Arthritis Symptoms And Treatments

Bones, being the support system of the body, need to stay healthy for an active lifestyle. However sometimes, the two bones connected to each other known as the "joint", is being affected by a disease called "arthritis" which changes an active lifestyle to a degrading immobile one. This is because of the joint pain and swelling associated with it.

Arthritis, or the inflammation of the joints, means more than unhealthy bones. It results from the breakage of the cartilage within the joints mostly because of aging, injury, or other diseases. Since arthritis threatens to take away the freedom of a person to do certain activities, it seriously needs to be given attention. Knowing arthritis symptoms and its corresponding treatments would greatly help in prevention of it or to withhold the worsening scenario.

Arthritis Symptoms

In order to diagnose that the person is suffering with arthritis, a medical specialist would check if the following symptoms are present:

1. Joint Pain - a person with arthritis would have a hard time using his/her hands, walking, kneeling, or bending the elbows or neck because of joint pain.
2. Swelling and redness - aside from pain, it is also be noticeable to see an enlargement and redness of the joint areas of the body
3. Fatigue or exhaustion - because of inability to move smoothly, a person may experience weakness or exhaustion while in active motion.
4. Fever - one may know that arthritis is getting worse is when fever already arises. This means that the inflammation of the joints is also affecting other organs of the body
5. Skin rash - most common with children, rashes begin to manifest in the skin as a sign of inflamed joint.

Arthritis Treatments

One should not delay in giving proper care to the joints following the diagnosis of arthritis. So as not to worsen the case, here are some arthritis treatments that could lessen its symptoms:

1. Cold Compress - is the most common first aid for joint swelling and redness. Place an ice bag over the affected area and the cold effect could take the bump away.
2. Hot compress - is for the treatment of joint pain and stiffness. The heat relaxes the joint and helps to get rid of the discomfort.
3. Massage - proper massage, usually with helpful oils like eucalyptus, camphor or olive oil, which have anti-inflammatory effects, brings comfort to the swelling joints.
4. Physical Therapy - there are adequate physical exercises suitable for persons suffering with arthritis. This will relieve stiff joints and helps get it back to normal.
5. Natural Supplements - taking of natural supplements like Glucosamine and Chondroitin aid in repair of cartilage, thus bringing back the joints' flexibility.

The common feeling of joint pain may worsen and its adverse effects may bring more damage to the body if arthritis symptoms are not recognized nor given appropriate arthritis treatments.