My father was 66 years old when he was diagnosed with arthritis. A medication by the doctor that he could take without significant side effects. As his condition worsened, he gave up the things he used to do, like walking in the park and feeding pigeons. His arthritis was so bad that he could no longer care for himself. He passed away at the age of 70.
In a small rural town, the only sound heard was the sound of the wind through the trees. People worked long hours to survive. One family had a bigger problem: an older woman with arthritis, my great-grandmother Mary. She initially struggled with her illness for years, but it only worsened. She suffered from constant pain, and her medications did not help. One night, she passed away peacefully, without a cry of pain.
Did you know that arthritis is one of the most disabling conditions? Over 60 million Americans have arthritis, which is expected to rise to 80 million by 2026.
Living with arthritis can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with joint pain and stiffness. Living with arthritis means much more than just having joint pain. It involves changes in lifestyle and daily activities.
In simple terms, arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and the number keeps getting bigger. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes the joints to wear out. An overactive immune system causes rheumatoid arthritis. Gout is the oldest form of arthritis resulting from too much uric acid, which deposits crystals in the joints. The effects of arthritis are not limited to the joints, but to surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.
Many people believe that arthritis is a disease that affects only the elderly. Osteoarthritis indeed affects older people, especially women, but the average age for the onset of arthritis is 47. Even babies have been diagnosed with arthritis.
Arthritis is a disease that is second only to heart disease in terms of chronic physical disabilities.
There are several over-the-counter creams and gels available for mild to moderate pain. Apply these medications to the skin to relieve the pain.
The burning sensation of peppers is the same as chili seed creams containing capsaicin. Most effective for arthritis in joints close to the skin, such as fingers, knees, and elbows. In addition to a change in diet and lifestyle, you need plenty of rest, sufficient exercise, and joint protection. Reducing inflammation and restoring functional independence are some things that this can do.
There is no prediction of a cure for the disease shortly. Keeping joints flexible and muscles strong is the most important thing for people with arthritis.
1 Alternating temperatures. Apply to painful areas, alternating heat and cold, for 20 minutes each. Heat improves blood circulation and thus increases the supply of nutrients to the muscles and joints, which helps relieve fatigue and stiffness. On the other hand, cold slows blood circulation, reducing swelling and numbing nerve endings, which calms pain. Do not apply any source of heat or cold to your skin if you use a cream or lotion to relieve pain (as these products can numb the skin, you will have difficulty feeling the heat or cold).
2 Sports. Walking, swimming, light weight lifting, tai chi, and yoga are all good ways to keep joints mobile and flexible. Damaged or weakened joints are better supported when muscles are strengthened by exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exercises known to strengthen bones, such as weight lifting, jumping rope, and gymnastics, should be performed with caution and only under medical supervision. High-impact activities can increase joint wear and tear, which is not ideal for osteoarthritis.
3 Watch your diet. Good health requires a healthy diet, so it is not surprising that small changes in our diet can help reduce arthritis symptoms. Ginger increases circulation, antioxidants protect cells, and red meat and salt consumption are associated with an unfavorable prognosis. A healthy diet helps with fresh fruit, vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and beans. And none of the ‘junk food.’ The immune system must have healthy natural nutrition to function efficiently, which means eating right.
4 Relax. People living with arthritis are stressed out. Opening a jar can become torture, which will unnecessarily increase the stress level. So buy items that are easier to handle. The risk of inflammation can be reduced by napping (no more than two hours), going to bed early in the evening, and resting sore joints.
5 Educate yourself. There are different forms of arthritis, and the care that will alleviate or improve your condition is not always appropriate for all of them. It is essential to follow a treatment plan recommended by your doctor to prevent further damage to your joints. Consult several health professionals to find the proper routine.
Photo: ImagebyFreepik
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