Living with Arthritis
Arthritis affects the lives of millions all over the world. Although it is a more common affliction for older people, it is possible for even young children to experience the crippling effects of arthritis. Different people of varying ages encounter a range of miscellaneous symptoms from arthritis.
Some are only affected in precise areas. Some experience only slight pain, while others are paralysed by it. No matter how old you are, you should educate yourself on the causes and treatments of arthritis. A little preventive knowledge may save you serious discomfort in the future.
Arthritis is caused when cartilage, a protective cushioning between bone-joints, gets worn out and becomes thin. This may happen due to an imbalance of the many chemicals required to stabilise themselves harmoniously in the joint. Even slight inconsistencies in the chemical balance may cause eventual discomfort. The joints most common to suffer the blight of arthritis are the hands, knees, or hips. And men are usually afflicted with more serious pain than women.
Drugs such as aspirin and Nurofen try to create a balance of joint chemicals and may also decrease swelling. There are also established treatments such as steroid injection that aim to strengthen the joint, or pain-killing creams used in conjunction with other remedies to further reduce suffering. But these treatments may only work for some. In a last resort situation, a joint replacement surgery may be necessary on the hip or knee. This is usually very effective and may last up to fifteen years.
There are also several homeopathic remedies and nutritional supplements used to treat arthritis. Certain fish oils found in tuna, anchovies, and salmon are high in fatty acids named Omega-3, recently found to be an important substance in joint health. Supplements containing chondroitin and glucosamine are also helpful, containing two other vital joint chemicals. Other supplements rumored to be useful to arthritis sufferers are deer velvet, cat's claw, and green lipped mussel extracts. Hydrotherapy and acupuncture are other possible treatments to consider.
Once the cartilage between the joints begins to wear out, the process cannot be reversed, but several lifestyle changes can be beneficial for increasing comfort. Patients suffering from arthritis may want to consider losing excess weight, improving their diet with a healthier intake of water, protein, starch, and dairy, getting regular low-impact aerobic exercise, and wearing orthopaedic shoes that better support the joints that are in pain.
With a variety of different treatments to choose from, no one has to endure the crippling effects of arthritis for long. As with any health program, seek the advice of your doctor or health-care professional first before starting any remedies.
