Basic Arthritis Facts

There are many different reasons or theories as to why people develop arthritis, and even a few forms of the illness that current medical advancements, have not discovered a logical theory for yet.

Some people may have a genetic predisposition for the development of some forms of arthritis. Other individuals find themselves inflicted with the illness through physiological or environmental factors, injury or infection.

Still other people find their very own immune systems becoming their enemy, it spins out of control as it senses some threat within the body and rather than launching an attack on diseased tissue, it becomes confused and begins to attack and destroy the very healthy tissue that it is there to protect.

Still another form of arthritis is Osteoarthritis, which is a form of the disease that is age related, and occurs as the body breaks down over time.

Each form of arthritis is unique to itself, and to the person who suffers from it, and must so must be treated as such. A therapy program that works for one person may not be right for another. Only you and your doctor can decide which treatments works best for you.

Most types of Arthritis are treated with some form of anti-inflammatory, steroid, Nsaid, or immune suppressant to slow down the course of the illness. Painkillers are often prescribed to help alleviate the chronic pain that accompanies most forms of arthritis.

Most arthritis sufferers add one, or more forms of alternative therapy programs to their basic treatment schedules to help relieve their arthritis symptoms, these are in addition to their physician prescribed programs. When an additional therapy is used it is referred to as a complimentary therapy program. These complimentary therapies for arthritis can be alternative diet therapies, herbal or vitamin supplements, aromatherapy, aqua therapy, acupuncture therapy, massage therapy or any of the many more options available.

Ginger, Omega-3 fatty acids, Green tea, Cherries and Blueberries, as well as Vitamin B-12 are all natural diet supplements that contain properties that aid in the treatment of inflammation.

It is important to learn all that you can about your illness so you know which programs and foods to add or delete from your therapy program.

Range of motion therapy and exercise can greatly help to maintain cardiovascular and muscular health. It will also greatly reduce the amount of stiffness and pain that comes along with this illness. Actively participate in some form of exercise program but just be sure to adjust it to the degree of your current flare up. Don't abuse your inflamed joints or muscles but always do as much as you are able to.

Yoga is a gentle exercise that can be adapted very easily to accommodate each individuals unique capabilities or use the swimming pool to increase your muscle strength while minimizing damage to inflamed tissue.

Fatigue is a very genuine symptom of arthritis and it's severity increases depending on the activeness of the Arthritis. Treat rest as a form of therapy and use it accordingly. Try to lie down for a twenty minute period of 'Total Rest' each day. You do not have to sleep during this period you just have to lie down, relax, and do absolutely nothing during this rest break. It will give you the extra energy that you need to get through the remainder of your day.

Use aides such as splints, braces or a cane to prevent or reduce further damage to your inflamed tissue. Participate in a massage therapy program which is specific to your form of Arthritis, but because inflammation can be annoyed by heavy massage techniques, try to participate in lighter or gentler forms of massage therapy.

Listen to your body, it will tell you when something is working, and when something isn't.

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