). In the case of the most common form of arthritis disease, Osteoarthritis, this is most true, as it is a deterioration of the bones and cartilage that make up one's joints, which obviously causes a great deal of progressive pain. It is similar in effect to an old car with a failing oil pump; the parts grind to together, slowly destroying the engine's ability to work.
Rheumatoid arthritis disease, the second most common form of arthritis, is far more debilitating. It is not caused by natural degeneration of the joints, but is an inflammation of multiple joints simultaneously, a pain that can cripple a person for hours or even days.
So what is arthritis disease? Well, arthritis isn't really one specific thing. Like epilepsy, it is used to describe a variety of conditions that have one common effect on the body. In the case of arthritis, it is essentially anything that affects the musculoskeletal system in one fashion or the other, though the joints involved and the damage done or caused may vary significantly from one case to the other. In some cases, the human body may wrongfully identify parts of its own structure as "foreign". This is believed to be the cause of certain kinds of arthritis disease, as inflammation is a reaction from a human immune system towards a pathogen.
Unfortunately, some individuals, because of their genetics, are more susceptible to this kind of arthritis disease, as certain mutations can cause the human body to identify parts of itself as "foreign". And this can be extremely devastating on the victim, as the immune system may not just attack the joints of the body, but also various internal organs and biological components.
Fortunately, there are many treatments for arthritis due to our increased understanding of the human body in modern times, and many more are being developed even as you read this. It is important to know your family history in regards to arthritis, as this may very easily be passed on to you. Stress is also a big factor in many cases of arthritis victims. Some of the hardest working, most successful men and women develop arthritis at a relatively early age, sometimes even chronically. Thus it is important to have regular exams to test for arthritis, and to see a doctor if you begin showing any symptoms of arthritis disease, because if left untreated, it can ruin your life. Some may cause immense amounts of pain, and others may knock a number of years off your lifespan.
So what is arthritis disease? It is pain or complication caused by or affecting the musculoskeletal system. It is a danger to one's quality of life, and potentially a danger to one's life in general. It is a complication that affects millions of Americans, the age gap growing larger and larger as victims become younger and younger. Sometimes, it can be prevented, and we should all be learning how to, if not for ourselves, but for our parents and children.
Rheumatoid arthritis disease, the second most common form of arthritis, is far more debilitating. It is not caused by natural degeneration of the joints, but is an inflammation of multiple joints simultaneously, a pain that can cripple a person for hours or even days.
So what is arthritis disease? Well, arthritis isn't really one specific thing. Like epilepsy, it is used to describe a variety of conditions that have one common effect on the body. In the case of arthritis, it is essentially anything that affects the musculoskeletal system in one fashion or the other, though the joints involved and the damage done or caused may vary significantly from one case to the other. In some cases, the human body may wrongfully identify parts of its own structure as "foreign". This is believed to be the cause of certain kinds of arthritis disease, as inflammation is a reaction from a human immune system towards a pathogen.
Unfortunately, some individuals, because of their genetics, are more susceptible to this kind of arthritis disease, as certain mutations can cause the human body to identify parts of itself as "foreign". And this can be extremely devastating on the victim, as the immune system may not just attack the joints of the body, but also various internal organs and biological components.
Fortunately, there are many treatments for arthritis due to our increased understanding of the human body in modern times, and many more are being developed even as you read this. It is important to know your family history in regards to arthritis, as this may very easily be passed on to you. Stress is also a big factor in many cases of arthritis victims. Some of the hardest working, most successful men and women develop arthritis at a relatively early age, sometimes even chronically. Thus it is important to have regular exams to test for arthritis, and to see a doctor if you begin showing any symptoms of arthritis disease, because if left untreated, it can ruin your life. Some may cause immense amounts of pain, and others may knock a number of years off your lifespan.
So what is arthritis disease? It is pain or complication caused by or affecting the musculoskeletal system. It is a danger to one's quality of life, and potentially a danger to one's life in general. It is a complication that affects millions of Americans, the age gap growing larger and larger as victims become younger and younger. Sometimes, it can be prevented, and we should all be learning how to, if not for ourselves, but for our parents and children.
5 Facts About Arthritis
Arthritis is a very common problem in the world today. It can affect people of all walks of life. Most commonly the elderly are the most effected. However, children can experience symptoms of the condition as well. Below, are some facts about arthritis that can help you greater understand this well-known affliction.
