Posted by herbmaster on Jul 12, 2010 in Uncategorized
It is estimated that over 46 million people in the US alone suffer from a form of arthritis. This debilitating joint disease forces into early retirement employee who cannot perform physically to the fullest. Even outside the workplace, it is nearly impossible to live normally. Pain restricts mobility so much, that one is forced to embrace a sedentary lifestyle instead.
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.
Doctors prescribe analgesic to help with alleviating the pain. Persons suffering from arthritis usually take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But with inflammation involved, NSAIDs or Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed. Steroids are also being used for swelling. However, oral intake is accompanied by some side effects, especially in long-term use. Steroids directly injected into the joint help minimize side effects.
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.
Tags: arthritis, autoimmune disorder, coping mechanisms, joint pain, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted by herbmaster on Dec 19, 2009 in Uncategorized
It is estimated that over 46 million people in the US alone suffer from a form of arthritis. This debilitating joint disease forces into early retirement employee who cannot perform physically to the fullest. Even outside the workplace, it is nearly impossible to live normally. Pain restricts mobility so much, that one is forced to embrace a sedentary lifestyle instead.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Tags: arthritis, autoimmune disorder, coping mechanisms, joint pain, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
