Dealing With Arthritis
December 24, 2008
Very often, we make the mistake of thinking that arthritis affects older people only. This is not true. Over 15% of Americans affected are over 18 years of age. Arthritis is a joint inflammation that is a leading cause of disability in the US.
Arthritis
Simply put, arthritis is a joint inflammation. It causes cramping of knees, stiffness in joints and movement becomes painful and sometimes impossible. There are several different kinds of arthritis. However, we will discuss the two most common forms.
Osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown of cartilage in joints. It causes joint pain and stiffness. Fingers, knees, hips and spine are most commonly affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of the lining of the joint. The cause is yet unknown, but it is of the autoimmune type. In this condition, the body’s own cells attack it. It affects women more than twice as often as it affects men. An absolute cure is yet to be found for this condition.
Do you have arthritis?
There are some symptoms that you can watch out for: pain, swollen and deformed joints and limited mobility and stiffness, especially in the morning.
Some factors like age and gender play a role in determining if you are at risk. Although people of all ages are affected, your risk increases with your advancing years. In addition, if you are a woman, you are more likely to be affected.
If you have been involved in physically demanding professions, which involve heavy unsupported lifting or jarring movements, then it is likely to affect you. People involved in rough, damaging sports are also likely victims.
A common cause of osteoarthritis is obesity. A healthy lifestyle can help you out here. A possible cause of rheumatoid arthritis is genetic predisposition, as well.
Who can help?
There are many ways to treat this condition. People affected by arthritis can lead normal lives owing to these treatments.
The best first step is to consult a specialist. He will help you to assess the severity of your condition.
Physiotherapy has proved useful to arthritis patients. It helps to strengthen muscles around the joints so that they can provide support. A massage with creams like Tiger Balm and Ben Gay is also helpful.
Hydrotherapy, in which you use cold and hot water, is also said to be a great pain reliever.
Special devices like arthritis canes and walkers will be suitable for those that have limited mobility.
There are several helpful medications, analgesics, and painkillers. Steroidal drugs are used sometimes, both orally and injected directly into the joint.
If your joints are severely affected, then surgery is also an option.
Do not take to your bed if you have arthritis. Be active, because physical activity has helped arthritis patients. However, it is better to stay away from excessive physical activity.
Whatever your age is, proper care and protection can help you fight this disease.
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