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| Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Effectively |
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usually occurs as you get older affecting fingers knees and hips. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears away causing bone to rub against bone resulting in pain swelling and stiffness. Research shows that osteoarthritis is one of the 10 most disabling diseases in the developed countries.
Rheumatoid arthritis involves many joints and is an autoimmune inflammatory disease where the body releases enzymes that attack its own healthy tissues. The release of these enzymes was meant as an inflammatory defense but something goes wrong in the system
causing the enzymes to attack the joints. This attack causes joint erosion, damage of internal organs, eyes and other body parts.
Arthritis symptoms include; joint swelling, pain, stiffness and reduced motion range. The symptoms are classified as mild moderate or severe. The symptoms may not be consistent and may come and go but become worse over time causing unbearable pain, permanent joint deformities and generally reduce quality of life.
There is no cure for either of these two most common types of arthritis. The management of the diseases varies and can be medicinal or not-medicinal depending on the classification of symptoms. Here are some management options
Physical therapy
Simple exercises are done to help patient build strength and flexibility of the affected joints while improving pain relief. Occupation therapy can also be done to provide assistance with activities as well as equipment used during work.It has been found that simple exercises effectively reduce bone loss in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.
Podiatry
Podiatrists are experts who prescribe orthotic insoles and shoes specifically made to support the patients foot and make movement
easier.
Surgery
Surgery is also a common option where a joint is replaced. It can either be a hip joint or a knee joint. Surgical procedures used include: synovectomy, tenosynovectomy, tendon realignment, reconstructive surgery or arthroplasty, and arthrodesis.
Medicine management
Simple analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to suppress joint pains.
Prevention is always better than cure, you can prevent many types of arthritis through weight control, frequent exercise, avoidance of injuries and eating right. If you already have the disease, it is also advisable to follow up with your doctor, exercise regularly, take prescriptions correctly and to live a healthy lifestyle.
