What Is Arthritis?
The term arthritis is one that elicits immediate sympathy. Derived from the Greek word 'arthro' which refers to the word joint and 'itis' which refers to inflammation it is readily apparent that it is a term that aptly describes itself. We know it as a disease that can cause a range of discomfort that can take the form of a mild stiffness to disabling and crippling pain.
There are approximately one hundred types of arthritic diseases and it is estimated that in America alone there are over 45 million people who suffer from some form of it. And although it is a disease that we may normally associate with older people - the very young can suffer from it as well.
There is no one definitive cause for arthritis that can be pointed to, although there are a number of factors that can contribute to developing it. There can be a genetic disposition to it. It can 'run' in some families. Arthritis can also come about as a result of a chemical imbalance in the body. Or if the body has an overactive immune system. The incident of an injury or working at a job that regularly puts a lot of stress on the joints is another common factor.
The inflammation that occurs with arthritis is the body's common defense system in action. This can involve some swelling, redness and heat, as well as pain. The body is reacting to some invasive issue. When this inflammation occurs in a joint area, this can limit the normal use of this joint and eventually impair it's function over all.
In a healthy joint the bones are coated with a smooth elastic material called the cartilage. This tough substance protects the bones and acts as a shock absorber allowing the two bones to work together. The entire joint is as well encased in a capsule that prevents it from becoming dislocated. The lining of this casing is called the synovium which produces a nourishing, thick liquid that helps keep the joint well lubricated. If this casing becomes inflamed due to arthritis the result is that it produces too much fluid and this fluid will contain inflammatory cells. This inflamed liquid can then cause damage to first the cartilage and then the underlying bone.
There are certain types of arthritis that go on to affect more that the joints of bones. Lupus can affect the skin, nervous system, kidneys and heart. Fibromyalgia can induce muscle pain and chronic fatigue. Scleroderma causes the connective tissue of the skin to thicken and harden and works on the internal organs as well.
The dynamics of this disease in all of it's many manifestations is the subject of much relentless research. Treatments in a multitude of areas are offered. Support and training is available to learn how to cope within one's lifestyle. But ultimately, as with other diseases, establishing a specific diagnosis early on is vitally important to improving the long term management of it and the eventual outcome.
Thoughtful Ways to Manage the Pain of Arthritis
In seeking treatment for the disease of arthritis there is a vast arsenal of medications that may be suggested by your health care provider. With due consideration to the side effects and long term effectiveness of these drugs you may decide to proceed with one or a combination of them. No one can fully understand or empathize with the pain that may be your daily companion. Each individual is alone in this in the sense that we each have different capacities for pain.
There is two main categories of pain associated with arthritis. Acute and chronic. Acute pain is something that is viewed as temporary. Chronic pain - whether it be mild or severe - is pain that lasts for a good length of time.
Not only is pain uncomfortable - and well, painful - it is fatiguing and begins to wear at an individual emotionally. Over time it can bring with it a feeling of hopelessness and depression. It can limit what a person is able to do to support themselves financially. And it can keep people from actively associating with others leading to further isolation and depression.
It becomes vital therefore, to consider how one can manage the pain in such a way as to endure and yet maintain a quality of life that allows one to keep a positive and productive outlook.
Though it may seem counterintuitive one of the suggestions to relieving pain is to exercise. However, it is important to work with knowledgeable therapists who can develop a safe routine that will not aggravate the existing problem. Exercise works because it can help improve movement and reduce stiffness, it can help keep up the strength of muscles that will protect and support the affected joints and it can improve circulation which is beneficial for overall health. Add to that the bonus that it may reduce or control weight that adds stress to afflicted joints.
Proper rest is always important for the body to help restore itself. And it is thought that inflammation eases off when the body is able to achieve a restful stage.
Massage and hydrotherapy help to relieve stiffness in joints and both work to improve circulation. For some individuals that are very nearly crippled with arthritis they have found that being in a pool allows them the only real opportunity to have movement and exercise free from the stress on their sore joints. It can provide some very real blessed moments of relief.
Another area to be explored is the strength of one's perceptions. It has been noted that anxiety and uncertainty about what is happening in one's own body can accentuate the pain felt. This means that gaining a clear understanding of what is occurring and what can be done in the way of treatment can work to relieve some of the stress and thus some of the pain as well.
As has been shown time and again - a calm and positive outlook will produce a better reaction in the physical body over a bitter and negative one. But how to work at it? It will be up to each one to seek out positive activities and input that they enjoy. Focusing on things that are enjoyable and uplifting can go a long way in keeping one's mind from dwelling on the pain. Pain that is dwelt on seems to always increase. Granted, it may take a supreme effort to begin such a pattern of thinking but the reward of improving the quality of life that we have been given will always be worth it.
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