Arthritis is the general name given to a number of conditions that involve damage and pain to the joints of the body. It is the leading cause of disability for people over 55 years old.
There are different forms of arthritis with the most common type being osteoarthritis. Arthritis can affect any joint in your body, although the most common ones are those in the hands, feet, hips, knees, and the spine. The pain worsens as the joints are used over time. There is no permanent or perfect cure, but there are ways you can alleviate the pain and the symptoms, and increase mobility to the affected joints.
The Affliction
Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is sometimes called osteoarthrosis. It is primarily the result of abnormal wearing of the cartilage that cushions and covers the joints, or the decrease or total destruction of the synovial fluid that lubricates those joints. As the bone becomes less protected, there will be pain as weight is applied on these joints. The pain will naturally cause a decrease of movement leading to atrophy in the regional muscles as tendons become more lax.
The main symptom of arthritis is usually chronic pain. Generally, it is described as sharp and is usually accompanied by burning sensations in the muscles and tendons. For some patients, humid weather can increase the pain.
Getting Rid Of The Pain
Arthritis has a habit of flaring from time to time. To cope with the pain and the stiffness, here are a few things you can do:
- Take your medications religiously. Your medications are there to ensure that your ailment is under control. By taking them regularly instead of only when the pain has built up, you will lessen the pain and discomfort.
- Use devices that can assist you. To get some pressure and weight off your joints, use devices and things that can assist you. For example, a cane can help you ease the weight to your knee or hip joints. If you don’t have any idea on what other things can aid you, ask the assistance of a physical therapist or your doctor.
- Get proper rest. If you’ve been doing activities that repeatedly target your joints, take the time to rest. Also, if you feel pain or inflammation, rest your body for about 12 to 24 hours.
- Lose weight. Added weight forces more stress and pressure to the joints that support you, such as in the feet or knees. Even a small amount of weight loss can greatly help relieve the pressure and the pain you feel. Try combining diet and exercise for effective weight loss.
- Avoid actions that can cause you to strain your finger joints. Choose items that will not force you to do actions that may strain your fingers. For example, instead of getting a clutch-style bag or purse, get one that has a strap. Don’t open a jar by twisting it. Instead, use hot water and your palm to loosen it.
- Apply a hot and cold compress to manage your pain. Heat compress can help relieve the stiffness while cold compress can relieve muscle spasms. For heat, a warm bath, a hot water bottle, or a heating pad will do. Remember that the water should be warm and not hot, to avoid scalding yourself. Ice packs can be used for cold compresses; however, if you’re feeling numb or have poor circulation, don’t use cold compresses.
- Maintain proper posture. Good posture evenly distributes your weight throughout your body, so avoid straining your ligaments and muscles. There are several ways you can go about improving or maintaining good posture, aside from regular posture exercises. The easiest way is by walking. The faster you walk, the more your muscles are forced to keep you upright. Swimming also improves your posture.
- Spread the weight over several joints. Spreading the weight saves a joint from bearing the full impact. This lessens the chances of deterioration. For example, if you’re carrying a heavy frying pan: instead of using one hand, use both to grasp and carry it. You can also use a walking cane or stick when walking.
- Favor large joints and use your stronger muscles. When doing anything, don’t use actions that just focus on one joint. Don’t push a heavy door, for example. Instead, lean on it. When picking up things, don’t bend over: use your knees instead.
- Wear proper footwear. For those who have arthritis in the back joints or in the feet where the weight is centered, wear comfortable shoes that cushion and support your weight. Proper footwear will also help you avoid other joint-related problems like corns.
Other Treatments
Arthritis that persists even after initial treatment may require the help of stronger medications. Continuous initial treatments outlined above plus additional medicines will hopefully give you faster and more complete relief.
The medications that your doctor may prescribe to you include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs relieve pain and help reduce inflammation. A common example of an NSAID is ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). This NSAID can be bought over the counter. Stronger ones generally need the prescription of your doctor. Be advised, however, that when used in high dosage, you may have side effects that include cardiovascular problems, ulcers, and liver and kidney problems. Be sure to consult with your doctor first before taking them.
- Acetaminophen. Acetaminophens like Tylenol can relieve pain, but they do not help in the inflammation. They are usually used for mild to moderate treatments of arthritis. Taking large doses, especially with the accompaniment of alcohol, may cause liver damage.
- Cortisone treatment. Cortisone shots are used for severe pain cases of arthritis. During this treatment, the affected joints are numbed and your doctor injects medication in the space between your joints.
Surgery
Surgery for arthritis should only be considered for severe cases, such as when the disease is making it difficult for you to do your daily tasks. Some of the more common surgical operations for arthritis include:
- Joint replacement
- Debridement
- Bone realignment
- Bone fusion
Arthritis can be a real discomfort to people, especially to those whose jobs require a certain amount of mobility and physical commitment. You don’t have to suffer the pain. It is just a matter of proper physical conditioning.
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