Two of the most common forms of Arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Differentiating between the two can help in finding tips in managing the pain that they cause to an individual.
Arthritis is usually identified with growing old. This is not entirely true as it does not only occur with the elderly but can also happen to the younger population. With this in mind, tips on its proper management is crucial to help yourself or others to alleviate the pain it causes.
But first you must know the difference between the two forms of Arthritis as they require different management techniques. Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes joint paint and stiffness due to the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is made up of firm but flexible tissue that is found at every end of the bones called joints to facilitate the smooth movement of bones and prevent them from rubbing against each other.
Rheumatoid Arthritis on the other hand is said to be a chronic autoimmune disease that causes swelling and deformity in joints. Usual joints that suffer from this disease are the hands and fingers, the knees, legs and shoulders. But further studies actually points this type of disease as possible causes to inflammation of blood vessels due to lack of proper circulated to affected areas, growth of rheumatoid nodules that are bumps just below the skin due to inflammation of joints, lung diseases, blood disorder, and the gradual weakening of the bones. Knowing these changes in the physical body can really sound painful and in fact it is.
Hot/cold compressions. One of the most common treatments for alleviating pain caused by arthritis is hot and cold compression applied to the aching joints. The decision to what compression to use is up to the instructions of the doctor or how the body can respond to it. Hot compression usually relaxes the muscles and dilate blood vessels making it more comfortable when stifled blood circulation and stiffness strikes joints. Cold compression does the opposite, being a temporary surface external analgesic to painful joints creating numbness and lessening the pain. The general rule is to prevent the compressions in directly touching the skin's surface and using a buffer (usually a towel) to avoid the direct contact between the skin and extreme heat or cold sources within fifteen minutes of application. This method is limited to people who have poor circulation, diabetes, or nerve disease.
Balance work and rest. Do not take on what you can do for the day. Stress can be an additional factor in your arthritis so schedule a balance between work and rest. You can still normally function in any activities that you had before you got Arthritis but you now have limits on frequency and work load. Protect your joints from unnecessary stress and use the right body mechanics in dealing with heavy tasks or loads. Bigger muscles in your legs and hips should be used in carrying heavy loads and walking using your leg muscles can lessen the impact on your knee joints.
Exercise and eat properly. Having Arthritis does not excuse you to forget about keeping yourself fit and healthy. A doctor of physical therapist can help you create a doable set of exercises that can help your joints in relieving pain. Also, watch out for your diet ingredients and lessen your take on acidic foods like processed foods, dairy products, fried foods and others.
Managing arthritis can be easy and simple without always going for medication and consultation upon the onset of pain. Following the tips above can help you deal with pain gracefully and more sensibly.
