Every day aches and pains can be commonplace. Unfortunately, sometimes these minor pains can manifest themselves into arthritis. This inflammation of the joints can even become debilitating and cause deformity to sufferers. Arthritis is identified with joint pain and stiffness and can reduce quality-of-life for those afflicted. Sadly, these symptoms usually become worse with age. Some cases can be mild, but arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America. This is typically a disease that affects older people, but children can also be impacted. While there are many types of arthritis, the two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Determining which type you have will dictate your treatment.
There are different forms of arthritis that depend on the intensity, the joints they affect, and their system. They are:
1. Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form of arthritis and can affect all the joints in the body. The most susceptible are the weight-bearing joints (knees, back, and pelvis). Normally caused by everyday wear and tear, and injury can also contribute to its onset. Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage in the joint and can cause erosion to the point where bone is rubbing against bone. This condition can start as minor can during activity, to constant pain while even sitting or resting. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, so a combination of therapy and painkillers can help it from progressing. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks the lining and cartilage in the joint. This attack causes fluid to build up in the joint and causes pain and inflammation. It commonly attacks the joints in the fingers, hands, and wrists. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to a severe deformity in the affected joint areas if not treated.
3. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
While the majority of arthritis cases affect the elderly, children can be affected by this disorder. Thousands of children are diagnosed with arthritis every year. This is also an autoimmune disease, much like rheumatoid arthritis. Eye inflammation, growth retardation, and joint deformity are all complications that can arise from juvenile arthritis.
4. Gout
Gauty arthritis is caused by uric acid buildup in the joint. This can lead to swelling and pain in the affected joint. While normally affecting one joint, it can spread to other joints and be quite painful.
Arthritis can be treated using three major ways:
1. Therapy – Therapy is another commonly used technique that is used to treat as well as rehabilitate the symptoms of arthritis. A wide range of therapies such as hot and cold therapy, compression therapy, exercise therapy, electrotherapy, etc. can be used to ease off the symptoms of arthritis.
2. Medications – There are several different medications available depending on the type of arthritis affecting you. These medications mostly help in reducing pain & inflammation and enhancing the strength of the joints. Always ensure that you consult a medical professional before consuming any medications.
3. Surgery – Surgery, like always, is the last resort when no other treatment options are useful and the condition has worsened. You should always try out non-invasive treatment options at first, and should opt for a surgical treatment only when necessary. Always consult your doctor before taking any decision.
There are several aids one can choose from to reduce the impairments that are usually caused due to arthritis:
1. Dining Aids – Adaptive dining aids such as bendable utensils, comfort grip utensils, rocker knives, cutting boards, adaptive bowls and dishes, weighted utensils and dishes, etc. simplify the step by step process of eating food while managing arthritis.
2. Drinking Aids – Adaptive drinking aids such as adaptive mugs, weighted cups and mugs, nosey cups, maddak cups, etc make drinking an easy task and reducing spilling.
3. Dressing Aids – Managing arthritis includes problems with dressing as it involves a lot of dexterous tasks to execute. Adaptive dressing aids such as dressing sticks, reachers, button aids, sock aids, shoe horns, easy tying laces, etc. can be used to resolve our dressing needs.
4. Writing Aids – Writing can turn out to be one of the most painful activities for an individual who suffers from arthritis of any joint in the arm. Adaptive writing aids such as gliders, pen grips, writing instruments, etc. can help you while writing and also help in reducing the discomfort.
5. Household Aids – An individual suffering from arthritis can face a number of problems while executing daily activities in the house, and adaptive household aids such as gripping tools, bottle openers, daily care kits, bath safety kits, adaptive holder, scissors, etc. can be of great use during this rehab phase.
What Includes Rehabilitation of Arthritis?
Sometimes arthritis might result in permanent changes in the joints of a person which are usually visible in an X-ray test. Arthritis can also affect other organs in the body like the heart, eyes, lungs or kidneys. Arthritis cannot be cured but it can be controlled. One can take a few steps to preserve bone and joint function and mobility by offering rehabilitation and comfort.
1. Hot and Cold Therapy – Hot and cold therapy is great at reducing inflammation and relieving pain. This form of therapy reaches deep down into the muscles and is also known to enhance blood circulation. A healthy circulation of blood reduces inflammation and allows for a greater alleviation of pain
2. Weight Management – Excess weight can stress the joints and add pressure to them thus causing pain and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall bone health and it also helps in reducing discomfort.
3. Topical Analgesics – Topical treatments like gels, lotions, and creams can also be used to reduce pain and inflammation. They penetrate cleanly into the skin and act on the muscles in an instant, alleviating pain
4. Orthopedic Splints – Splints can be used to immobilize the joints and thus prevent any injuries due to sudden contact or injuries. Splints also help in preventing degeneration of joints and injuries to the muscles. Built with durable and comfortable materials, these splints are great at efficiently rehabilitating joints affected by arthritis.
5. Knee Braces – For knee pain which is very common in arthritis, knee supports can help immobilize the affected knee along with some compression until the pain subsides. They can also support the knee and reduce the stress and strain that falls on the knee.
Where to Buy Arthritis Supplies Online?
At Rehab Store we have a wide range of premium arthritis supplies that are designed for the rehabilitation, treatment, and support of arthritis.
