What causes arthritis?
Arthritis is caused by a variety of factors including joint instability, age-related changes, altered biochemistry, hormonal factors, environmental factors, and psychological factors. Stress can also cause arthritis since stress disrupts the body's hormonal balance.
Stress-induced cortisone deficiency can be a factor in some forms of arthritis. When body systems release adrenalin and cortisone, it weakens the immune system. As a result, bacteria and other detrimental organisms spread throughout the body.
How is arthritis treated? - Treatments for arthritis include rest and relaxation, exercise, proper diet, medication, and instruction about the proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy. Other treatments include the use of methods to relieve pain, and assistive devices such as splints or braces. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Ideally, the doctor and patient work together to develop a treatment plan that helps the patient maintain or improve his or her lifestyle. Treatment plans usually combine several types of treatment and vary depending on the arthritic condition and the patient.
Can arthritis be cured? - There is no cure for arthritis but there are available treatments that can ease pain and stiffness. The treatments available address the symptoms. Proper treatment can really help the patients with arthritis.
What are the side effects of the most common arthritis medications? - NSAID or the Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and painkillers are the most popular and the most commonly prescribed drugs for arthritis. Several types of NSAID are on the market. The most famous are the acetylated, COX, Selective Inhibitors.
NSAID works harshly on some of the enzymes and in blocking the activity of the cells. In some cases the risk of developing other health problems is increased with continuous taking of NSAID. According to some patients, they experience dizziness, insomnia and headache after taking these drugs.
Can acupuncture help arthritis? - The National Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that acupuncture can help minimize the pain of arthritis. Some researchers believe that the needles used in acupuncture help regulate the flow of natural painkillers.
Some hospitals in the United States offer acupuncture therapy, and there are several cases that prove how acupuncture has helped in surgery for rheumatic conditions.
Can a chiropractor help arthritis? - There is evidence that chiropractic can help people suffering from arthritis. It also allows the spinal manipulation that helps regulate different joints as well as the spinal column. A good chiropractor can adjust all the joints of the body, allowing them to work normally.
There are several methods of chiropractic therapy that combine proper nutrition with overall massage to produce better health.
Should I exercise or NOT exercise arthritic joints? - Many arthritis sufferers think it is harmful for them to exercise the affected area. This is a mistaken idea that has persisted for many years.
If arthritis attacks, the patient should exercise in order to increase blood flow to the affected area. Many researchers have discussed how important it is to exercise during an attack of arthritis. In fact, exercise is essential in managing your arthritis.
In fact, many doctors help their patients learn to manage arthritis symptoms like pain and stiffness by utilizing a variety of techniques.
The first step is to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Bone pain can be a symptom of other medical problems, so it is important to find out if arthritis is the true cause. If so, you can then begin the quest for proper treatment.
Depending on the degree to which you have arthritis and its impact on your lifestyle, you may need to take anti-inflammatory medications that your doctor will prescribe. Always follow the directions carefully and take the medication only as directed.
Let your doctor know if you experience side effects or allergic reactions, which might include hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Over-the-counter medications likewise may be prescribed so you can take them as needed for sporadic discomfort if the pain has not become chronic or severe.
If you are only beginning to develop arthritis, or if it presents only mild discomfort, you can try other things to help make it more bearable, as well. For example, regular physical exercise is a great way to build bone mass and to promote bodily circulation, both of which can help to control arthritic symptoms.
Ask your doctor to recommend the best type of exercise for your condition. People with joint swelling or pain might need to avoid weight-bearing exercise like walking and instead go swimming at the local pool, which helps their bodies to float and thus relieves pressure from the joints and bones.
In addition to medication and exercise as ways of controlling your arthritis pain, you may want to consider herbal remedies, like glucosamine, among others. Some studies suggest that those using certain herbal formulas that are based on glucosamine and related substances may experience less joint pain and swelling. Ask your doctor if this is a good idea for you. There are other herbs that might reduce inflammation and ease joint pain, but check with a medical expert or an herbalist before taking any of these.
People who suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis often benefit from environmental therapies as well. Listening to soothing music or relaxing scents like potpourri can help to relieve stress and reduce discomfort associated with joint pain.
Keeping a journal and writing about negative aspects of having arthritis for 15 to 20 minutes at least three days a week has been shown to improve immune function and decrease stress levels.
Joining a support group or visiting with friends and family several times a month likewise provides comfort to ease difficult physical symptoms.
Don't let arthritis keep you down. Take control of your life and your symptoms by trying strategies like these to build a better future. You can also try a few home remedies to treat your arthritis naturally at home.
