Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, systemic, autoimmune disease that causes joint destruction and functional disability. This means that it is a long term disease that gets worse with time. For a person with rheumatoid arthritis the immune system does not function properly so this disease not only affects the joints but may affect any system in the body such as the blood vessels and lungs. So far, no one has discovered a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Most arthritis treatments are designed to relieve symptoms but not to eliminate the disease. The purpose of the following tips is to provide arthritis help with suggestions to relieve your symptoms.
Keep active and maintain movement in your joints as much as possible. Even a small movement is better than no movement. This will keep your joints functioning better for a longer period of time. Exercise is a must to strengthen your muscles, protect your joints and keep you mobile while helping you to stay upbeat. Try to exercise when you first wake up in the morning to help ease morning stiffness. Then exercise again just before going to bed to prevent stiffness from developing. Exercise works best when inflammation has calmed down and you are in the least amount of pain.
For rheumatoid arthritis help there are a few types of exercises that are recommended. The simplest and easiest exercises are called range of motion exercises. These exercises help maintain good movement by putting your joints through their full range of movement. Isometrics help strengthen muscles as does weight bearing exercises such as walking. These should be done under the supervision of a therapist or physician to prevent further injury. Stretching helps make the muscles more flexible. Swimming and exercises in a heated pool provide good arthritis help for people with RA. Don’t overdo it. If, after 24 hours, your pain has increased considerably cut back on the frequency and amount of exercise you’re doing. On the other hand if an exercise provides you with relief continue doing it for arthritis help.
- Maintain an ideal weight because being overweight puts extra stress on your joints. If you are carrying extra weight then losing weight will help increase joint function.
- Try using a water bed. The slight motions made by a water bed while you are lying down can help reduce morning stiffness. Also, a heated water bed may warm the joints and relieve joint pain. If a water bed is not feasible then try a sleeping bag because it very effectively traps heat which helps reduce morning aches and pains.
- Learn to live with your arthritis by protecting your joints. Replace doorknobs and round faucets with long handles which require a less stressful grip to operate. Use automatic appliances to do the work for you such as can openers.
- Whenever possible use your arm instead of your hand to carry out an activity such as pushing a heavy door open.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from your family members or friends.
Osteoarthritis, known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis that occurs more frequently as we age. In osteoarthritis there is inflammation in the joint caused by the breakdown of cartilage and the destruction or decrease of the fluid that lubricates the joints. Before treating arthritis it is important to understand about your joint.
Anatomy of a Joint:
Joints are the areas where two or more bones come together. Most joints are mobile allowing the bones to move. These joints are surrounded and enclosed by a fibrous tissue, called the capsule, which holds the bones together. The synovial membrane lines the capsule and secretes a clear, sticky fluid around the joint to lubricate it. This fluid is known as the synovial fluid. The ends of the bones which come into contact are always covered with cartilage; a connective tissue made up of cells and fibers and is wear-resistant. The cartilage provides a smooth surface and is strong enough to bear the weight of the body.
Causes of Osteoarthritis:
As we age the water content in the synovial fluid and in the cartilage increases whereas the protein content decreases. Eventually, the cartilage thins and begins to break down by flaking or forming crevasses. Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to inflammation of the cartilage, pain and limitations of your joint mobility.
Who is at risk?
- People with a family history of osteoarthritis.
- Aging does not cause arthritis but is a factor in developing the symptoms. Males under 45 more frequently have arthritis whereas it is more common in females over 55.
- Extra body weight is clearly associated with arthritis of the knee. Being overweight puts extra strain on your large bearing joints such as your hips, knees and the balls of your feet.
- Joint injury which may change your normal joint structure.
- Estrogen deficiency in women, particularly after menopause.
- People with a Vitamin D deficiency; vitamin D is important to keep the cartilage healthy.
- People with nerve damage, as seen with diabetics, or a vitamin B12 deficiency causing decreased sensations.
- Increased bone density results in bones that are less able to absorb impacts and to protect cartilage from trauma.
Treating Arthritis:
The first thing you should know about treating arthritis is that there is no substance that will completely cure your joint. When you visit your physician he will most likely give you an anti-inflammatory drug such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or another drug of the ansaid class of drugs. These will help relieve the pain and swelling but will not help repair or stop the progression of osteoarthritis in your joint.
There are natural ingredients that are a much better option for treating arthritis. These not only help stop the progression of the disease, but actually help repair and improve the condition of your joint. These natural ingredients do not give you immediate pain relief, however, they help repair damaged cartilage and help maintain flexibility and joint health.
These natural ingredients consist of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, Omega 3 Fatty acids, Boswellia Serrata, Vitamin C,E,A.
See Lita’s article on Arthritis Prevention.
There are more than one hundred different forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Among the more widely known conditions are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus. When I think of arthritis disease the one form that comes to mind is one of the more debilitating forms of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects about 1% of the population of North America and occurs three times more often in females than in males. It can occur at any age but typically the age of onset is between 50 and 60. This arthritis disease is a chronic progressive condition that causes the lining of your joints to become inflamed.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease meaning that it affects the entire body. As this arthritis disease progresses it can not only damage the tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone in the joints but also other areas in the body such as your lungs and blood vessels.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease meaning that the body’s immune system is not functioning properly. The immune system does not recognize it’s own tissue and treats it like foreign invaders. With this form of arthritis disease the immune system attacks the joints and surrounding tissue causing long term damage.
Symptoms can come on very suddenly or gradually and the arthritis disease has periods when it is active and periods of remission. When the disease is active, symptoms may include fatigue, lack of appetite, low grade fever, muscle and joint aches and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. In Rheumatoid arthritis, joints are usually inflamed in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected). Joints in the hands and wrists are often affected.
See your physician if you are experiencing some of the above symptoms. He will do a physical examination while asking about your medical history and he will also request a blood test. The findings from the blood test will help the doctor determine which form of arthritis disease you have. Your doctor may send you to see a rheumatologist which is a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritic diseases. The two may work together to give you the best treatment for your condition.
While you cannot cure your condition, you can adopt a variety of coping techniques that will leave you more active and in control of your life. You and your joints can remain on good terms. Learn more from my next blog on arthritis help.
