10 Things You Should Know About Arthritis

by Omowunmi Osinubi

The term’ Arthritis’ is derived from Greek comprising of two words ‘athron’ meaning joint and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation. It refers to more than 100 different types of arthritis conditions. Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage which normally protects the joints allowing for smooth movement. To be able to manage arthritis properly the following facts should be known.
1. Arthritis is not a single disease. It involves over 100 types of arthritis conditions and other related rheumatic conditions. You should always obtain an accurate diagnosis before commencing treatment.
2. There is no known cure for arthritis. However there are many treatment options which could help with managing pain/reducing joint damage associated with arthritis.
3. There are so many misconceptions about arthritis. The truth is that arthritis does not affect only old people. It cannot be cured by changes in a person’s diet. It does not cause minor aches and pains.
4. Evaluation by a rheumatologist (a medical doctor who specializes in treating arthritis and other rheumatic conditions) is necessary so that the type of arthritis condition you have can be determined and a treatment plan started.
5. It is important to be properly diagnosed and treated early enough to prevent joint deformity and disability.
6. You may have to try several treatment options before you can find the most optimal treatment plan for you.
7. Regular exercise, stress reduction, healthy food, healthy eating habits, not smoking can help in living a better life with arthritis.
8. People living with arthritis normally have various emotions stirred up within them for e.g. anger, resentment due to the physical limitations imposed by arthritis.
9. Arthritis involves a lot of money in buying medications as it is not curable.
10. Arthritis can cause some activity limitation of patients diagnosed with it. These limitations (e.g. being unable to walk properly) could interfere with activities of daily living.
I hope you are able to manage the disease called ‘Arthritis’ better with this information. So go live a better life.

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Tags: Arthritis