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Arthritis

© Gretchen Malik

One out of six Americans (43 million to be exact) has been diagnosed with arthritis. This writer included. Those of us with arthritis know that if we choose to ignore the aches and pains associated with this condition, it can be a #@!#!! If you follow your doctor's advice, the pain associated with arthritis can be kept to a minimum. Read on to learn how to keep your pain at bay.

First and foremost, get an accurate diagnosis. Arthritis comes in more than 100 different forms. This includes related diseases such as fibromyalgia and Lyme disease. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is linked to excess weight and joint injuries. OA produces pain when the spongy cartilage that cushions the joint becomes damaged and gradually wears away. The rough ends of bone come in contact with each other resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness. Over time, loss of joint mobility may occur. Without treatment, osteoarthritis can totally incapacitate a joint.

Here are three important factors to remember:
1. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people and is located in only one or a few joints
2. Joints that are less inflamed than in other arthritic conditions
3. Progression of pain

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another well-known form of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when your body's immune system is painfully attacking its own joint tissues. As RA progresses, the joints become warm, swollen, and tender and can eventually grow deformed. RA tends to affect joints symmetrically, which means you are likely to experience pain on both sides of the body at once.

The most common initial signs of RA are:
Stiffness in the morning or when you've been inactive
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Muscle pain
Joint pain

Whatever type of arthritis you have, it is highly recommended that you take care of yourself so that you may enjoy life pain free. Begin your care by seeing a health care professional. Tell him about your pain. Be very specific.

When did the pain start?
What does the pain feel like?
Where is the pain? What joints?
The time of day you feel the pain
How long does the pain last?
What types of medication do you take for pain?

Learn as much as you can about the type of arthritis you have. And always ask for help from family and friends when you need it.

For more information about arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 1-900-283-7800 or visit the web site at http://www.arthritis.org.

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