Arthritis robs some 40 million Americans of their freedom of movement by breaking down the protective cartilage in the joints. By destroying cartilage, arthritis results in pain and decreased movement.
Many forms of arthritis exist. Four of the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. (See Gout.)
Osteoarthritis is a painful degeneration of the cartilage in the weight-bearing and frequently used joints. This kind of arthritis is typically brought on by genetics, activity, and wear and tear on the joints. It can also follow an injury to the joint. Osteoarthritis usually affects older people and is the most common type of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by a chronic inflammation of the fingers, wrists, ankles, elbows, and/or knees, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness. Morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour is very common. RA affects women more often than men, striking in their thirties and forties.
Ankylosing spondylitis generally affects young men between the ages of 15 and 45. Symptoms are stiff backbone and low back pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of arthritis depend upon the type of arthritis that is present. Symptoms
generally include:
Stiffness
Swelling in one or more joints
Deep, aching pain in a joint
Pain that comes with joint movement
Tenderness, warmth, or redness in affected
joints
Treatment and Care
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Your
doctor may prescribe medication (usually aspirin or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
medicine), rest, heat or cold treatment, weight-reduction (if you are overweight) and some
physical therapy or exercise.
Exercise is perhaps the most important of these, whether it is some form of stretching, isometrics, or simple endurance exercise. Exercise prevents the muscles from shrinking. Inactivity encourages both loss of muscle tone and bone deterioration. Too much exercise, however, will cause more pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. So if you have arthritis, consult your physician, a physical therapist, or a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitative treatment) to help you set up an exercise program.
One form of exercise that's effective and soothing is hydrotherapy, or movement done in water. Doctors highly recommend swimming, too. But remember, hydrotherapy, or any form of exercise, should never produce pain. If you begin to hurt, stop and rest or apply ice packs.
The following exercise suggestions may provide relief:
Choose exercise routines that use
all affected joints.
Keep movements gradual, slow, and gentle.
If a joint is inflamed, don't exercise it.
Don't overdo it. Allow yourself sufficient
rest.
Concentrate on freedom of movement,
especially in the water, and be patient.
(See "Places to Get Information & Help" under Arthritis.)
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99