Arthritis: This painful joint condition can be successfully managed
It has been estimated that 350 million people around the globe suffer from arthritis. What is arthritis anyway? It is a disease that causes painful inflammation, as well as stiffness of the joints. This medical condition is often accompanied by symptoms like joint pain and limited range of motion. The symptoms come and go. More often than not, the problem stays for years and it only gets worse.
The reason why the joints hurt so much is that the damaged tissues release chemicals that put on guard the sensory nerves. What happens is that the message is transmitted to the brain through the spinal cord. The result is excruciating pain. The good news is that the illness can be managed and the level of pain experienced can be decreased. Those who have been diagnosed with the condition or are struggling with it for years need to take immediate steps. Here are just a few suggestions on what can be done.
Public domain image/Jojo at the wikipedia project
Exercising to lose weight
Having a healthy body weight is important for those dealing with a painful joint condition. Individuals fail to understand that obesity is serious. The excess load on the joints leads to aching, as well as wear and tear. Being a couple of pounds overweight increases the pressure on the knees with every step that the person takes. Those who make the effort to lose weight experience less degeneration of the cartilage.
Losing pounds from exercise will not contribute to the preservation of the knees’ health, but it does prevent pain and worsening arthritis damage. Sufferers are required to get lots and lots of exercise. What is the best weight loss regimen? This is a question without an answer. There is no standard plan for becoming slimmer. There are numerous exercises for the joints and muscles, including but not limited to walking stretching, and weight lifting. The fact of the matter is that exercise is crucial and it should not be neglected.
Using hot and cold therapy
Applying cold to the inflamed joint, such as an ice pack or frozen vegetables, reduces pain and swelling. The cold determines the blood vessels of the muscles to constrict. Since the blood flow is decreased, there is less tenderness. What is more, cooling triggers the sensory receptors in the skin, which in turn diminishes the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Heat, on the other hand, works by dilating the blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and reduces muscle spasms. Hot water baths are recommendable because they are excellent ways to apply heat. Beachcomber hot tubs are renowned for their high quality construction and design, so they are worth looking into. When using heat therapy, it is important to ensure that the temperature is not so hot because it might cause damage to the skin.
Many experts are of the opinion that hot and cold therapy is effective when it comes down to relieving pain. The point is that it is worth giving it a try.
Eating a healthful diet
Arthritis cannot be cured with diet. Yes, that is true, but it is impossible to deny the fact that certain foods help keep the painful joint condition under control. It is not necessary to analyze scientific papers to understand that there is a close connection between nourishment and inflammatory conditions. A well-balanced diet helps strengthen the bones, as well as the muscles. For instance, yoghurt is rich in calcium and fortified with vitamin D. Fatty fish should also be on the list. Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Sugar is to be avoided at all costs due to the fact that it awakens inflammatory messengers across the blood. People suffering from arthritis need to make changes in their eating habits. Processed foods are high in unhealthy fats and, therefore, consuming too many can wreck a havoc on the health. In addition to sugar, it is not a good idea to eat bread, mayonnaise, food that is prepared with the help of cheap vegetable oils, and anything containing flour. Contrarily, it is advisable to feast on fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
Developing good sleeping habits
As surprising as it may seem, sleeping and inflammation are closely connected. More specifically, the spinal cord and brain that control pain are slightly abnormal in people who are not getting a good night’s rest. According to scientific research, the vast majority of patients with arthritis have difficulties sleeping. This is not a good thing. Not only can sleep deprivation make the pain worse, but also it has a negative impact on the overall health.
Regular individuals should get about eight to nine hours of sleep per night. This is crucial in order to help the body heal. Staying on a schedule can turn out to be helpful, as the natural circadian rhythm is supported. Turning off devices like televisions, tablets, and smartphones certainly makes things better. Last but not least, it is important to place a pillow beneath the sore joints so as to cushion and ensure support. If a change in medication is required, then it is recommendable to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
Decreasing stress
It is strongly believed that arthritis is exacerbated by stress. This translates into the fact that stress causes inflammation, which then leads to pain. Stress can trigger physical manifestations and it can make them worse. Relaxation has proved its utility in alleviating pain. Sick people ought to practice techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation if they want to get better. Simply eliciting a relaxation response can reduce the stress response. Someone with arthritis should at least make an effort, as they have got nothing to lose.
The bottom line is that the painful joint condition can be managed. Complications can be avoided and it is possible to decrease the pain. Sufferers need to understand what makes the illness better or worse. Owing to the fact that every body responds differently, it is essential to try all of the trick mentioned above.
Author: Cynthia Madison
