ARTHRITIS – your day to day solutions

arthritis of the hand

Chronic arthritis was once considered a debilitating disease that inevitably slowed you down, ultimately leaving you disabled. Action was what arthritis prevented. Or so it was thought.

Arthritis remains the number one cause of disability in the nation and was declared a National Health Priority in 2002. No-one has yet found a cure, but action is not only possible with arthritis; it’s also the key to reducing pain and continuing to lead a productive and fulfilling life.

First some basics on what you are dealing with.

What is it?
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, the most commong being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus. Some forms of arthritis are thought to be a reaction of the body against its own joint tissues.

Who gets it?
Arthritis is not just an inevitable part of getting older; most people diagnosed with the contion are of working age, and children also get arthritis.

Treatment: it’s up to you.
Action against arthritis takes two froms. The first is fighting the disease itself with all the medical, physical and psychological weapons at your disposal. The second is simply living life to the fullest – staying active, moving your body, working your joints and stretching your muscles. Living fully also means enjoying a balanced diet and keeping to a healthy weight.

Here’s some information and advice on how to harness the power of exercise and good nutrition to manage arthritis.

A good action plan includes:
** Understanding your disease.
When does your pain flare up? Which joints are affected most? Are there ways to move your body to protect your joints from painful activities?

** Working with your healthcare team.
Some of the most exciting recent advances in medicine have been potent new drugs for controlling arthritis pain and the processes that cause it. Ask your doctor.

** Focusing on function.
Even if moving your body causes some initial discomfort, strengthening muscles and increasing your range of motion can improve your quality of life and ultimatedly reduce pain.

** Managing weight.
Losing weight with exercise and good nutrition brings a number of benefits- you ease pain, gain mobility and improve your overall health.

** Setting objectives.
Whatever your objectives (play around of golf or a game of tennis again; dance at your daughter’s wedding), you’ll need to decide on specific steps, perhaps even small ones at first, then be determined to follow through. Create an exercise programme for example, using widely available reference materials and information to tailor it to your requirements.

** Adopting a can-do attitude.
Are you determined to make a change? If you’re confident, you can control arthritis you’ll experience less ain and enjoy greater function than you would with a more pessimistic attitude.

You can do it. Take the first step now.

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