Arthritis is a degenerative or autoimmune condition that affects the joints. Osteoarthritis specifically refers to the degenerative form while rheumatoid arthritis refers to the autoimmune type. The signs of the two conditions are similar in many respects. They include pain, stiffness and even joint deformities. If looking for arthritis relief Santa Cruz residents have a number of options to consider.
Drugs continue to play a vital role in the management of arthritis symptoms. The main classes of drugs used are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. It has been observed that the dosage and number of drugs needed to control the symptoms increase as the condition progresses. This makes it more difficult for some patients to remain compliant to what has been described and also increases the risk of experiencing serious side effects. These, as well as other reasons, have created the need to have alternative therapies.
Weight loss has been fronted as one of the strategies that can be used. The reasoning behind it is that joints bear the body weight as it is transmitted through the bony skeleton. If the weight is too much, then the risk of damage to the joints is higher. It has been observed that losing weight reduces the strain on these joints and effectively reduces pain.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies are generally accepted as treatment options for most forms of pain. Arthritis pain is no exception. Efforts should be made to incorporate this form of intervention in the daily routine. For instance one can take a warm shows or bath daily preferably in the morning when the symptoms are most severe. They may also opt for an electric blanket to keep them warm at night.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been tried in the management of this condition with variable degrees of success. Acupuncture has emerged as one of the most widely used techniques under this category. The technique is performed by piercing a number of special needles into the body with the aim of restoring the flow of life energy.
Stress management is one area that tends to be forgotten or ignored. Stress has been shown to be a causative or contributing factor in the genesis of many diseases and medical conditions. Arthritis is among these conditions. Taking care of psychological stress will go a long way in helping being many of the symptoms under control. Methods that can be used are many. Mediation and yoga are simple and cheap options that one may consider.
The impact of diet cannot be ignored. A number of foods and supplements have been found to worsen the condition while others are associated with relief. In general, diets that have high levels of omega 3 fats are beneficial in the reduction of stiffness and pain. Others include those with gamma linolelic or GLA. Always remember to consult your doctor before trying out any new form of treatment.
Drugs continue to play a vital role in the management of arthritis symptoms. The main classes of drugs used are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. It has been observed that the dosage and number of drugs needed to control the symptoms increase as the condition progresses. This makes it more difficult for some patients to remain compliant to what has been described and also increases the risk of experiencing serious side effects. These, as well as other reasons, have created the need to have alternative therapies.
Weight loss has been fronted as one of the strategies that can be used. The reasoning behind it is that joints bear the body weight as it is transmitted through the bony skeleton. If the weight is too much, then the risk of damage to the joints is higher. It has been observed that losing weight reduces the strain on these joints and effectively reduces pain.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies are generally accepted as treatment options for most forms of pain. Arthritis pain is no exception. Efforts should be made to incorporate this form of intervention in the daily routine. For instance one can take a warm shows or bath daily preferably in the morning when the symptoms are most severe. They may also opt for an electric blanket to keep them warm at night.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been tried in the management of this condition with variable degrees of success. Acupuncture has emerged as one of the most widely used techniques under this category. The technique is performed by piercing a number of special needles into the body with the aim of restoring the flow of life energy.
Stress management is one area that tends to be forgotten or ignored. Stress has been shown to be a causative or contributing factor in the genesis of many diseases and medical conditions. Arthritis is among these conditions. Taking care of psychological stress will go a long way in helping being many of the symptoms under control. Methods that can be used are many. Mediation and yoga are simple and cheap options that one may consider.
The impact of diet cannot be ignored. A number of foods and supplements have been found to worsen the condition while others are associated with relief. In general, diets that have high levels of omega 3 fats are beneficial in the reduction of stiffness and pain. Others include those with gamma linolelic or GLA. Always remember to consult your doctor before trying out any new form of treatment.
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