National Arthritis Awareness Month
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis encompasses over 100 conditions which all involve inflammation of the joints, with symptoms are that common throughout the various types of arthritis.
The various conditions include mild tendonitis to syndromes such as fibromyalgia and those which are more extensive like lupus and gout. Arthritis has no age boundaries and can affect people from the very young to those who are very active in their prime
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The common sign in all types of arthritis is inflammation of a joint, where the following symptoms are prevalent:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
What are the treatments for arthritis?
The treatment for arthritis targets relieving the symptoms and increasing the range of motion. There are various therapies of which one or a combination may be necessary to help relieve the pain.
Medications
- Analgesics – this group of medications, such as acetaminophen, relieves the pain but does not reduce the inflammation.
- Topical medications – there are topical creams and gels which can be purchased over the counter that can provide relief when applied to the affected area.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – include ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetylsalicylic acid which reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Ask your pharmacist about the medications available without a prescription.
Alternative Medicine
-
Natural remedies that include glucosamine and chondroitin have provided relief for
some people over a period of time. Do not use glucosamine if you have shellfish allergies or are taking blood thinners. - Acupuncture can improve function and relieve pain for some people.
- Tai chi and yoga involve gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing which can help you maintain your range of motion of the affected joint.
Products that make your life easier:
The material in this email was sourced from: www.mayoclinic.org;
www.arthritis.ca; www.healthline.com. It is intended for information purposes only and should not be used in place of consultation with a healthcare professional.