Taking The Fight To Arthritis
More than 46 million Americans (one in five adults) suffer from arthritis, an inflammation of the joints that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and lack of mobility. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over age 15.
Although there is currently no known cure for arthritis, a number of treatment options are available to manage the disease and reduce its symptoms. Unfortunately, half of all Americans have the mistaken impression that nothing can be done to treat arthritis. If you think you or a loved one has arthritis, you need to see your physician as soon as possible. Treatments to reduce the painful effects of arthritis are usually much more effective when the condition is diagnosed at an early stage.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but by far the two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage, the connective tissue that covers the ends of the bones, deteriorates and can no longer provide a cushioning effect in the area where two bones meet. The result is chronic pain and stiffness. Occurring most frequently in the knees, hips and hands, osteoarthritis affects 27 million Americans. By maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, you can prevent osteoarthritis or keep its symptoms from getting worse. Over-the-counter pain medications are often effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Cortisone shots are another option. Working with a physical or occupational therapist can help relieve stress on the joint and strengthen the muscles around the joint. In more severe cases, joint replacement surgery or surgery to realign the bones have been proven effective.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the lining of a joint becomes inflamed. It’s a serious, painful and often debilitating condition. Treatment usually involves a combination of medications, regular exercise and physical therapy. Surgery is another possibility.
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