ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is used to describe
joints getting swollen, red, warm, stiff and
painful, or inflamed. Arthritis is a chronic
disease and has many different types. Depending
on the type of arthritis it may occur as early
as adolescence. Arthritis causes include when
the cartilage in joints break down and bones
rub against each other as a result of an injury
or part of the aging process. Rheumatoid arthritis
develops when the immune system attacks the
lining of the joints, causing painful swelling.
Many people use the word "arthritis"
to refer to all rheumatic diseases. However,
the word literally means joint inflammation;
that is, swelling, redness, heat, and pain caused
by tissue injury or disease in the joint. There
are over 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic
diseases. The many different kinds of arthritis
comprise just a portion of the rheumatic diseases.
Some rheumatic diseases are described as connective
tissue diseases because they affect the body's
connective tissue--the supporting framework
of the body and its internal organs. Others
are known as autoimmune diseases because they
are caused by a problem in which the immune
system harms the body's own healthy tissues.
Examples of some rheumatic diseases are: osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic
lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout.
The goal in treatment is to reduce
inflammation through joint protection, planned
exercise, weight control, heat, relaxation,
medication and sometimes surgery.
Three types of exercise may help people with
arthritis:
• Range-of-motion exercises
(e.g., dance) help maintain normal joint movement
and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise
helps maintain or increase flexibility.
• Strengthening
exercises (e.g., weight training) help keep
or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles
help support and protect joints affected by
arthritis.
• Aerobic or endurance
exercises (e.g., bicycle riding) improve cardiovascular
fitness, help control weight, and improve
overall function. Weight control can be important
to people who have arthritis because extra
weight puts extra pressure on many joints.
Some studies show that aerobic exercise can
reduce inflammation in some joints.
Most health clubs and community centers offer
exercise programs for people with physical
limitations. People with arthritis should
discuss exercise options with their doctors
and other health care providers. Most doctors
recommend exercise for their patients. Many
people with arthritis begin with easy, range-of-motion
exercises and low-impact aerobics. People
with arthritis can participate in a variety
of, but not all, sports and exercise programs.
The doctor will know which, if any, sports
are off-limits.
The doctor may have suggestions
about how to get started or may refer the patient
to a physical therapist. It is best to find
a physical therapist that has experience working
with people who have arthritis. The therapist
will design an appropriate home exercise program
and teach clients about pain-relief methods,
proper body mechanics (placement of the body
for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box),
joint protection, and conserving energy.
Most experts agree that if exercise
causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour,
it is too strenuous. People with arthritis should
work with their physical therapist or doctor
to adjust their exercise program when they notice
any of the following signs of strenuous exercise;
unusual or persistent fatigue, increased weakness,
decreased range of motion, Increased joint swelling,
Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1
hour after exercising.)
Resources:
National Institute
of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Information Clearinghouse (NIAMS)
a part of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) Telephone: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) (free
of charge) http://www.niams.nih.gov/
Arthritis Foundation 800-283-7800 (free
of charge) or call your local chapter (listed
in the telephone directory)
www.arthritis.org
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