Coming of age equals coming of a variety of body pains. And do you know what
most of our oldies would complain about regarding this issue? Arthritis. An
estimate of over 50 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis and other conditions related conditions.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is the kind of arthritis
that usually affects nearly three-quarters of those over 50. At the onset of
arthritis, pain is not a part of the major system yet. Morning and after rest
stiffness and crackling joints are usually the first few symptoms that confirm
the diagnosis of the condition. Upon the development of the disease, patients
are expected to suffer from more discomfort, disability and pain.
If left untreated, it can become progressively distressing and painful crippling
can result. This is particularly true with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid
arthritis usually affects women. It is prevalent with age group of 20 to 45.
Arthritis is not only caused by the wear and tear the joints undergo. There are
other factors that aggravate this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered
an immune deficiency syndrome where antibodies develop against components of
joint tissue, and mistakenly and aggressively attack the joints. Misdirected
neovascularization leads to displacement of water while decreasing the volume
and viscosity of synovial fluid (fluid between joints), further lessening the
flexibility and cushioning power of the joint, until the surfaces of raw
unprotected bone painfully begin to wear against each other, as it happens in
conditions of Osteoarthritis. Inborn recessive genetic errors may also predict
the inclination of a person to develop arthritis.
Dealing with the chronic pain of arthritis can be frustrating. Pain from
arthritis is often caused by inflammation, a localized protective reaction of
tissues to irritation or any kind of injury and is often characterized by pain,
redness, swelling and even disability. Crepitation is a process that can also
cause the pain that is felt by an arthritis patient. It is the rubbing together
of two bone fragments that cause a crackling sound. Muscle tension and fatigue
can also cause the pain.
The usual treatment for arthritis is through the use of painkillers.
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's) like aspirin can help relieve the
pain of arthritis. But they only target the symptom and not the disease itself.
Studies even show that the continual use of these NSAID's may even cause joint
deterioration thus making arthritis worse. Modern medicine does not have much to
offer for the cure of this disease.
The traditional temporary arthritis pain relief medications available leave a
lot to be desired. Other pain solutions can be relied on to achieve arthritis
pain relief. Massage therapy, hydrotherapy and cold packs are a few of the
simple methods of pain management. Herbal remedies such as ginger, willow bark
and fish oils and the well-known cartilage constituents glucosamine sulfate and
chondroitin sulfate are also promising a lot in revolutionizing the treatment of
arthritis. Aside from the symptomatic relief they offer, they actually interfere
with the origin of the disease. They are also being considered to help the body
rebuild functioning joints. Also reported to be fast acting,in cream form, they
increase mobility and optimal repair of joint structures as they help reinforce
the body's protective linings and lubricating fluids by recovering cell
stability and function to stop further damage.
Those discovered treatments among many might just be the best among the elusive
arthritis pain relief that are commercially available. But above all, no matter
how clichéd it may sound, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
About the Author
Charlene J. Nuble. For up to date links and information about arthritis,
please go to: http://arthritis.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and
information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