First of all, there are over one hundred different types of arthritis. The most common of these types is Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. This form can be caused due to infection of the joint, aging, or great trauma to the given joint. Another interesting fact is that over seventy five percent of people afflicted with arthritis are over the age of sixty-five and over forty six million people in the Untied States are said to experience conditions of varying forms of Arthritis.
Another interesting fact is that people experiencing this condition most often complain that the most severe instances of pain resulting from it, is experienced in the morning. It can often be difficult for people with the condition, to find motivation to start their day, knowing that ahead lies a great deal of pain and trauma in these early morning hours.
The third fact is that there are many different treatment methods that can be used for arthritis. For example, an interesting fact is that people can even try using the method of hypnosis to cope with the disease. Other ways of treating include massage therapy and physical therapy with a licensed professional. Dietary changes and lifestyle changes can also help improve the condition.
Another interesting fact is that the condition has been around for ages, as often times in skeletal remains of ancient cultures, such as the Native Americans, the results of arthritis can clearly be seen in the bone structures. It is also interesting to point out, that the most common cause of all disability in the United States can be pointed to Arthritis and conditions relating to it. Over 20 million Americans experience extreme limitations as a result of these stigmas.
In the future, to prevent this affliction from impacting people's lives too severely. People need to stay educated on the different treatment methods and the little things that they can be doing for themselves to help the state of the joint trauma. This can include little things like resting more, exercising the joints daily in not too physical regimes, and also altering diet and food intake. With the right amount of attention put forward to improving the condition, people can often find that the condition, while annoying a painful can be treated enough so that they can continue on with their normal lives.
First of all, there are over one hundred different types of arthritis. The most common of these types is Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. This form can be caused due to infection of the joint, aging, or great trauma to the given joint. Another interesting fact is that over seventy five percent of people afflicted with arthritis are over the age of sixty-five and over forty six million people in the Untied States are said to experience conditions of varying forms of Arthritis.
Another interesting fact is that people experiencing this condition most often complain that the most severe instances of pain resulting from it, is experienced in the morning. It can often be difficult for people with the condition, to find motivation to start their day, knowing that ahead lies a great deal of pain and trauma in these early morning hours.
The third fact is that there are many different treatment methods that can be used for arthritis. For example, an interesting fact is that people can even try using the method of hypnosis to cope with the disease. Other ways of treating include massage therapy and physical therapy with a licensed professional. Dietary changes and lifestyle changes can also help improve the condition.
Another interesting fact is that the condition has been around for ages, as often times in skeletal remains of ancient cultures, such as the Native Americans, the results of arthritis can clearly be seen in the bone structures. It is also interesting to point out, that the most common cause of all disability in the United States can be pointed to Arthritis and conditions relating to it. Over 20 million Americans experience extreme limitations as a result of these stigmas.
In the future, to prevent this affliction from impacting people's lives too severely. People need to stay educated on the different treatment methods and the little things that they can be doing for themselves to help the state of the joint trauma. This can include little things like resting more, exercising the joints daily in not too physical regimes, and also altering diet and food intake. With the right amount of attention put forward to improving the condition, people can often find that the condition, while annoying a painful can be treated enough so that they can continue on with their normal lives.
Where to Get Arthritis Help
Arthritis is a common problem amongst many elderly people or individuals who have engaged in athletics for long periods of time. As a result, these people begin to experience a weakening and aching in their joints disabling them from doing many of the things that they love. Depending on the condition or type of arthritis, the methods of getting help and treating the condition vary. For example, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis have no cure. The treatments for these types of arthritis can help decrease the joint pain and limit the amount of swelling.
Treatment options for the condition can include physical therapy, where you can go to a local health center or gym and talk with a physical therapist that can get you help with your condition. Methods of this treatment can include the use of ice, heating pads and also ultrasound massage therapy. Other options include an orthopedic brace, which would require a specialist to recommend for you, and can be worn at their discretion. Dietary changes have also been known to help the condition along. Another option in more extreme cases is for joint replacement surgery. Overall, physical exercise of the joint that is affected with arthritis can have the most significant result; as if a person is able to develop a routine of doing small exercises with the joint they can greatly reduce their condition.
There are also other methods and places to go to get Arthritis help. For example, using ones own healing powers can help. For instance, relaxing over given periods of time can greatly decrease pain and discomfort. Other places one might seek arthritis help includes massage clinics where the joint can me massaged and made to feel temporary and lasting improvement. Other options include seeing an acupuncturist who can place needles strategically into your body, which will help decrease the pain. A person can also agree to see a hypnotist, which in some cases has helped people get over the mental hurdle of arthritis and start to convince themselves that the joint is greatly improved.
