Arthritis is a condition that may be transient or chronic. It is the chronic form that tends to be more bothersome. The major causes of chronic arthritis are autoimmune conditions and degenerative changes in bones. In spite of the differences in causes, the signs and symptoms are largely similar. When looking for arthritis relief Santa Cruz patients need a number of options to choose from.
Drugs continue to play a vital role in the management of arthritis symptoms. The main classes of drugs used are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. It has been observed that the dosage and number of drugs needed to control the symptoms increase as the condition progresses. This makes it more difficult for some patients to remain compliant to what has been described and also increases the risk of experiencing serious side effects. These, as well as other reasons, have created the need to have alternative therapies.
Weight loss has been shown to be hugely beneficial in the management of this problem. Since excessive weight exerts undue stress on major joints and hastens degenerative changes, it has been argued that reducing this stress through weight reduction may slow down progression of the condition or reverse some of the changes. Indeed, some patients have reported a dramatic improvement of their symptoms by losing weight.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies are generally accepted as treatment options for most forms of pain. Arthritis pain is no exception. Efforts should be made to incorporate this form of intervention in the daily routine. For instance one can take a warm shows or bath daily preferably in the morning when the symptoms are most severe. They may also opt for an electric blanket to keep them warm at night.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been tried in the management of this condition with variable degrees of success. Acupuncture has emerged as one of the most widely used techniques under this category. The technique is performed by piercing a number of special needles into the body with the aim of restoring the flow of life energy.
There is evidence to suggest that psychological stress is a contributing factor in the development of arthritis symptoms. As such managing this aspect of health will help minimize the symptoms of this condition. In the event that psychological stress is identified, there are a number of interventions that can be undertaken. They include taking part in relaxation activities such as meditation and yoga among others.
The impact of diet cannot be ignored. A number of foods and supplements have been found to worsen the condition while others are associated with relief. In general, diets that have high levels of omega 3 fats are beneficial in the reduction of stiffness and pain. Others include those with gamma linolelic or GLA. Always remember to consult your doctor before trying out any new form of treatment.
Drugs continue to play a vital role in the management of arthritis symptoms. The main classes of drugs used are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. It has been observed that the dosage and number of drugs needed to control the symptoms increase as the condition progresses. This makes it more difficult for some patients to remain compliant to what has been described and also increases the risk of experiencing serious side effects. These, as well as other reasons, have created the need to have alternative therapies.
Weight loss has been shown to be hugely beneficial in the management of this problem. Since excessive weight exerts undue stress on major joints and hastens degenerative changes, it has been argued that reducing this stress through weight reduction may slow down progression of the condition or reverse some of the changes. Indeed, some patients have reported a dramatic improvement of their symptoms by losing weight.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies are generally accepted as treatment options for most forms of pain. Arthritis pain is no exception. Efforts should be made to incorporate this form of intervention in the daily routine. For instance one can take a warm shows or bath daily preferably in the morning when the symptoms are most severe. They may also opt for an electric blanket to keep them warm at night.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been tried in the management of this condition with variable degrees of success. Acupuncture has emerged as one of the most widely used techniques under this category. The technique is performed by piercing a number of special needles into the body with the aim of restoring the flow of life energy.
There is evidence to suggest that psychological stress is a contributing factor in the development of arthritis symptoms. As such managing this aspect of health will help minimize the symptoms of this condition. In the event that psychological stress is identified, there are a number of interventions that can be undertaken. They include taking part in relaxation activities such as meditation and yoga among others.
The impact of diet cannot be ignored. A number of foods and supplements have been found to worsen the condition while others are associated with relief. In general, diets that have high levels of omega 3 fats are beneficial in the reduction of stiffness and pain. Others include those with gamma linolelic or GLA. Always remember to consult your doctor before trying out any new form of treatment.
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