Any pain or disease associated with the joints
is known as arthritis. Joints are connectors between join bones. They are made
up of various parts that work together to enable easy body movement
Ø Use of joints in more stable positions.
Ø Spread weight over several joints when
carrying heavy objects.
Ø Take note of any joint pain, it may just be a
warning sign.
Ø Avoid positions that tilt towards deformity.
Several forms of arthritis exist but the most
common forms are:
·
Rheumatoid arthritis: This occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly
targets own joints. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the
joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion
and joint deformity.
The outer
lining of the joint is the first place that is affected. This can then spread
across the joint, leading to further swelling and a change in the joint's
shape. This may cause the bone and cartilage to break down.
People with
rheumatoid arthritis may develop problems with other tissues and organs in
their body. The symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, joint stiffness,
tender and swollen joints.
·
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis. Initially,
it affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint, making movement more
difficult than usual which eventually leads to pain and stiffness. It occurs
due to the wearing out of the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones.
Although
osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the body, the disorder most commonly
affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Severe loss of cartilage
can lead to bone rubbing on bone, altering the shape of the joint and forcing
the bones out of their normal position. Symptoms include loss of flexibility,
pain, grating sensation and bone spurs (hard lumps of bone around the joints).
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
can be effectively managed, although the harm caused cannot be reversed.
Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and other treatments may slow
progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.
The following activities can help patients of arthritis to better
manage the pain that comes with arthritis.
Ø Exercise
regularly: This helps you to maintain bone strength and improve balance
Ø Relax: Find
time to cope with stress
Ø Manage pain
with heat or cold pads
Osteoarthritis
management will also require:
Ø Weight
management
Ø Use of assisting
devices
Ø Use of shoe
inserts or knee taping
By Ifeyinwa Ugo-Amadi
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