ARTHRITIS

Symptoms

There are over 100 forms of arthritis, and range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage to those associated with inflammation resulting from an over-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in Australia.

Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, people who have arthritis feel pain and stiffness in the joints. Some of the more common symptoms include:
• Swelling in one or more joints
• Stiffness around the joints that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning
• Constant or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint
• Difficulty using or moving a joint normally
• Warmth and redness in a joint

Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling, weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

Causes

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections, and for unclear reasons.

How to treat it

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 pain relief methods and medications.

The type of medication depends on the rheumatic disease and on the individual patient. The medications used to treat most rheumatic diseases provide relief from pain and inflammation. In some cases, the medication may slow the course of the disease and prevent further damage to joints or other parts of the body.

Pain relief such as paracetemol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) are used to reduce the pain caused by many rheumatic conditions. NSAID’s have the added benefit of decreasing the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Heat and cold can both also be used to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Heat therapy increases blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility.

Cold therapy numbs the nerves around the joint (which reduces pain) and may relieve inflammation and muscle spasms. Cold therapy can involve cold packs, ice massage or over-the-counter sprays and ointments that cool the skin and joints. Check with your doctor to discuss what pain relief medication is best for you.

Lifestyle considerations

One sign of many rheumatic conditions is fatigue. People who have a rheumatic disease should develop a comfortable balance between rest and activity. For example, when experiencing pain or fatigue, it is important to take a break and rest. Too much rest, however, might cause muscles and joints to become stiff. People with a rheumatic disease such as arthritis can participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs. Physical exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being. Before starting any exercise program, people with arthritis should talk with their doctor.

Another important part of a good lifestyle program is a well-balanced diet. Along with exercise, a well-balanced diet helps people manage their body weight and stay healthy. Weight control is important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on some joints and can aggravate many types of arthritis.

Please contact your doctor to develop your personal arthritis plan. Your doctor can provide expert advice regarding safe participation in exercise and a healthy lifestyle to complement your medications treatment.

Sourced from:
www.medicinenet.com
www.arthritiswa.org.au

How Herron Can Help

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