Cause and treatment of arthritis

Arthritis is a problem that is not merely confined to the aging population – even young children, teenagers and athletes suffer from this disease. Arthritis is a disease that takes many forms; the two most common of which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis does damage in a ‘wear and tear’ degenerative way. Rheumatoid arthritis causes harm by way of inflammation.

Osteoarthritis can be painful and can be further aggravated by strenuous activity and relieved by rest. Those suffering from this disease experience stiffness in the morning, lasting for about half an hour. It is localized to joints of the hips, knees, ankles, feet and the back. It damages the cartilage (padding) between bones of weight-bearing joints. The bones rub together, causing the body to respond by putting out more calcium for the growth of new bone, resulting in the increase in the number of bones that develop into spurs known as osteophytes. Osteophytes inhibit movement of joints and can chip and leave deposits within joints, thus aggravating movement even further.

To help postpone and alleviate arthritis be active but respect your body’s limitations when exercising. In order to maintain normal cardiovascular health, three 20-30 minute periods of exercise are sufficient. Learn to respect your feet. If you also have diabetes this is particularly important. Any kind of sporting activity commences with your feet, so cushion them well by wearing properly cushioned, shock-absorbent shoes that can help reduce stress on weight-bearing joints. Shoes should fit well and should be specifically made for the activity for which they are being used. Remember that excess body weight attacks the weight-bearing joints and weakens the muscles that protect joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis dishes out a great deal of pain that gets worse in the wake of strenuous activity. Morning stiffness lasts longer than a half hour. Numerous joints are affected on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be a ‘whole body’ disease. Apart from pain, it can cause fever, weight loss, fatigue and anaemia. For relief it is recommended that you remain active and moving. Application of moist heat is recommended, daily exercise and intervening periods of rest. Heat gives relief by helping to loosen muscles, ligaments and tendons surrounding joints, thus facilitating joint movement. Heat treatments include having a warm shower or bath, or applying hot wet towels to the affected area. Heat should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes, twice daily.