What is Arthritis?
Arthritis can refer to many causes of joint pain.
Although osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) are well-known, a full diagnosis requires tests and
consultation with a medical specialist in diseases of bones and muscles.
The most common is osteoarthritis, which affects
joints of the neck and spine, knees, hips, fingers, thumbs and toes.
Osteoarthritis occurs most often after age 45. There are no accepted
medical cures for most forms of arthritis. Instead, medical treatment is
to reduce pain and inflammation and to maximize mobility.
Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a normal feature of aging, a common,
degenerative, wear-and-tear of your joints, while rheumatoid arthritis
is an autoimmune disease. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system
attacks the lining around your joints. This inflammation usually occurs
equally on joints on both sides of your body, and causes pain, swelling and
stiffness. This helps differentiate osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis.
Other types of arthritis include juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis – which attacks younger people and affects joints and
organs; gout – a disorder associated with excess uric acid;
and septic arthritis which is uncommon but can cause
serious damage to your joints.
Autoimmune Disease . Aging
Medical Solutions
As arthritis is associated with pain, swelling and
lack of movement, medical treatment is to reduce the pain
and swelling and increase mobility. Doctors frequently prescribe
non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. If the inflammation
is severe, corticosteroids may be injected into the joint. Drugs used to
treat arthritis can have side effects, and may not work
for all people.
Pain Control
without Drugs
Alternative Solutions
People suffering from arthritis can become so stressed they
are willing to try any treatment.
People have tried everything to cure arthritis - from snake oil to
copper bracelets to an endless list of dietary supplements. Deep tissue,
reflexology, shiatsu, acupressure, Swedish and trigger point massage are
also available.
As regular low impact exercise helps maintain strength
and mobility, swimming and physical therapy programs are common. Hot
showers before exercise and ice packs afterwards help minimize
discomfort. Rest is important - at least eight hours of sleep each
night.
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in your article on rheumatoid arthritis you fail to mention
potassium. Potassium is always low in the cell fluid of
arthritics and low in the serum according to the NHANES survey.
I suspect that this is the most important symptom during
rheumatoid arthritis, and is responsible for most of the other
symptoms. Charles Weber |
Systemic Solutions
Systemic coaching examines the
possibility that some arthritis symptoms have a function in the
family and relationships of the sufferer. This can become apparent
during systemic (relationship) diagnosis.
Family Constellations .
Relationship Bonds
Some people with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may
express relationship bonds - such as "See
father - I'm nearly crippled, I'm just like you". Systemic coaching may also help
people who have arthritis symptoms that are triggered by food allergies and
food sensitivities as food allergies often have a systemic (relationship) basis.
Your experience can show whether or not you are on
the right track. Avoid harming yourself in any way - and don't stop any
prescribed symptom suppression or medication until you discuss your research and
results with your physician. As you health improves, share your experiences to
help other people build hope, and help them go beyond limiting paradigms.
Anxiety
Disorders . Depression .
Bipolar Disorder .
Schizophrenia
Do you want to gain clarity, dissolve emotional and
relationship blocks to success?
Do you want to
build and maintain quality relationships?
Online
Coaching
Plagiarism is theft. Copyright © Martyn Carruthers 2002-2011 All rights reserved
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