ARTHRITIS Arthritis is basically an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the inflammation in the joints. Under this disease the immune system of the body actually causes damage to its own tissues. These tissues are composed of the blood cells and the other body chemicals that fight against any alien substance let say any bacteria and virus and this fighting against the alien substance only known as the inflammatory process. Now in the case of the autoimmune disease the immune system of the body triggers an inflammation in which it causes damage to its own essential tissues or fight against them even if there are no bacteria and virus to be fought with. When this kind of inflammation takes place inside the joint tissues, it is then broadly known as Arthritis. Arthritis is basically a general term to describe the inflammation in the joint besides this there are different kinds of arthritis associated with inflammation such as • Rheumatoid arthritis • Psoriatic arthritis • Gouty arthritis • Systemic lupus erythematosus The most commonly found arthritis is the Osteoarthritis that are also known as the degenerative arthritis. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are two major types that damage the joints in many vulnerable ways. CAUSES a) Any old injury in the joints can cause degenerative arthritis at a later stage. b) Abnormal Metabolism can give rise to Gouty Arthritis. c) Inheritance and genetic order can also cause arthritis d) Works that demand repetitive and rigorous movements can cause damage to the joints, hence further leading to arthritis. e) Sometimes certain food or substance can also cause symptomatic arthritis. f) Stress and thyroid disorders can cause severe weight gain that might further lead to Osteoarthritis. g) Some sort of allergies and infections can cause Reactive Arthritis and this is a short term-arthritis that gets fade with the reduction of the infection or allergy. h) Can be caused by autoimmune diseases. SYMPTOMS Since there are different types of Arthritis thus the symptoms also differ in each of the types. Osteoarthritis • Pain in a joint (hands, spine, hips, knees,) during movement or even while inactive • Tenderness in the joints, not being able to put pressure on the joints. Swelling can also be noticed around the joints. • Stiffness and too much of morning stiffness • Deformation of joints, particularly the fingers (hands and toes) joints. Hard lumps might be noticed around the joint • Basic tasks become tough to accomplish. Sharp sensation felt when the joints are used for work. Rheumatoid Arthritis • Fingers, hands, arms, legs, shoulders and wrist are the triggered parts were too much swelling, inflammation and stiffness are observed. But many small joints can be involved at the same time. • Severe morning sickness that prolongs for at least 30-45 minutes. • Patient feels Lethargy and tender joints, weight loss is sometimes noticed. Infectious Arthritis • Fever, swelling in the joints and inflammation. • Most commonly involved joints are the knee, elbow, wrist and fingers. But usually it is only One joint that is affected more. • Joint tenderness and lethargy. Children Rheumatoid Arthritis • A child is the sufferer of this problem who complaints regular fever in which temperature of the body rises up in the evening and gradually disappears. • Loss in appetite and loss of body weight. • Some rashes or patches can be noticed on the arms and legs. • Anemia is another complaint of this problem. • Swelling might suddenly arise in the areas of knees, fingers and wrist. Pain in hips, and stiffness in the neck is usually complained. TREATMENT While treating the Arthritis it is foremost essential to understand that the main Aim of the treatment is to reduce the pain, and manage life functions in order to prevent any further joint damage. The life of an Arthritic patient is very tough, but it can be improved for better assistance so that at least the basic life becomes little easier and manageable for the person who is suffering from this disease. Following are factors need to be worked upon or composite the part of the whole treatment of Arthritis: • Changing the lifestyle: It helps the patient to manage the basic chores and in reducing the pain. Change of lifestyle includes the prime activity of Exercise that might composite of light and stretching exercises. Light Aerobics and simple Walking will help immensely. But nothing should be done in excess. Taking a sound sleep of 8-10 hours is quite essential for a patient of arthritis. Do not sleep in one position for long hours else it will increase the stiffness. Keep lots of cushion under your joints while sleeping. Try to indulge yourself in positive activities that inspire you, stress, managing activities should always be encouraged. Weight loss is a deliberate need for a patient who is overweight since it causes too much of pain and swelling in the joints. •Therapies : There are certain therapies a patient could be given as a part of treatment. Such as Warm water therapy, Steam therapy, Heat or ice therapy. Besides this the Ayurvedic therapies are quite good and beneficial in pain reduction and joints protection. Oil massages are too much beneficial. Oils of herbs and Seeds will help immensely in pain reduction and in increasing flexibility of the joints. Capsaicin cream is a good ointment to be applied on the joints, it will help in reducing the pain. •Right Movements: Never lift anything heavy and that too in a wrong position it will worsen the pain and joint condition. Feel free to take help of another person while lifting and putting up the things that are heavy in weight. Try to avoid sitting in one posture for a long time, keep your body always moveable, strolling in rooms will keep your body moving and will help in reducing stiffness and stress on your sore joints. •Making Things Easy : It is always recommended for the patient to keep the things easily accessible for himself. This will include that every small thing that becomes in use in everyday basic chores right from the tap, showers, tub, wash basin, washrooms and so on. Never make these activities complicated for yourself rather try to increase the accessibility to these things so that you can alone handle and manage the basic tasks and feel not a big need to ask for help for such things. •Healthy Diet : Diet of an arthritic patient should be very healthy and full of fiber. Fatty and oily food should be avoided whereas it should be replaced with green and leafy vegetables. Fibrous food and ingredient must composite the part of the diet. Pulses with high proteins should be consumed in lesser quantity. While vitamin D & E should be taken. Omega-3 fatty acids’ rich food should be eaten. Soybean oil, walnut, almonds, pumpkin seeds can become a part of the food. Green tea should be replaced with the normal tea it will help the patient to relax and staying healthy. • Positive Activities: An arthritic patient has to suffer many issues along with the physical pains thus it is necessary to maintain a balance between the mind and heart. Yoga, meditation, listening to soothing music and positive thoughts would help immensely in managing the stress and for staying positive in order to bear the adverse effects of arthritis on the basic life. •Medical Consultation : Medical consultation is very much needed for the diagnosis and for the further treatment under a medical practitioner. There are various medicines prevalent for arthritic patients, but they should always be taken only and only after consulting with the doctor. If doctors observe the need, then certain surgeries and replacement of joints should also be done.
