Arthritis is defined as a joint disorder which features inflammation, hence you can refer to athritis as being the inflammation of one or more joints. A joint is where two bones meet in the human body and there are two types (a) mobile joint (b) immobile joint.
There are two main types of arthritis.. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- A) Osteoarthritis is the most common type of athritis. It is the degeneration or wearing out of a joint due to old age, over -exertion or injury.
We also have primary and secondary osteoarthritis.
Primary Osteoarthritis occurs when joint degeneration sets on it’s own without any apparent cause while secondary osteoarthritis occurs when there is a known cause and the causes could be any of the following…* Heredity: Osteoarthritis can be hereditary from generation to generation…*Over-weight: Accumulation of excess calories in the body adds more weight to the body hence putting too much stress on the hips n knees .* Previous damage: untreated dislocation or half hi treated fracture most times lead to arthritis…* Occupation: For those who work for long hours standing.- page
The second type of athritis is rheumatoid arthritis. .It is the inflammation of the same joints. For example, the same pain being experienced on the left knee joint is also experienced on the right.
It is very common these days because of processed foods and drinks that we take. It affects the old , young and even infants are not left out.
Some of the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are ;
1) Viruses: Some scientists have proposed that rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by some types of viral infection. These viruses are said to be peculiar and live in the body for a long period of time before their influence is felt in the body.
2) Immuno-deficiency syndrome: This happens when the anti-bodies that are meant to fight foreign agents in the body begin to attack the tissues of the joints causing inflammation and pain…..3
World Health organization research states that about 350million people world wide live with arthritis.
So if you are experiencing joint pains, you may need to see your doctor or a rheumatologist.
SYMPTOMS:
Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts with pain and stiffness in one or two joints, mostly knees, hands and feet.
Initially the pain comes and goes and is often worse in the mornings but wears off during the day.
Subsequently the pain becomes more intense with constant swelling and inflammation in the various joints of the body and it may spread to other parts of the body which may cause movement of these joints to be painful.
TREATMENT:
Treatment of arthritis mostly is to reduce the pain being felt by the patient since there is no known orthodox cure for athritis but it can be properly managed.
The bones need to be strengthened hence weight loss is very essential for an arthritis patient….4
It is a common misconception that arthritis sufferers should avoid exercise, but it is a misconception. Stretching should be at the top of everyone’s list of things to do each day, especially those with stiff and aching joints. While you do need exercise you should try to avoid high impact activities like running.
You need exercise that will get good, oxygen-rich blood flowing through your body, strengthen your bones and muscles and improve your flexibility.
Exercise in general makes you feel good inside and out, which can contribute to healing. If you’re in the market for some arthritis-friendly exercise consider walking; it’s easy, you can do it anywhere and it fits all the above criteria.
Drink a lot water but warm water is best for you. Avoid cold or iced water
Avoid eating red red meat but you can eat fish that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids
Stay away from sugar, poultry, pork, pastries , be more friendly with nuts, avocados, vegetables
All these is called lifestyle changes and it goes a long way in the management of athritis…Some herbs have been found to be anti-inflammatory and they are very good for arthritis…These are Tumeric and Ginger
You can make them as tea to drink or regular drinks
You can also blend and mix tumeric, Ginger,black pepper, white pepper and cinnamon together….It usually comes out nice and strong but keeps you healthy and pain free…
It is not advisable for someone suffering from arthritis to bath with cold water and when the weather is cold it’s always advisable to wear socks to keep warm.
Massage with ointments after hot or cold water massage is equally good
Shea butter mixed with coconut oil and hot mint oil is also very good for Massage
You can also try lime, grape juice and honey mixed together and drink regularly
So on a final note , what we preach here on general health and well-being is majorly lifestyle changes to enable us live a stronger and healthier lives.
Also note that the whole world is trying to do away with synthetic drugs as much as possible so if our way of life can make us healthier people ,why don’t we embrace lifestyle changes by staying away from our number one killer food..Sugar, pastries, canned and processed foods, soda which we call soft drinks here and embrace taking a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. Until next week when I come your way again ,I remain yours in good health, Oluwabukunolami. We would like to hear from you so you can mail us on gregatt0305@gmail.com or send SMS to 08121456771
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