Arthritis, The Pain And The Reasons
Copyright 2005 Yvonne Loubet
Many fear the pain of arthritis as they age. But,
it can attack anyone at any time. For those who it does strike, the
pain is unbearable. It is a group of diseases of the bone joints.
Each time a person moves, joints move with them. But,
when arthritis lurks in the joints, pain is also lurking. Many people
have mistakenly come to believe that it is a sign of growing old.
In fact, it is not. There are different types of arthritis, and many
ways that it can begin to consume your life.
As we stated, arthritis is actually a common name
for a group of diseases of the bone joints. These diseases include
rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease and certain other
types of arthritis, which are caused by a bad injury, repetitive use,
sports, or overexertion.
Septic arthritis is caused by a joint infection. And,
the most common of all is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative
disease. In this particular disease, older people are mainly the target.
Their joint cartilage is simply deteriorating over time. In any of
these cases, arthritis can be profoundly painful and at times, unbearable.
For those who are elderly, the worst of the pain comes
in the morning or after sitting for long periods. This is due to the
fact that joints become stiff. Once they begin to move and keep moving,
though, the pain can be mild.
When arthritis strikes a young child, he or she may
just stop using the limb. Weather changes can also cause increased
pain in the effected area. The pain of the disease comes from the
joints developing extra nerve endings. They do this to protect the
joint from more damage. If it hurts more, you likely won't use it
more for fear of it getting worse. However, the stiffness sets in
from lack of use and the vicious cycle continues.
What can you do if you think you may have arthritis?
The first course of action is to see a doctor. The doctor will ask
you questions regarding any other symptoms you may have besides the
obvious pain and limited use of the joint. Fever can be a cause for
septic arthritis. In this specific cause, you should seek a medical
emergency team right away as it can be life threatening.
In any case, the doctor will most likely have blood
work done as well as x-rays. Once the type of arthritis is diagnosed,
your doctor will have a better idea how to treat it. For some this
may include surgery, prescription drugs, physical therapy, or a reduction
in the use of the effected joints. There are other products being
used as well. One of these is a collagen injection. Other treatments
that have been shown to ease the pain include herbal remedies.
In the end, arthritis can be helped, and may be cured
if treatment is sought and given in the right manner. If you suspect
that you or someone you love is being affected by this disease, you
should speak to your doctor as it can be an unnecessary pain that
you or they face day in and day out. Unfortunately, arthritis can't
heal itself and does require treatment. It is simply a wise choice
to get it taken care of.
About the Author:
Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist
who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice because of arthritis.
She operates a website http://www.naturalarthritispainrelief.com
which provides information on an alternative arthritis treatment.
More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html
