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Arthritis Information & Pain Relief
Arthritis can affect people of all ages from infants to the elderly. There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It usually occurs later in life and in people who have put extra demands on their joints i.e., sports people or people who are very overweight. It is likely to affect weight bearing joints such as hips, knees, spine and hands.
Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of the cartilage padding of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the synovial lining of the joint. It is often associated with inflammation of other body tissues. It can cause tiredness, aching in the muscles and loss of appetite. It usually occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 55.
Who gets arthritis?
Anyone can get arthritis. Women are more likely to get arthritis than men are. Though arthritis does occur in young adults and children, people are affected more as they grow older.
Signs & Symptoms of Arthritis
- Swelling in one or more joints
- Early morning joint stiffness
- Not able to move a joint normally
- Obvious redness and warmth in a joint
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or weakness with joint pain
- Joint stiffness after long periods of sitting or lying
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms
Looking after yourself when you have arthritis
There are a few simple things that you should do to help look after yourself once you have been diagnosed with arthritis.
Keep Supple and Mobile
Exercises increase joint flexibility and muscle strength. Your physiotherapist or occupational therapist can help you plan exercises or activities suited to your condition.
Get Rest
Balance exercises with resting. During Flare Ups you will need more rest and less exercise, and vice-versa when your condition improves.
If you are overweight ?? then lose weight
Being overweight can worsen your arthritis. Keep to your optimum weight with a healthy well-balanced diet. If you need guidance on how to lose weight, ask your doctor. Regular exercise is vital to losing weight.
Protect your joints
Use large joints whenever possible to do a task, so use your whole arm instead of your hand to push open a door.
Try heat to relive aching pain
A hot shower or bath can bring relief by relaxing muscles. Your doctor or physiotherapist can prescribe other forms of treatment.
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