In conclusion, there are a many different medications that a physician can prescribe to help improve the condition and relieve some of the individual’s greater pain in their joints. So, if you are experiencing arthritis pain and are wondering where to get arthritis help, contact your rheumatologist today as she will have the best idea of which method you should use to feel better soon and return to your normal pain-free days.
Treatment options for the condition can include physical therapy, where you can go to a local health center or gym and talk with a physical therapist that can get you help with your condition. Methods of this treatment can include the use of ice, heating pads and also ultrasound massage therapy. Other options include an orthopedic brace, which would require a specialist to recommend for you, and can be worn at their discretion. Dietary changes have also been known to help the condition along. Another option in more extreme cases is for joint replacement surgery. Overall, physical exercise of the joint that is affected with arthritis can have the most significant result; as if a person is able to develop a routine of doing small exercises with the joint they can greatly reduce their condition.
There are also other methods and places to go to get Arthritis help. For example, using ones own healing powers can help. For instance, relaxing over given periods of time can greatly decrease pain and discomfort. Other places one might seek arthritis help includes massage clinics where the joint can me massaged and made to feel temporary and lasting improvement. Other options include seeing an acupuncturist who can place needles strategically into your body, which will help decrease the pain. A person can also agree to see a hypnotist, which in some cases has helped people get over the mental hurdle of arthritis and start to convince themselves that the joint is greatly improved.
In conclusion, there are a many different medications that a physician can prescribe to help improve the condition and relieve some of the individual’s greater pain in their joints. So, if you are experiencing arthritis pain and are wondering where to get arthritis help, contact your rheumatologist today as she will have the best idea of which method you should use to feel better soon and return to your normal pain-free days.
Arthritis Pain Management Tips
Although everyone has their own ways of dealing with pain from arthritis, here are four of the most common and effective strategies used today:
Exercise: Exercise is a great way to relieve pain by strengthening your bones and muscles. Activities like swimming, walking, yoga, biking and running are all great ways to increase your mood and keep yourself loose and strong. As little as 15 to 30 minutes a day of light exercise can help relive arthritis pain both in the short and long term. Exercise can also help in the fight to reduce the overall effects of arthritis. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking on any type of exercise regiment no matter how light to ensure that exercise it the right strategy for you.
Rest: Arthritis pain, along with other pains can be a result of not getting enough rest. Warm water strategies such as having a soak in a hot tub or warm bath can help to decrease inflammation and reduce tension in turn reducing pain. During rest joint inflammation will begin to decrease even for short periods of time.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can be a great way to sooth your joints and reduce inflammation and tension. However, be sure not to get too much rest and balance some exercise into your life to avoid stiffness.
Medications: Most medications are great for relieving pain in the short term but will not help treat the problem in the long run. Medications are usually quick and easy to take with relief shortly following. Another unfortunate side to medications is the cost, for some the cost outweighs the benefits of the relief however for others the financial costs are much too high. Along with some medications there can be certain side effects so again be sure to consult your doctor before begging any medications.
Surgery: In most cases surgery is the last resort for pain management. However, surgeries can be beneficial for the long term without having to take medication or follow a strict schedule. Rather than covering up the problem or having to fight through the hardships many individuals choose surgery and are then able to get back to normal after the appropriate recovery time. Cost and overall health are big concerns when considering surgery of any kind although the financial cost for some could be more effective in the long term. Consulting your doctor will put your on the right track to getting the proper treatment needed.
Exercise: Exercise is a great way to relieve pain by strengthening your bones and muscles. Activities like swimming, walking, yoga, biking and running are all great ways to increase your mood and keep yourself loose and strong. As little as 15 to 30 minutes a day of light exercise can help relive arthritis pain both in the short and long term. Exercise can also help in the fight to reduce the overall effects of arthritis. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking on any type of exercise regiment no matter how light to ensure that exercise it the right strategy for you.
Rest: Arthritis pain, along with other pains can be a result of not getting enough rest. Warm water strategies such as having a soak in a hot tub or warm bath can help to decrease inflammation and reduce tension in turn reducing pain. During rest joint inflammation will begin to decrease even for short periods of time.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can be a great way to sooth your joints and reduce inflammation and tension. However, be sure not to get too much rest and balance some exercise into your life to avoid stiffness.
