Talking arthritis

Talking arthritis

The sedentary nature of the urban populations across the globe combined with changes in lifestyle and diet patterns have resulted in poorer muscle mass and bone strength. Since 1996, World Arthritis Day is being observed on October 12 every year to unify people of all ages and races to raise awareness regarding rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Certain rheumatic conditions like gout, and fibromyalgia (widespread muscle tenderness and pain) may also have an impact upon your immune system and internal organs. Importantly, arthritis involves a collection of more than hundred different conditions that affect the joints, and connective tissues. The conditions are generally associated with inflammation, aching, swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. It’s a myth that arthritis is a disease only seen among the elderly population, for some types of arthritis can affect you at any age, and have different causes and treatment methods. Many people with arthritis experience their symptoms to grow worse during the daytime, followed by redness of the skin around one or multiple joints.

Often arthritic pain can be debilitating leading to stress and often insomnia.  For more information on Stress click here

Today, let’s have a look at two of the most common types of arthritis, namely osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Types and Causes of Arthritis:

  • The most common type is osteoarthritis, which wears away the cushioning between joints. A joint is where two bones come together. The bones’ ends are covered with a protective tissue known as cartilage. The tearing of cartilage causes bones to rub together, leading to uncontrolled friction, damage, and inflammation. The older a person is, the higher are the chances of suffering from wear and tear on joints. Other causes of joint damage include ligament injuries, poor posture, joint malformation and torn cartilages, as well as obesity. Genes, age, and gender are among the major risk factors of osteoarthritis, which being a degenerative joint disease affects millions of people worldwide.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease (in which the immune system mistakes part of your body such as your joints, or skin, as foreign, and releases proteins to attack healthy cells) that can cause joint pain and damage throughout the body. The joint damage usually occurs on both sides. We should not ignore the initial symptoms of joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Detecting initial signs beforehand will go a long way in an efficient arthritis management.

Ways of Dealing with Arthritis:

  • Always approach a healthcare providerfor arthritis-related medication, but also there is no harm in simultaneously trying out certain natural approaches and adding herbal supplements to your diet like turmeric (Curcumalonga), boswellia (Boswelliaserrata), nettle (Urticadioica), and ginkgo (Ginkgobiloba). Plant-based diets are enriched with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid incorporation of added sugar, salts, saturated fats, and processed foods in your daily meals.
  • Reducing the pressure on your joints through weight losing exercises like jogging, swimming, and cycling can help you in improving your mobility and preventing further damage to your joints.
  • Often taking a warm shower can help ease stiffness in muscle joints. Or, you can even wrap ice cubes in a towel, and apply them to affected areas for instant relief. Getting a massage from a therapist imparts an overall sense of well-being, and may even be effective in the management of joint discomfort.

The key to good health lies in your ability to adjust to changing stresses on the body, for you cannot control what occurs outside, but you can control what goes on inside. For more ways to deal with stress read more.

Healthy citizens are the greatest assets any country might want to possess. Be arthritis aware, and take action today.

If you want to discuss your specific needs talk with our natural health practitioner today.

Arthritis support: supplements and creams.

For more information call us on 02 68819494

For practitioner brand medicine contact Kiran Rana. (Natural Health Practitioner)