Arthritis is used to describe joints getting swollen, red, warm, stiff and painful, or inflamed. Arthritis is a chronic disease and has many different types. Depending on the type of arthritis it may occur as early as adolescence. Arthritis causes include when the cartilage in joints break down and bones rub against each other as a result of an injury or part of the aging process. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling.
Many people use the word "arthritis" to refer to all rheumatic diseases. However, the word literally means joint inflammation; that is, swelling, redness, heat, and pain caused by tissue injury or disease in the joint. There are over 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The many different kinds of arthritis comprise just a portion of the rheumatic diseases. Some rheumatic diseases are described as connective tissue diseases because they affect the body's connective tissue--the supporting framework of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because they are caused by a problem in which the immune system harms the body's own healthy tissues. Examples of some rheumatic diseases are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout
The goal in treatment is to reduce inflammation through joint protection, planned exercise, weight control, heat, relaxation, medication and sometimes surgery.
Three types of exercise are best for people with arthritis:
· Range-of-motion exercises (e.g., dance) help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility.
· Strengthening exercises (e.g., weight training) help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.
· Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., bicycle riding) improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints. Some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints.
Most health clubs and community centers offer exercise programs for people with physical limitations. People with arthritis should discuss exercise options with their doctors and other health care providers. Most doctors recommend exercise for their patients. Many people with arthritis begin with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. People with arthritis can participate in a variety of, but not all, sports and exercise programs. The doctor will know which, if any, sports are off-limits.
The doctor may have suggestions about how to get started or may refer the patient to a physical therapist. It is best to find a physical therapist that has experience working with people who have arthritis. The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and teach clients about pain-relief methods, proper body mechanics (placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box), joint protection, and conserving energy. Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it is too strenuous. People with arthritis should work with their physical therapist or doctor to adjust their exercise program when they notice any of the following signs of strenuous exercise; unusual or persistent fatigue, increased weakness, decreased range of motion, Increased joint swelling, Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1 hour after exercising)
Resources: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NIAMS) a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Telephone: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) (free of charge) http://www.niams.nih.gov/ Arthritis Foundation 800-283-7800 (free of charge) www.arthritis.org