A Comprehensive Guide to Arthritis and What it Means for Patients

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the most prevalent type of joint disease globally, and arthritis can be found in different parts of the body. Arthritis is a chronic condition that worsens with time, and it can cause severe pain and inflammation. The inflammation in the joints is due to high levels of synovial fluid, which causes an influx of white blood cells. The systemic disease more common among women than men usually starts at 40 years of age. There are over 100 types of the condition, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. A person can have arthritis in any joint of their body, but it typically starts in the hands or hips. 

There are many treatments for arthritis, including medications, supplements, physiotherapy, surgery, etc. But what is the best arthritis treatment for you? Consult an orthopedic specialist who has expertise in treating arthritis for the correct answer to this question.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that causes the joints in your body to become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can lead to loss of movement, muscle weakness, decreased range of motion, and chronic pain that becomes severe with time. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people, although it can affect anyone of any age. The disease can also affect other joints in your body. It can be painful, but it’s often not debilitating. The pain usually appears after the age of 50, although it can strike at any age. The disease can also affect other joints in your body. It can be painful, but it’s often not debilitating. 

The excellent news is osteoarthritis is treatable with medicine, physical therapy, or surgery. 

What is Rheumatoid arthritis? 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue in the joints, causing it to swell and form pouches called “erosions.” which can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, particularly the fingers, hands, wrists, shoulders, hips, and knees. It may start as pain and inflammation at the synovial membrane (a membrane that lines the joints) and gradually spreads to other areas of the body. It most commonly affects the hands and feet, but the shoulder and neck may also be affected. The only way to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is by your medical history and test results. Rheumatoid arthritis patients are likely to have various other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and scleroderma. 

What to Look for in a Good Arthritis Treatment

Medication is often used to treat arthritis. Some may use over-the-counter or prescription drugs, while others may need to see a doctor for their pain management drug regimen. Along with medications, some people may also use alternative treatments like acupuncture or yoga to treat their condition and lessen their pain and stiffness.

How to Treat Arthritis 

The treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis might vary depending on severity and type of symptoms and signs. Some treatments will also depend on age and medical history. One standard treatment option is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids or NSAIDs, which can help to reduce inflammation in the joint. Methotrexate, TNF blockers such as etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), or newer biologic agents such as adalimumab have been found to be very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other treatments include physical therapy or occupational therapy to relieve pain through exercises that focus on exercises that prevent the progression of osteoarthritis and strengthen muscles around affected joints.

The Complete Guide to Natural Arthritis Treatment:

Cure Your Arthritis the Natural Way with These Home Remedies! 

There are so many ways to cure your arthritis the natural way. All you need is commitment, patience, and some time.

Here are four remedies that can help you with joint pain and inflammation:

1. Turmeric – This spice is a classic for any Indian dish, but it can also be used as capsules and work best to treat joint pain and inflammation as they provide relief from inflammation in the body. The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric is capable of reducing swelling and relieving muscles from stiffness.  Boil two cups of water and add one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Let this mixture simmer for 10 minutes before drinking it three times a day to reduce inflammation in your joints.

2. Ginger – This root has anti-inflammatory properties which help increase blood circulation in the body leading to an overall improvement in health and well-being, including joint pain relief. Make sure you buy ginger root at your local grocery store. Peel off the skin, grate two teaspoons and add to simmer in boiling water to make tea.

3. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which provides antiseptic properties that help relieve joint pain. Put two teaspoons of honey with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water for this remedy. Drink it twice a day.

4. Last but one of the best things you can do for joint pain relief is to get your body moving more often, and there’s no better way than to walk.

 

While there are some differences in the approaches to natural remedies for arthritis, most people with the disease are very interested in the benefits of these treatments. Combining some or all of these treatments will effectively reduce or eliminate the pain, stiffness, inflammation, and other arthritis symptoms.

In summary, there are many ways to treat arthritis. But here’s the truth: there is no one size fits all solution to joint pain and inflammation. Is there anyone treatment that will work for everyone? No. What works for one person may not work for another. Some people find relief with a holistic and natural approach, and others find relief with a combination of medications and physical therapy. Do your research and decide what is best for you. 

There is another truth: There are also many ways to prevent arthritis. Perhaps the best way is to be proactive. Most of these steps are very easy to do. So take a deep breath, do some stretching, eat healthier, and complement your diet with the right vitamins and supplements to help your body fight off arthritis naturally.

Does NDIS fund Arthritis Participants?

Rheumatoid arthritis and Juvenile arthritis / Stills disease (excluding monocyclic/self-limited Adult Onset Stills disease) lists under list B.Permanent conditions for which functional capacity is variable, and further assessment of functional capacity is generally required.

The List B category allows applicants to get assessed by NDIS before funding approval. The assessment takes place to determine the severity of the condition. Some people who have arthritis might not be eligible for funding due to the lower severity of their condition. Those approved for funding can access disability services and supports to assist in living life as independently as possible. 

Grace Healthcare YCYW can support those approved of funding with services such as Supported Independent Living, tailor-made to individual support needs.  

If you would like more information on how Grace Healthcare YCYW can support you in living more independently and managing your condition, please call us on  041 037 7690, 03 9087 8230. Alternatively, you can email us at info@grace-healthcare.com.au or complete our contact form to have our representative contact you.

 

 

What Causes Multiple Scleroris? Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive neurological damage. It can be difficult to diagnose MS because its symptoms vary from person to person and are often vague. Some of …

What Causes Multiple Scleroris? Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Read More »

Monthly Pulse (March 2022)
Hello, and welcome back to our Monthly Pulse. Waking up to the morning fog and seeing it clear and welcoming fine, sunny days, we can’t help but be thankful for the Autumn season. The season came with the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, Purple Day, Neurodiversity Celebration, and many more. We saw powerful quotes …

Monthly Pulse (March 2022) Read More »

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects both the brain and the nervous system. It is caused by the loss of cells in some brain regions, leading to a decrease in dopamine production. The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease usually start gradually and worsen over time. They can include shaking or trembling in one or more parts of your body, …

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Read More »