Arthritis Vs Aging - The Epic Battle Rages

There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.

People with arthritis have pain. The following are some ways that may help relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis. Remember when your pain is better, you move better and you feel better. Before you use any of the following, check with your doctor.

Use dry heat; this includes a heating pad, a warm dry towel, a heat wrap, or even a rice sock:

• You can make a rice sock by using 1 large box of uncooked rice, place the uncooked rice in a man's tube sock (a new one would work best).


• Tie or sew the end of the sock.


• Place the sock in the microwave for 1 minute or until the sock is warm.


• Place an affected area for 15-20 minutes.

Use moist heat

• These types of heat can decrease pain and stiffness.


• Moist heat includes a warm bath or shower.


• The use of a warm wet towel placed in the painful area for 15 minutes can be helpful.

Use cold packs

• Some people with arthritis use cold packs to help their painful areas as ice packs can be used to reduce swelling at the painful areas.


• An ice pack can be placed at the painful spot for 15 minutes.


• You can use gel packs, a commercial cold pack, or even a bag of frozen vegetables.


• Make sure to cover the ice pack with a towel or some type of cloth to protect your skin.

Rest

• Listen to your body-if you are tired, take a break and rest.


• Most adults need about 7 hours of sleep a night.

Exercise

• Exercise is one of the best gifts you can give your body-especially if you have arthritis.


• If you dread the treadmill and won't be seen in an aerobics class, don't fret. Exercise can be sculpted to fit your life.


• You may want to try water aerobics-it is not only low impact, but it helps decrease your pain level.

The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected. The pain from arthritis occurs due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff, painful joints and fatigue. For those exploring potential treatment options, doctors often recommend a simple lab test for arthritis that can be selected from our lab test library to assess your situation.

A NOTE OF CAUTION: Remember, to be safe when you use heat and cold applications. The heat and cold application temperatures must not be too hot or too cold. Be sure you can touch the cold or heat pack without hurting your fingers and hands. Be sure to use a heavy cotton towel between your skin and the application. This will help even more in protecting your skin. Please check with your doctor if you have concerns such as sensitive skin, and/or circulatory impairments.