Arthritis—The Other Side Of The Pain
The word arthritis means inflammation of the joint, but it is often used to refer to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases that can cause pain, stiffness and joint edema. These diseases can affect not only the joints but also other parts of the body, including important structures such as muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments and various internal organs. The pain of arthritis stems from different factors, among them: inflammation of the synovial membrane, tendons, ligaments, muscle fibers, and fatigue. The combination of these factors contributes to the intensity of pain. This intensity in arthritis varies greatly from individual to individual. Each person has a different threshold for pain, which depends on physical and emotional aspects - depression, anxiety, and even hypersensitivity in the spots affected by arthritis.
No single treatment can be applied to all people with arthritis. It is up to the healthcare provider who is assisting to develop a specific approach to minimize pain and improve joint function. Most treatments, however, involve an extensive use of medication. Since people with osteoarthritis have small, unobtrusive inflammation, pain relief is usually achieved with the use of analgesics such as paracetamol. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis usually have pain caused by inflammation and generally benefit more from the use of aspirin or other non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, meloxicam, and diclofenac. The decision to use heat or ice on arthritis depends on the type of arthritis. Heat compresses at the pain site for about 15 minutes to relieve pain. Cold compresses for the same period reducing edema and pain. In the presence of circulation problems, the patient must not use icy compresses.
Massages, when applied properly and by enabled people, increases blood flow and relaxes the tense area. However, inflamed joints are very painful, and the physiotherapist in question should be quite familiar with the underlying disease. Equally, acupuncture should only be performed by a qualified professional. It is believed that acupuncture causes the release of natural chemicals produced by the nervous system (endorphins), relieving pain.
Living daily with a chronic illness such as arthritis is not easy, and it is a delicate and time-consuming process that requires a lot of effort and dedication. To bring relief of pain and improvement of movement capacity, it is recommended to eat carefully, drink plenty of water and avoid excessive consumption of foods rich in protein, as well as resorting to anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, prescribed by the rheumatologist, and physiotherapy. Surgery for the placement of a joint prosthesis can in many cases represent the cure of arthritis in that joint, as in septic arthritis, for example, but it is not always that it can be performed. A great natural treatment to supplement the usual arthritis treatment is to take herbal teas and infusions, such as ginger and saffron. The consumption of cayenne pepper and oregano daily also acts as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, as well as massaging the affected sites with essential lavender or cat's claw oil. Nevertheless, natural treatment does not exclude the medical and physiotherapeutic treatment of arthritis, it only contributes to a faster and more satisfactory result.
The rheumatologist is the physician who, by physical examination, evaluation of the patient's history and x-rays of the hands and feet, can have a good idea if the disarray in the joints was indeed caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The specialist can compose the investigation through blood test, which detects the presence of an antibody known as rheumatoid factor. Other tests are often required to rule out autoimmune conditions like lupus and psoriatic arthritis. As the first three months after the outbreak of symptoms are considered essential to enforce good control over the problem, early diagnosis is considered a precious weapon to contain rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis does not affect only the joints. The heart is one of its main targets. Yes, even that muscle is liable to suffer from this problem. To begin with, arthritis promotes changes in cholesterol levels, and this favors the emergence of the infamous fat plaques in the artery wall. Over time, this tangle grows and may interrupt the flow of blood. Another fear is the indiscriminate use of anti-inflammatories to relieve the pain and swelling typical of rheumatoid disease. Taking these tablets without an expert's approval can lead to hypertension and diabetes, two conditions closely linked to this condition.
Exercise is another ally in controlling arthritis. Stirring the skeleton does not just convey good mood and well-being: there is a direct effect on arthritis. Aerobic exercises are especially important for those who have rheumatoid arthritis, because there is already a propensity to develop heart disease. When choosing aerobic activities, patients should prefer low impact ones such as swimming, biking and walking. When arthritis is caused by a trauma or injury, it is called acute or pyogenic arthritis. The regions most affected by this problem are the knee and the ankle. In this situation, exercises can wait until the inflammation is under control.
It is no use demanding more than your body can bear. For those who suffer from arthritis, this advice is even more important. Keeping the body always active prevents the recovery of micro-injuries that occur during training. The physical educator is the best person to dose the pace of the exercises and pauses between them to achieve an ideal balance, called overcompensation. Therefore, this professional must know the severity of the problem in the joints to set up a workout that leaves the joints active without causing harm. If you suffer from arthritis you should first seek a medical specialist, do all the necessary exams and after being released by the doctor, then seek a physical education professional to accompany you.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12061-arthritis
https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Health-Care-Team/What-is-a-Rheumatologist
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/types.html
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/arthritis.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350777
