Arthritis: What It Is And How You Cope With It
According to studies, 46 million people in the US alone suffer from a form of arthritis. This joint disease constrains into early retirement employee who fail to perform a range of physical activities. The person more or less has no other choice but to take on a sedentary lifestyle.
To cope better with arthritis, it’s important that one knows what it is. Arthritis is actually a collection of joint diseases, the number of which amounting to more than 100 types. Causative factors and indicating signs are the basis for classifications. Although there are several different forms, it is said that there are two that are the most prevalent of all.
As we age, cartilage between joints goes through wearing and tearing. In severe cases, this could lead to osteoarthritis (OA). Obesity and repeated demanding physical activities also contribute to the development of OA. Joints that usually suffer from it are the weight bearing ones, like the knees and hips. But it may also attack other frequently used and abused joints, such as the shoulders, elbows and hands.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. This means that your own body is responsible for the joint disease. Your immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks you joints. This chronic and painful inflammatory disease can affect people at any age, even those in their early 20′s. Also, RA affects both sides of the body in a symmetrical fashion. For example, if the fingers on your right hand got RA, those on your left hand also suffers from it.
Pain is usually dealt with through medications. Analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are used for pain. But with inflammation around, NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are administered to reduce swelling. Steroids are also being prescribed, but long-term use poses some side effects. Steroids injected directly to the joints, instead of orally taken, may limit such side effects.
For lessening stiffness and improving mobility, mild exercises are recommended. Those with leg arthritis can greatly find relief in walking for a few minutes daily. However, this may at all not be possible during flare ups. Such attacks can be really painful, that even minimal movements can be excruciating for the person.
Some people suffering from arthritis prefer to deal with the signs and symptoms the natural way. This is because either they’re looking for inexpensive treatments, or prescription drugs fail to deliver results. Supplements such as vegetarian glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oils help in repairing damage connective tissues, and lubricate the joints. A diet composed mainly of fruits and vegetables decreases the acidity of the body, which is linked to arthritis.
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Tags: arthritis, autoimmune disorder, coping mechanisms, joint pain, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis