Monday, March 11, 2013

How To Deal With Arthritis And Its Symptoms


There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis and related conditions. The word arthritis comes from "art her" (joint) and "it is" (inflammation). It is used to describe a wide range of diseases of the joints and related tissues that cause pain, stiffness and sometimes joint deformities and loss of function. Some kinds of arthritis also attack the skin and internal organs. You may have heard arthritis mentioned to as rheumatism or rheumatic disease: the terms are used interchangeably and arthritis specialists are called rheumatologists. The risk of getting many kinds of arthritis increases as we age.

Today, joint diseases account for half of all debilitating conditions in people aged 60 and older. Because medicine and diet are helping us live longer, more people than ever will develop osteoarthritis in the future. Other forms of arthritis also attack children and people in the prime of life. Some of these rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus are very serious. Arthritis can be a complex condition to diagnose and treat. Many people, especially as they age, develop osteoarthritis, in addition, to other kinds of arthritis, or are also being treated for other debilitating diseases, such as heart disease or type two diabetes. Moreover, because no two individuals have exactly the same symptoms, your doctor will most likely prescribe a combination of treatments adjusted specifically for you.

A team approach is recommended for treating; the severe types of arthritis.When treating chronic ailments, doctors today are increasingly open to the idea of including some complementary therapies. The cause of most kinds of arthritic condition is not known, nor is there a cure for the majority of them. Many symptoms do respond to treatment. By working closely with your healthcare team and using a combination of conventional medications, complementary therapies and exercise, you can minimize the effects of this age-old disease and remain active.

Some kinds of arthritis need early and aggressive treatment to prevent or lessen irreversible bone damage. Infectious arthritis, for example, can be cured when treated with antibiotics-if you think you probably have an infection, call your doctor at once. Joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis can be reduced or prevented with powerful drugs. If you notice any of the following symptoms see your doctor. Consent or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint that lasts for more than two weeks. Swelling in one or more joints, especially with warmth and redness. Hardness around the joints that last a minimum for an hour in the early morning. Sudden difficulty using or moving a joint normally.

No comments:

Post a Comment