Arthritis: What It Is And How You Cope With It

Posted by man on 15 February 2010

Arthritis is a debilitating disease of the joints that drives into early retirement employee who is afflicted by it. Even life without work makes it difficult to lead a normal life. More than 46 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from it. Just imagine how many people are forced to take on sedentary lifestyles because of the excruciating pain arthritis brings.

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.

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.

To help with joint mobility, performing mild exercises is advised. For example, leg arthritis will benefit from doing a few minutes of walking. But during flare ups, even mild exercises may be very difficult to perform. Pain can be so severe, than even little movements prove to be unbearable.

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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