If you have been diagnosed with arthritis you may wonder what it is and how it is going to affect you.
Arthritis is another word for inflammation of the joints in your body.
When a joint becomes inflamed it can cause you pain and restrict or limit your movement.
Because arthritis affects so many different joints in your body there are several different types of arthritis.
The most common type of arthritis is called osteoarthritis.
Joints have padding to protect them called cartilage.
This keeps the bones and joints separated and allow the joint to move without pain and difficulty.
Depending on each person, the more you use the joints the thinner the cartilage can become.
This allows osteoarthritis to develop and eventually the bones can rub against the joints.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by years of wear down on your joints.
It may also be hereditary but the exact reason someone develops osteoarthritis is unknown at this time.
Osteoarthritis is more common in older people but it can affect younger people as well.
Currently there is no cure for osteoarthritis so it is important to accept that you have it and learn different ways that you can live with it and not let it take over your life.
Here are some tips to help you live with osteoarthritis.
• When you experience stiffness you may use a combination of heat or cold packs to help reduce your pain • Don't over exert your muscles and use caution when lifting and pulling on objects that may cause you to strain • If you are overweight it is very important to lose the extra weight so that you don't have as much weight on your bones • Don't overuse your joints.
If you plan to go for a long walk, run, or other activity make sure that you take the time to rest a little bit in between so you don't strain your self • Exercise is important in order to stay fit so make sure you exercise but don't over do it.
Rest as much as possible and do low impact aerobics • If you are on any medication for joint pain or symptoms of osteoarthritis make sure to take your medication on time and never go without.
• When necessary use things like canes or wheelchairs to save the joints from pain Over the years osteoarthritis may or may not get worse it just depends on the individual.
As soon as you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis it is important to start taking precautions and use the list above to help you keep and maintain the cartilage that you still have.
Don't allow the osteoarthritis to stop you from using the joint is affected.
Not using the joint can cause you to lose strength and eventually weakness in the muscles as well.
This may cause you to be more vulnerable to falls and breakage.
If it hurts too much to use certain joints you need to talk to your doctor to see what you can do or take to lessen your pain.
Try taking over the counter medication for the pain at first.
Start with a low dose so your body does not get too use to the large amount.
Eventually you may need to take prescription medication for the pain from osteoarthritis but until then you can do a lot to take care of the pain in a more natural way.