Inflammations of joints in any part of the body are commonly referred to as arthritis. It is one of the most common diseases faced by the people worldwide. There are over hundred varieties of this rheumatic disease that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling mainly in joints and affecting other parts of the body in some cases. The joint inflammation is the result of increase in the amount of synovial fluid.
The major types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout.
Osteoarthritis, is a degenerative process in which the cartilage within the joints-- especially the weight-bearing joints of knees and hips-- is affected at the early stage and gradually lead to its fraying and wearing. In the most severe cases, the cartilage completely wears away leaving a mere bone-on-bone joint. Deformity and disability are the ultimate result of Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and systemic disease that causes joint inflammation due to changes in the synovium fluid and joint lining and increase in the increase in TNF-alpha, IL-6 and other inflammatory mediators.. Stiffness, swelling and of course lot of pain and dysfunction of joints are the symptoms of this type of arthritis. Other parts of the body can also be affected by Rheumatoid arthritis. a blood test can only tell whether one has Rheumatoid arthritis. It is by far the more serious of all types of arthritis.
Gout is another common type of arthritis. It is body’s reaction to needle-like crystals of uric acid that accumulates in various joints of the body. Like other types of arthritis, gout also causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joint. Big toes are the commonest targets of gout in your body.
The anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly advised for the patients of arthritis. They not only control the pain, they also reduce inflammation. When inflammation is reduced, the degeneration process of the joints diminishes. In its mild form, arthritis is treated by aspirin, the most popular anti inflammatory drug. A new generation of medicine called NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) is increasingly used in the arthritis treatments.
In addition to medications, there are other natural methods for getting temporary relief from the pains of arthritis. Hot pack in any form for 15 to 20 minutes thrice daily is particularly helpful in reducing the pains of arthritis. Microwaves and ultrasound also proves to be useful in most of the cases, but not recommended for patients with acutely inflamed joints. For them ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes at a time bring better results. Hydrotherapy and water exercises are helpful in relaxing the stiffed joints. Traction and massage are long trusted methods for reducing pain and increase joint motion and flexibility of muscle and tendon. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and biofeedback are two advanced process that give you relief from painful arthritis.
Last but not least, the traditional Chinese method of Acupuncture and Acupressure prove to be extremely beneficial for pain relief in arthritis which stimulate the brain to secrete the endorphins, the natural painkillers of body. In the most severe types of arthritis a knee replacement surgery can be the permanent solution to all pains and disabilities.
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