Arthritis is the collective name referring to a range of different degenerative and rheumatic diseases and conditions, which cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints of those affected. A diagnosis of arthritis can be distressing, and the painful symptoms can have a severely detrimental effect on your wellbeing, to the point of affecting other areas of your physical and mental health.
It may be tempting to ignore the nagging pains and slow, creeping onset of an arthritic condition, but new research has proved that the best way to treat arthritis is by being highly aware of the onset of the disease and tackling it head on with aggressive treatments.
Treatment plans for arthritis sufferers may include elements such as dietary changes, medication, pain relief, exercise regimes, rest and relaxation and instructions on the proper ways to use the joints, as well as rarer alternative pain-relief methods such as cold, heat and electrical stimulation.
The temptation for a sufferer of arthritis is to rest as much as possible, due to the pain that movement causes to the joints. Whilst rest is important and can be beneficial for the wellness of your joints in times of inflammation, exercise is actually important, as lack of mobility can exacerbate the problem by increasing joint stiffness and weakening the muscles that support the joint.
Exercise can reduce swelling and can help sufferers to maintain a sense of autonomy with regards to the treatment of their disease. Exercises should include a range of motion as well as specific strengthening exercises, which can be advised by your individual doctor or specialist. Aerobic exercise is also important to improve your overall fitness and quality of life. Arthritis sufferers should be aware that staying mobile from the onset of their disease can help to fight off the debilitating symptoms.
Comments are closed.