Remedies For Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis are expressed in a variety of ways. The onset can be subtle, with joint stiffness being the first symptom noted. Arthritis means "joint inflammation" and has over 100 related conditions or types of disease. If allowed to progress, it can lead to pain in the affected joint that is worse after prolonged activity and is relieved by rest. Even though arthritis means joint inflammation, there are often no signs of inflammation in certain types of arthritis.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is easy to differentiate between the two because RA is usually associated with much more inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the joint than OA. In addition, they each arise for different reasons.
There are two types of OA, primary and secondary. In primary OA there is wear and tear on the joints usually beginning in a persons 50s or 60s. The use and misuse of the joints results in OA. In secondary OA there is some predisposing factor (trauma, abnormal cartilage, congenital abnormalities, etc.) that is responsible for the degenerative changes.
RA is the result of the body's immune system attacking joint tissues. The onset of RA is usually gradual. The patient may experience fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, joint stiffness, and joint pain that is eventually followed by the appearance of painful, swollen joints. The joints affected are usually quite warm to the touch as well as being swollen and tender.
Similar symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the skin. Both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically, i.e. they affect the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body. Another difference between the two is you are more likely to develop RA if a sibling or parent had it. While for OA you are at a higher risk of developing it if you have a history of joint damage, either through an injury or chronic strain.
Both men and women are affected by these two diseases. However, a reported 74 percent of OA cases and a slightly lower percentage of RA cases occur with women. Carrying excess weight is another risk factor for osteoarthritis. Those who are overweight have a greater chance of developing it, especially in the knees. However, the odds can be cut in half by losing weight and engaging in regular activity combined with exercise.
Even though there are no complete cures for arthritis, there are a variety of treatment protocols for pain relief that do not involve pharmaceuticals. These include exercise, diet, supplements, a positive attitude and rest.
If you are concerned that you might have arthritis you should contact a medical professional. Be sure to tell him or her all your concerns and take an active role in your treatment. Be sure to explore alternative remedies in order to reduce pain and inflammation before taking any prescribed medications.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is easy to differentiate between the two because RA is usually associated with much more inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the joint than OA. In addition, they each arise for different reasons.
There are two types of OA, primary and secondary. In primary OA there is wear and tear on the joints usually beginning in a persons 50s or 60s. The use and misuse of the joints results in OA. In secondary OA there is some predisposing factor (trauma, abnormal cartilage, congenital abnormalities, etc.) that is responsible for the degenerative changes.
RA is the result of the body's immune system attacking joint tissues. The onset of RA is usually gradual. The patient may experience fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, joint stiffness, and joint pain that is eventually followed by the appearance of painful, swollen joints. The joints affected are usually quite warm to the touch as well as being swollen and tender.
Similar symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the skin. Both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically, i.e. they affect the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body. Another difference between the two is you are more likely to develop RA if a sibling or parent had it. While for OA you are at a higher risk of developing it if you have a history of joint damage, either through an injury or chronic strain.
Both men and women are affected by these two diseases. However, a reported 74 percent of OA cases and a slightly lower percentage of RA cases occur with women. Carrying excess weight is another risk factor for osteoarthritis. Those who are overweight have a greater chance of developing it, especially in the knees. However, the odds can be cut in half by losing weight and engaging in regular activity combined with exercise.
Even though there are no complete cures for arthritis, there are a variety of treatment protocols for pain relief that do not involve pharmaceuticals. These include exercise, diet, supplements, a positive attitude and rest.
If you are concerned that you might have arthritis you should contact a medical professional. Be sure to tell him or her all your concerns and take an active role in your treatment. Be sure to explore alternative remedies in order to reduce pain and inflammation before taking any prescribed medications.
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