Medications: Most medications are great for relieving pain in the short term but will not help treat the problem in the long run. Medications are usually quick and easy to take with relief shortly following. Another unfortunate side to medications is the cost, for some the cost outweighs the benefits of the relief however for others the financial costs are much too high. Along with some medications there can be certain side effects so again be sure to consult your doctor before begging any medications.
Surgery: In most cases surgery is the last resort for pain management. However, surgeries can be beneficial for the long term without having to take medication or follow a strict schedule. Rather than covering up the problem or having to fight through the hardships many individuals choose surgery and are then able to get back to normal after the appropriate recovery time. Cost and overall health are big concerns when considering surgery of any kind although the financial cost for some could be more effective in the long term. Consulting your doctor will put your on the right track to getting the proper treatment needed.
Natural Arthritis Relief Tips
As the world continues to evolve and become more modernized, the evolution of new diseases and conditions also seems to materialize. Human body has natural resistivity for some common diseases caused by external infections. But the human body cannot deny the diseases caused by its own. Arthritis is a common term to define the damages caused to the joints as well as muscles of the human body.
Biologists say that there are 206 bones and more than 250 bone joints in the human body. Arthritis can be caused to any of these joints. With the help of this surplus number of joints arthritis takes more than 100 forms. The common symptoms of any kind of arthritis include weight loss, fever due to pain, restlessness, Muscle pain, and difficulties to move bone joints. The person affected by arthritis also finds difficult to walk. This condition may occur to people of all ages and gender, but it is most common among older people and people who have the obesity. People who have the arthritis will feel a lot of pain in their knee joints, ankles, feet, hip and vertebral bone. The pain is caused due the inflammation in the joints affected by the arthritis infection, strain to the bones and muscles due to day-to-day work and also due to the weakness of body.
Many effective ways have been found to get relief from arthritis pain. The treatment options depend up on the type of arthritis. It is always a better idea to consult a physiotherapist or rheumatologist before pursuing any treatment. Some of the effective treatment methods include traditional and holistic medications, arthritis/inflammation reduction diets, normal exercises, relaxation and so on.
Some popular arthritis relief tips include herbs such as Feverfew leaves, Chapparal, Saffron, Yucca, Celery Seeds, Black Cohosh, Bogbean etc. In addition, there are also some other natural remedies for treating arthritis including garlic. You see, garlic contains an anti-inflammatory property that can greatly reduce inflammation due to arthritis. Garlic can be taken either in raw or cooked form. Some other natural arthritis tips include drinking potato juice or drinking essence of black sesame seeds soaked in the water. It is also believed that drinking water that has been stored in a container made of copper, on an empty stomach (in the early morning) will also be a useful. Lastly, juices of fresh green vegetables and juices of some fruits like pineapple or lime may also provide pain relief.
Biologists say that there are 206 bones and more than 250 bone joints in the human body. Arthritis can be caused to any of these joints. With the help of this surplus number of joints arthritis takes more than 100 forms. The common symptoms of any kind of arthritis include weight loss, fever due to pain, restlessness, Muscle pain, and difficulties to move bone joints. The person affected by arthritis also finds difficult to walk. This condition may occur to people of all ages and gender, but it is most common among older people and people who have the obesity. People who have the arthritis will feel a lot of pain in their knee joints, ankles, feet, hip and vertebral bone. The pain is caused due the inflammation in the joints affected by the arthritis infection, strain to the bones and muscles due to day-to-day work and also due to the weakness of body.
Many effective ways have been found to get relief from arthritis pain. The treatment options depend up on the type of arthritis. It is always a better idea to consult a physiotherapist or rheumatologist before pursuing any treatment. Some of the effective treatment methods include traditional and holistic medications, arthritis/inflammation reduction diets, normal exercises, relaxation and so on.
Some popular arthritis relief tips include herbs such as Feverfew leaves, Chapparal, Saffron, Yucca, Celery Seeds, Black Cohosh, Bogbean etc. In addition, there are also some other natural remedies for treating arthritis including garlic. You see, garlic contains an anti-inflammatory property that can greatly reduce inflammation due to arthritis. Garlic can be taken either in raw or cooked form. Some other natural arthritis tips include drinking potato juice or drinking essence of black sesame seeds soaked in the water. It is also believed that drinking water that has been stored in a container made of copper, on an empty stomach (in the early morning) will also be a useful. Lastly, juices of fresh green vegetables and juices of some fruits like pineapple or lime may also provide pain relief.
