Is it Arthritis?

With a change in the weather, a lot of us start to feel aching joints and stiffness.

So, yes, it could be arthritis. However, there are more than 100 conditions that fall under the umbrella of “arthritis” and affect one in three adults – an estimated 70 million Americans. Arthritic diseases affect the joints and connective tissue, causing swelling, pain, stiffness or joint instability. The most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is caused in part by wear and tear of the joints. Joints that have been injured also have a tendency to develop osteoarthritis. Bones rub against each after cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down. Sometimes the joints look knobby or gnarled. Osteoarthritis tends to isolate in specific joints (finger, knee, back, neck etc.).

Rheumatoid arthritis, however, is considered an autoimmune disease that is systemic. In other words, it affects the whole body. It is characterized by bouts of inflammation with fever, pain in joints and muscles; then periods where no inflammation occurs. Rheumatoid arthritis can destroy the joints and is generally more deforming. Early intervention and drug treatments can help to control RA, but it still can still be a debilitating disease.

Tests by a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in arthritic diseases) can help you identify what type of arthritis you have. Some people develop both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis or may have other conditions such as fibromyalgia.

How can you feel better? Diet and exercise play an important part in decreasing symptoms. There are many different “cures” out there, so it pays to be cautious. Recent studies show that use of glucosamine (with chondritin) can improve joint health. Eliminating nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers) from the diet may be effective in reducing inflammation. However the jury is still out. It is important to continue to do your research and consult with your doctor, especially if you take medications that can interact with each other or certain foods and supplements.

Therapy can help by evaluating your activity level, home activities, assessing the need for splints or supports and specialized equipment to develop a program tailored for you which includes therapy and things you can do at home. Support of joints with splints may correct or delay deformity and can decrease pain. Also, learning how to perform daily activities, sometimes by using special equipment, can minimize damage to the joints.

Hands on treatment using myofascial release can help improve flexibility, blood flow and release holding patterns to correct posture. This helps break the cycle of pain-tension-pain that we get into when we are hurting and try to guard ourselves against the pain.

Activity can make a tremendous difference in the health of your joints and your outlook on life. “Use it or lose it” holds true here. A regular exercise program including weight bearing, aerobics and stretching can help you to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness and pain. However you should not force into pain, especially when your joints are flared up. Strengthening of muscle groups can help you to stabilize joints. Movement in water can take the stress off of joints. The water pressure can help swelling, reduce pain and improve flexibility.

Most people develop some type of arthritis during their lifetimes. It is important to listen to your body and take care of those aches and pains so they do not become chronic or debilitating – so you are the best you can be and live an active, productive life!

#health