Arthritis Programs

Arthritis Quiz

Facts about Arthritis

Arthritis

The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation. It refers to more than 100 different diseases called rheumatic diseases. Nearly 70 million Americans have arthritis or a related condition. That's one in three people. Arthritis usually affects the joints and the tissues around the joints, such as muscles and tendons. Some types of arthritis also can affect other parts of the body, including skin and internal organs.

Arthritis is a disease that can cause pain and swelling in your joints. Joints are places in your body where two bones meet, like your knees or elbows. For some kinds of arthritis, the swelling happens with age or because of an injury. For other kinds of arthritis, nobody knows why people get it. For many people, arthritis may not go away. But remember, many people live long and healthy lives even with arthritis. There are many kinds of arthritis. Your doctor should tell you what kind of arthritis you have. Some common kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis.

• What are some of the things you can do if you have arthritis?
• Visit the Arthritis Foundation web site to learn more about arthritis www.arthritis.org.
• Pay attention to symptoms, see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.

If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it's time to see your doctor. These symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly. Only a doctor can tell if it's arthritis. But "you have arthritis" is not a diagnosis. Ask for a specific diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have. There are more than 100 types, each of which has different treatments. Getting the right treatment requires getting the right diagnosis.

Start early
The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment started, the better. Early treatment can often mean less joint damage and less pain. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments that may include medication, weight management, exercise, use of heat or cold, and methods to protect your joints from further damage.

Protect your joints
Avoid excess stress on your joints. Use larger or stronger joints to carry things. Assistive devices can make tasks at home and work easier. Staying close to your recommended weight also helps relieve damaging pressure on hips and knees.

Get moving
Exercise helps lessen pain, increases range of movement, reduces fatigue and helps you feel better overall. Your doctor, a physical therapist, or other specially trained health professionals can show you range-of-motion exercises and strengthening exercises that are good for arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation also offers water exercise and other classes. Contact your local office for details.

Tune in
Listening to your favorite music can lighten your mood and may even help you to forget your pain - at least for a little while. Make a tape of your favorite upbeat tunes and listen to it when you need a lift.

Pick, pour or peel
If you are looking for a tasty healthy treat, reach for an orange - or a tall glass of orange juice. Why? Recent research has shown the importance of vitamin C and other antioxidants in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and its progression. Another bonus: oranges and other citrus fruits are good sources of folic acid, which can help alleviate the side effects of the arthritis drug methotrexate and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who have lupus.

Check out your options
In the past two years, the FDA has approved several drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other arthritis-related diseases. If your current medication isn't working as well as you'd like - or if it's causing unacceptable side effects - ask your doctor about these new treatment options.

Have a good laugh
Read a book of jokes, rent a funny movie or watch your favorite sit-com or stand-up comedian. Laughing - even when you feel like crying from agony - can relax muscles, relieve pain and even boost your immune system.

Play it safe in the sun
Protect yourself when you go out into the sun - wear sunglasses, a hat and sun screen. Some forms of arthritis, as well as certain medications, can leave you more vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays.

Resolve to reduce
Lose weight. You won't just look better; you'll feel better, too. Why? Every extra pound you carry around translates to added stress to your knees and hips. Excess weight can mean more pain, no matter which form of arthritis you have. It can also contribute to and aggravate osteoarthritis, while increasing your risk of gout.

Bone up
Stock up on your favorite source of calcium. A diet rich in this important mineral can help decrease your risk of osteoporosis. If you don't like drinking milk - or want some variety - try consuming more milk products, such as yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Or add powdered milk to puddings, gravies, shakes and other recipes. Other good sources of calcium: broccoli, salmon (with the bones) and kale.

Take a hike
Choose your favorite spots (indoors and out) and make plans to walk them at least once a week. Walking is the ideal exercise for most people with arthritis. It burns calories, strengthens muscles and builds denser bones - all without jarring fragile joints. Want to know more about walking as exercise?

Sit, soak and soothe
A warm bath before bed can relieve muscle tension, ease aching joints and help you get a good night's sleep.

Treat your muscles
Find a certified massage therapist and treat yourself to a good rub down. The benefits vary from person to person but may include decreased pain and increased circulation, energy and flexibility. And besides, it just feels good.

Stretch your legs
Stretching is a simple way to keep joints and muscles flexible. It relieves stress and can help enable you to maintain your daily activities. Try this to keep your calf muscles strong and flexible: Stand two feet from a wall, with your toes pointed inward, palms against the wall. Keeping your knees straight and feet flat, lean forward onto your hands without bending at the waist. Feel your calf muscles pull and extend. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then gently push away from the wall. Repeat.

Make a pack
When joints are hot and inflamed, applying something cold can decrease pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels and preventing fluids from leaking into surrounding tissues. Our favorite ice pack: a bag of frozen peas or corn that can be molded to the shape of your body.

Kick butt
If only for a day, and then another … and another. Smoking can increase your risk of complications from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It can predispose you to osteoporosis. Also, if you have to undergo joint surgery, smoking can prolong your recovery. Call HIP's free quit smoking program 1-800-292-2336

Appeal to a higher power
No one knows exactly how, but research is showing that spiritual belief and prayer can help people feel better physically and emotionally.

Note: The above information was taken from the Arthritis Foundation website.

Note: The Arthritis Programs are offered at no cost to any HIP member.