An Overview of Arthritis
Typically arthritis is associated with aging; however, it can affect people of any age. This joint disorder is in its most basic definition, a swelling of the joints. But, as anyone who suffers from arthritis can tell you, it is much more than a simple swelling. According to the experts at Medicine Net, there are over one hundred known types of arthritis and that number is growing. In the United States, arthritis is one of the most common chronic illnesses suffered.
Arthritis can be the result of many different things. Joints that have suffered an injury can develop what is known as osteoarthritis while metabolic imbalances such as gout can cause other types of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system and there are some types of arthritis that are hereditary and others that have no known reason for being.
Arthritis affects the joints and muscles, ligaments , tendons and cartilage which place it in the category with rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases cover many different illnesses with various symptoms, treatments and outcomes. The common factor is that all rheumatic diseases affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage and can also affect organs in the body as well.
The most common symptom of arthritis is pain and possibly swelling. You won’t be able to use your joints as well as normal and you feel stiff and tender to the touch. Because there are so many types of arthritis it is not uncommon to have symptom that include weight loss, fever, lymph node swelling, and general overall feeling of malaise.
A rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Using your medical history and your family’s medical history along with some diagnostic tests, the doctor will make a determination concerning your symptoms and set up a treatment plan.
Arthritis treatment plans vary and consist mainly of pain and inflammation management. In addition to medication to help with pain and swelling, many patients find success with physical therapy, massage therapy, splinting and even surgical procedures.
Millions of people every year are diagnosed with arthritis and are learning to cope with its effects. Scientists and doctors around the world are working toward more and better treatment options to help with the pain. Until one is found, pain management is the best option for most people.
Arthritis can be the result of many different things. Joints that have suffered an injury can develop what is known as osteoarthritis while metabolic imbalances such as gout can cause other types of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system and there are some types of arthritis that are hereditary and others that have no known reason for being.
Arthritis affects the joints and muscles, ligaments , tendons and cartilage which place it in the category with rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases cover many different illnesses with various symptoms, treatments and outcomes. The common factor is that all rheumatic diseases affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage and can also affect organs in the body as well.
The most common symptom of arthritis is pain and possibly swelling. You won’t be able to use your joints as well as normal and you feel stiff and tender to the touch. Because there are so many types of arthritis it is not uncommon to have symptom that include weight loss, fever, lymph node swelling, and general overall feeling of malaise.
A rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Using your medical history and your family’s medical history along with some diagnostic tests, the doctor will make a determination concerning your symptoms and set up a treatment plan.
Arthritis treatment plans vary and consist mainly of pain and inflammation management. In addition to medication to help with pain and swelling, many patients find success with physical therapy, massage therapy, splinting and even surgical procedures.
Millions of people every year are diagnosed with arthritis and are learning to cope with its effects. Scientists and doctors around the world are working toward more and better treatment options to help with the pain. Until one is found, pain management is the best option for most people.
Arthritis Management Tips
If you have ever suffered with arthritis or have a family history of it, then you know how debilitating it can be. Arthritis pain can be mild or severe and can vary depending on the weather, your age, overall health and other factors. You can learn to control your pain to a certain degree using arthritis management tips offered by the Arthritis Foundation.
Your mind plays a large role in how you respond to pain. If you become depressed and feel hopeless you will usually become inactive and in the end your pain will be intensified. If you can learn to relax and work with your arthritis you will find that your pain will lessen and you will be able to handle it better.
You should practice preventative measures to help with your arthritis pain. Some, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold are simply common sense. Others, like exercise, may sound ludicrous if you are in pain; however, it has been proven that regular exercise offers benefits to your overall health and helps with arthritis symptoms.
Another important part of managing your arthritis is learning to use your joints in a protective manner. This is simply doing tasks in ways that are less stressful on joints. For example, if you have arthritis in your wrist you need to learn to hold your hands in a comfortable position when you are on your computer.
The Arthritis Foundation also stresses the need for getting plenty of sleep. When your body does not get enough sleep your energy level is depleted and you pain management skills are weakened. Also, when you are sleeping your joints are resting and have time to recover and reduce swelling.
In addition to preventative management you should also practice pain management skills that are beyond medications. As mentioned previously, relaxation techniques are helpful in coping with pain. Along with relaxation you should also practice being positive. Thinking positive thoughts and surrounding yourself with positive people help to take the focus off of the pain.
Arthritis management doesn’t stop when you leave the doctor’s office and isn’t contained in a bottle of pain medicine. You may have to use pain medications but you can also take control of your arthritis and make life changes that help you manage it.
Photo: jscreationzs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
