Unfortunately there is neither prevention nor cure for arthritis. However, with some simple changes in lifestyle, people can keep their arthritis at bay. Healthy diet, exercise and medication can help you deal with the stiffness and pain and and take care of your joints.
REDUCING PRESSURE ON YOUR JOINTS
It is essential for arthritis suffers to reduce the pressure on their joints. You should:
* Keep the weight appropriate to your body. This weight is determined by your physician, who takes into consideration which joints suffer the most.
* Take it easy. Patients who suffer from arthiris should take it slow. Straining yourself will only intensify the pain in your joints. Pace yourself and try to deal with tedious or difficult tasks step by step. Instead of doing something in an hour, use the whole day.
* Avoid actions that put pressure on your joints. Avoid both kneeling and playing sports that put pressure on your joints. Try some light exercises or swimming instead.
* Wear shoes with soft and thick soles, as they absorb shock and protect your body.
* Think of using equipment in your home or at work that may help you eliminate stressful movement.
HOW TO HANDLE PAIN
It is essential for arthritis victims to take their prescribed medicines. There is a great deal
of both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications that treat the various kinds
of arthritis. You should speak to your physician and he will help you choose the best medications.
TOPICAL PAIN RELIEVERS
Topical pain relievers are drugs available over-the-counter that give immediate pain relief for people with mild arthritis. These drugs include gels, creams or salves. Zostrix, Capzasin-P, Eucalyptamint, Icy Hot, Arthricare, Aspercreme, Flexall and BenGay — they all work by easing inflammation and mild pain around the joints.
NSAID’s (NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS) OR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PAINKILLERS
These drugs are employed to ease the symptoms of joint stiffness, swelling and pain. Most people suffering from arthritis have taken these painkillers. They do not affect the stomach like the traditional anti-inflammatory medications. They are also called Cox-2 inhibitors. NSAID’s are also employed
to cure pain from other causes of long-term pain, e.g. injury. Advil, Ascriptin, Nuprin, Celebrex, Bayer, Orudis KT Anaprox, Bextra, Clinoril, Feldene, Naprosyn, Mobic and Trilisate are just some OTC and NSAID’s prescribed.
However, three of these drugs: Bextra, Celebrex and Vioxx are involved in the scandal. Vioxx has been taken from the market. It was caused by the fact that Vioxx has been found to increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. While the FDA has recommended doctors to avoid prescribing Bextra and Celebrex, due to reports that these two medications also increase the risk of heart disease.
NARCOTIC PAIN RELIEVERS
Narcotic pain relievers bring relief in pain but they do not decrease inflammation in the joints.
They are frequently combined with an NSAID or Tylenol to intensify their effects. Narcotic pain relievers are perilous as they can result in both psychological and physical dependency. They are also responsible for drowsiness, urinary problems and constipation. These relievers include: Tylenol with Codeine or Phenaphen with Codeine, Hydrocet, Dolacet, Lortab, Lorcet, Morphine, Vicoden, Davocet & Ultram and others.
CORTICOSTEROIDS
Corticosteroids or steroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that cure numerous kinds of arthritis, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Steroids decrease inflammation and reduce activity of the immune system. They are effective but at the same time they cause numerous side effects, such as bleeding into the joint, allergic reactions, rupture of a tendon and impairment of bones as well as tendons and ligaments. Most physicians avoid steroids or use them minimally, in combination with other medicines.
DMARDs (DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEMATIC DRUGS)
These drugs act on the immune system and are employed to cure rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis. DMARDs suppress or hinder the immune system and stop if from affecting the bone joints. DMARDs are frequently used in the aggressive early cure of rheumatoid arthritis.
These drugs are very effective, however, it takes time to see the effects. Therefore, they are frequently combined with drug NSAID that is quicker in working to bring relief in arthritis.
Cyclosporine (anti-rejection organ drug), Methotrexate, Azulfidine, Cytoxan and Imuran (chemotherapy drugs), D-penicillamine, Arava and Plaquenil — they are all Disease–Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.
BIOLOGIC THERAPY
This is the latest treatment to treat arthritis. At present it only cures particular forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. It alters the functioning of the immune systems that affects the joints. Regrettably, biologic therapy cannot be used by everyone because of its high costs.
Enbrel (approved to cure psoriatic arthritis and RA), Humira (approved to cure RA), Kineret (approved to cure RA) and Remicade (approved to cure RA) have been approved to cure rheumatoid arthritis.
Except medicines, there are some other ways to deal with aching joints. Simple actions like applying warm packs to the painful areas can help with stiffness and pain. Applying ice pack to inflamed joints can also be helpful.
HEALTHILY DIET
For people suffering from arthritis it is essential to eat healthy foods. Human body needs a range
of nutrients to be healthy. Be sure to consume plenty of vegetables and fruit, fish, lean meat, beans, dairy products and cereals. Limit eating foods such as chips and cakes to avoid fat and sugar. This also helps you to keep a healthy weight.
There are theories that particular kinds of foods can help with arthritis. For instance, there is evidence that the plant seed oils (such as sunflower oil and evening primrose oil) as well as essential fatty acids found in fish oils are beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Garlic and mussels are also known to have a beneficial influence on the body.
However, if you plan any changes in your diet — discuss it with your physician
* Limit partial and refined foods (white sugar and white flour).
* Compose your diet of fresh vegetables and fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, fish and lean meat.
* Eliminate dairy of your diet and try to notice if that helps. If not — eliminate red meat.
* Avoid vegetables from the nightshade family: peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants.
* Consume brown rice, rye and wheat.
* Take a good calcium/magnesium supplement.
* Get lots of sunshine — exposure to the sun generates vitamin D in the skin, which is essential for adequate bone formation.
EXERCISE
Exercise should be an essential part of your daily routine. Many arthritis victims report a huge relief when they add suitable exercises to their daily schedules. Swimming is a great choice for arthritis sufferers.
It is very important to take a responsible approach to dealing with arthritis. We should control the disease and do not let it control us.
