Understanding ARTHRITIS

Treatment

Treatment for arthritis usually involves a combination of medication, exercise, and life-style modification.  A physical therapist may initiate a therapeutic  exercise program.  It may incorporate range-of-motion, isometric, aerobic, and isotonic or weight-bearing exercises. These have been shown to improve a multitude of symptoms including joint pain and swelling, fatigue, malaise, and depression.  The benefits of exercise are seen even in the very elderly.  Exercise can also limit bone-density loss. Some claim that a measure of pain relief has also been achieved through various forms of heat and cold therapy and acupuncture.  

Because weight loss can significantly reduce joint pain, diet can be a major component of arthritis management.   Some have also claimed that  a diet that includes calcium rich foods such as dark, leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, and cold-water fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids-and that cuts down on processed foods and saturated fats-can not only help achieve weight loss but also reduce  pain.  How?  Some say that such a diet inhibits the inflammatory process. There are also claims that diets that eliminate meat, milk products, wheat, and vegetables belonging to the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant, have also been effective for some. 

In some cases  a surgical procedure called arthroscopy is recommended. This involves inserting an instrument right into the joint, allowing a surgeon to remove the synovial tissue producing the destructive enzymes.  This procedure has limited effectiveness, however as inflammation often recurs. Even more drastic a procedure is joint arthroplasty,in which the entire joint (usually a hip or a knee) is replaced with an artificial one.  This surgery has a longevity of 10 to 15 years and is often highly effective in eliminating pain. 

More recently, doctors have tried less invasive treatments, such as viscosupplementation, where hyaluronic fluid is injected directly into a joint. This is most commonly performed on the knees. Injecting substances that stimulate cartilage repair (chondroprotective agents) has also had a measure of success, according to some European studies. 

While no drug has been found to cure arthritis, many drugs reduce pain and inflammation, and some have shown promise in slowing the progression of the disease. Analgesics, or painkillers, as well as corticosteriod  therapy, nonsteroid  and anti-inflammatory drugs  (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Immonusuppressants, biologic response  modifiers, and drugs genetically engineered to interfere with the immune response are all part of the arsenal being used to provide relief from the debilitating symptoms of arthritis. However, relief may come at a high price,m as all of these types of drugs can cause serious side effects. Weighing the potential benefits and risks presents a challenge for both the patient  and the doctor. 

How have some who have suffered the ravages of arthritis been able to cope with this painful disease?  

Note: Some help for me; has been vitamins for joints, it doesn't stop the pain exactly, but for me, it keeps the joints in my knees from swelling and hurting so much.  But, these don't always work for everyone.  Chondroitin and Glucosamine work for me, but you need to find what may work for you.  A lot doctors do not believe in vitamins of any kind.   If you have certain health problems there may be side effects  that may affect that particular problem.   

Next time: HOPE For Arthritis Sufferers

From the Awake! magazine