In arthritis, damage occurs to the various joints of the body and is
a common condition in many people over the age of 65. This ailment
commons in many forms and has an equal number of causes. Rheumatoid
arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are disorders of the autoimmune
system. In this case, an individual’s body is found to be attacking
itself. Septic arthritis occurs due to joint infection while gouty
arthritis is an inflammatory condition. Osteoarthritis is perhaps the
most common and prevalent form of arthritis and can be caused due to
infection or old age. Pain would be the first evident symptom of
arthritis.
Quite often arthritis could be caused as a
subsidiary of some other disease or illness. As the saying goes,
prevention is the best cure and this is very true in the case of
arthritis. Diet is the main area to be addressed when attempting to
keep arthritis at bay. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates, but low in
salt, sugar, fat, and protein along with a good exercise regimen should
help keep the joints strong and fit. Many experts see frequent jogging
as a factor in encouraging the onset of arthritis sometime in life.
However, swimming and working out on a machine which is targeted at the
arms, shoulders, legs and cardiovascular system are the best exercise
options.
Vigorous stretching is advised against though it
might feel great at the moment. Consumption of green tea is also said
to help in warding off arthritis to a certain extent. A balance of
physical and occupational therapy is used to treat arthritis. The
duration and the extent of therapy to be administered is dependent upon
the patient and the intensity of the affliction. Drugs are also
prescribed to deal with the inflammation and pain that are synonymous
with arthritis. Aspirin and ibuprofen also offer immediate and
temporary relief.