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 know how to cope with this joint disease effectively, it’s important for anyone to know what it is about. There are over a hundred types of arthritis. And the number still grows each time a new one is taken to medical attention. Each one is based on causative factors and indications. However, there are two that debilitate more people around the world than other types.
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.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, on the other hand, is a form of an autoimmune disorder. For reasons unclear, your own immune system attacks your joints, thinking they are foreign bodies. RA can strike anyone at any age, even those in their early 20′s. A common indicator of RA is it attacks joints located on both sides of the body, in a symmetrical fashion. For instance, if your left knee is affected, it’s likely your right knee has RA too.
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.
Gentle exercise can help improve the mobility of the joints. However, during flare ups, this may not be possible at all. For instance, if you have leg arthritis, walking may help prevent stiffness, but not when it’s around accompanied by pain. During such time, mobility is greatly reduced.
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.
