By Sandra Allen Arthritis is a condition that may be transient or chronic. It is the chronic form that tends to be more bothersome. The ma...
Arthritis is a condition that may be transient or chronic. It is the chronic form that tends to be more bothersome. The major causes of chronic arthritis are autoimmune conditions and degenerative changes in bones. In spite of the differences in causes, the signs and symptoms are largely similar. When looking for arthritis relief Santa Cruz patients need a number of options to choose from.
One of the main forms of management for this condition is the use of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drugs. At the beginning one drug may be adequate but has the problem becomes worse over time, it is often necessary to have at least two of them. The challenge with this is that one is faced with a huge drug burden that may lead to noncompliance. Moreover, the drugs used may lead to a number of unwanted side effects either in the short term or long term. These are some of the reasons as to why many patients are seeking alternative solutions.
Weight loss has been fronted as one of the strategies that can be used. The reasoning behind it is that joints bear the body weight as it is transmitted through the bony skeleton. If the weight is too much, then the risk of damage to the joints is higher. It has been observed that losing weight reduces the strain on these joints and effectively reduces pain.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies also have an important role to play. They are likely to have more benefits if considered as a long term measure. Making them part of the daily routine will achieve this objective. For instance, one can schedule warm showers every morning which will help relieve pain that is most marked at this time. They may also start using an electric blanket at night. Ice packs can be applied to painful joints at scheduled times.
Another group of treatments that has attracted a lot of interest is that of traditional Chinese medicine. There are many that have been tried here with acupuncture emerging as one of the most popular techniques. Acupuncture is based on the belief that well being is dependent on the flow of energy through certain areas of the body. By inserting special needles in predetermined locations on the body, good health can be restored.
There is evidence to suggest that psychological stress is a contributing factor in the development of arthritis symptoms. As such managing this aspect of health will help minimize the symptoms of this condition. In the event that psychological stress is identified, there are a number of interventions that can be undertaken. They include taking part in relaxation activities such as meditation and yoga among others.
Last but not least, the role diet composition cannot be overlooked. Specific foods may either worsen or lessen the symptoms of this condition. Diets that are rich in omega 3 fats are said to be of great benefit. They have been demonstrated to reduce both stiffness and pain. Always ensure that you consult with your doctor before using an alternative form of treatment.
One of the main forms of management for this condition is the use of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drugs. At the beginning one drug may be adequate but has the problem becomes worse over time, it is often necessary to have at least two of them. The challenge with this is that one is faced with a huge drug burden that may lead to noncompliance. Moreover, the drugs used may lead to a number of unwanted side effects either in the short term or long term. These are some of the reasons as to why many patients are seeking alternative solutions.
Weight loss has been fronted as one of the strategies that can be used. The reasoning behind it is that joints bear the body weight as it is transmitted through the bony skeleton. If the weight is too much, then the risk of damage to the joints is higher. It has been observed that losing weight reduces the strain on these joints and effectively reduces pain.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies also have an important role to play. They are likely to have more benefits if considered as a long term measure. Making them part of the daily routine will achieve this objective. For instance, one can schedule warm showers every morning which will help relieve pain that is most marked at this time. They may also start using an electric blanket at night. Ice packs can be applied to painful joints at scheduled times.
Another group of treatments that has attracted a lot of interest is that of traditional Chinese medicine. There are many that have been tried here with acupuncture emerging as one of the most popular techniques. Acupuncture is based on the belief that well being is dependent on the flow of energy through certain areas of the body. By inserting special needles in predetermined locations on the body, good health can be restored.
There is evidence to suggest that psychological stress is a contributing factor in the development of arthritis symptoms. As such managing this aspect of health will help minimize the symptoms of this condition. In the event that psychological stress is identified, there are a number of interventions that can be undertaken. They include taking part in relaxation activities such as meditation and yoga among others.
Last but not least, the role diet composition cannot be overlooked. Specific foods may either worsen or lessen the symptoms of this condition. Diets that are rich in omega 3 fats are said to be of great benefit. They have been demonstrated to reduce both stiffness and pain. Always ensure that you consult with your doctor before using an alternative form of treatment.
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