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.

It’s important for anyone suffering from arthritis to understand what it is. This way, coping mechanisms may come easier. Did you know that there are more than 100 forms of the joint disease? Its classification is based on causes and the signs and symptoms experienced. But there are two major types of this disease which many people suffer from.

The most common form is called osteoarthritis, or OA. This is the wear and tear of joint cartilages, and is commonly associated with aging. But it can also be caused by overweight and repeated carrying out of strenuous activities, as in the case of athletes. OA usually appears in the weight bearing joints (knees, hips, back, etc.) but other frequently used joints are also susceptible to it.

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 and inflammation are usually dealt with through medications. For pain, a doctor typically prescribes analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For swelling, NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are administered. In severe cases, steroids are directly injected into the joints. Steroids administered by injection pose lesser side effects than an orally taken form.

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.

There are also natural means of coping with the signs and symptoms of arthritis. Some people who aren’t satisfied with the results of prescribed medications resort to such alternatives. Many swear by the alkaline diet – a diet composed of mainly fruits and vegetables. This diet is great for offsetting excessive acidity in the body, which is linked to arthritis. Also, there are supplements like fish oils, vegetarian glucosamine and chondroitin that help repair worn cartilages and lubricate the joints.

Tagged with: arthritis • autoimmune disorder • coping mechanisms • joint pain • Osteoarthritis • rheumatoid arthritis

Filed under: Family Medical Doctor

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