Arthritis One Hell of a Disease
- By:Robert Leverett Leverett
Arthritis is a generic condition indicating inflammation of a joint, and is a long-lasting disease, affecting people over many years. Rheumatoid arthritis is disease that affects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory condition of the joint lining. It is not a single disease. Arthritis is actually a term for over 100 rheumatoid disorders.
Arthritis is a condition that occurs in various joints in the body, especially in the knees, hips, and spine, and since arthritis is not one disease there are probably some arthritis syndromes that are inherited and others that are not.
Obtaining information and treatment for arthritis is key in finding relief. Arthritis is an unglamorous disease. Not a life sentence, but it can be life changing. Research on arthritis is continual.
Coping with Arthritis in Its Many Forms.
The knowledge that you are not alone and that others understand something about the challenges you are coping with can be your best emotional support. The Stress of Osteoarthritis, Arthritis, the weather, aches keeping you awake and then the pain in the morning. All of these can seem overwhelming.
But you can reduce the stress of arthritis by just planning ahead, timing the necessities of life so that you do not overstress your joints, stamina or patience. It would be inappropriate to assume that effective ways of coping with stress are identical for women and men with arthritis so making smart choices also plays a part in coping with this condition.
As each day brings new challenges, coping with the pain and discomfort of arthritis as well as daily life will improve as you develop common sense positive mental attitudes. These attitudes will help coping with arthritis, also following a sensible regime including exercising, eating the right foods, and not letting those daily challenges defeat yourself.
Controlling pain.
Better ways of controlling pain are continually being sought. While the best means of controlling pain is to eliminate its cause, it is not always possible to do so. When it comes to control, pain relievers are an important part of arthritis management.
However drugs are not always effective in controlling pain. And even though doctors agree that the mind plays a major role in controlling pain there are other methods which can be effective.
Relaxation and stress reduction can be an effective method of controlling pain.
Another very useful technique is the application of electrical stimulation in the form of a TENS machine, stimulating the bodies defences, and blocking pain.
Controlling pain or discomfort with hypnosis is common, similarly acupuncture can be effective. But massage and physiotherapy will more commonly be made available.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are useful, these drugs are the mainstay of controlling pain and inflammation in arthritis. Together, they provide necessary elements for cartilage production while maintaining elasticity, and controlling pain
Serotonin can play an important part in control and also regulating sleep.
Controlling pain by influencing neurogenic pathways, for example with injections in the spine.
Guggul is a very helpful herb for relieving arthritis, and some success may be had with Chinese medicine.
Doctors may also use prolotherapy, a treatment which rebuilds ligaments and tendons.
It is still unclear whether glucosamine is helpful in curing arthritis or not.
Unfortunately what is clear, is that Arthritis is such a desperate disease that people will try almost anything, and if, they think it works, then, perhaps that is as good as it gets?
Do You Really Know What Arthritis Is.
Arthritis is a general term for a number of painful conditions of the joints and bones, it is a long-lasting disease, affecting people over many years. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on your joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, causing a systemic inflammation condition of the joint lining.
Rheumatoid arthritis is disease that affects the joints, and is among the most debilitating of all forms, causing joints to ache and throb and eventually become deformed.
Arthritis is probably one of the most misunderstood of all diseases, it is a very common medical condition, estimated to affect around seven million people in the UK alone. If you think arthritis is something that only affects older people, think again.
There is no cure for Arthritis, (at this time although stem cell research may help, so, think positive) hence the aim of treatment for Arthritis is to provide pain relief, increase motion, and improve strength. Arthritis is usually treated with drugs and physiotherapy. But an overwhelming fact of life must remain, that a positive mental attitude, combined with a sensible acceptance of an individuals limitations will allow a moderate but happy life?