None — BACKGROUND: Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks itself. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. More than 20 million people with arthritis have severe limitations that affect their function on a daily basis. Each year, arthritis results in nearly 1,000,000 hospitalizations and close to 45,000,000 outpatient visits to health care centers. The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury metabolic abnormalities, hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effect of infections and a misdirected immune system with autoimmunity. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, limited function of joints, and inflammation of the joints, which is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. (SOURCE: The Arthritis Foundation)
TREATMENT: The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips, anti-inflammatory medications immune-altering medications, and surgical operations.
THE PAIN: Living with this disease should not stop you from your everyday activities. There are many ways to cope with the pain. When it comes to your wellness, you should think positive thoughts, have a sense of humor, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and surround yourself with positive people. Also having good posture is key to minimizing the stress on your joints as well as the spine. Women with arthritis may want to reconsider wearing high heels. Researchers at Boston's Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital found that women who frequently wear high heels, at least two inches high, have increased torque at the knee, which strains the joint near the back of the kneecap.
TIPS TO DEAL WITH PAIN: While exercising, experts say to wear sturdy supportive shoes that are not worn out, preferably athletic shoes. Another great tip: while cleaning around the house, it's a good idea to take on one cleaning task per day. Give yourself enough time to get the job done. Decide at the beginning of each week which chores need to be accomplished and divide them up. Keeping a pain diary also can help track pain. Arthritis professionals recommend that people with rheumatoid arthritis use a scale from 1 to 10 to measure their pain before and after they begin a new practice or make changes in their daily life. By tracking changes this way, you'll be able to clearly see what improves your pain, and what doesn't.
WFTV
