Arthritis: What You Need To Know About It And How You Can Cope With It
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natural remedies are preferred by some people. This is especially true if medications fail to work on them, or they want less costly alternatives. Such natural remedies include a diet of raw fruits and vegetables to increase the alkalinity of the body. There are also supplements like fish oils, vegetarian glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Such supplements are said to help in the repair of worn out cartilage, and increase joint lubrication.