Arthritis: Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects
Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling
diseases? It's true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40
million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60
million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this
article and find out what this devastating disease is truly
about.
Arthritis: What it Is
Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are
currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that
number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis
include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our
next article, "Symptoms of Arthritis" for more information).
Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or
simply "wear and tear" on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is
the result of an over active Immune System that results in
inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the
result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in
the joints, leading to "Gouty Arthritis". The joint pain,
inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as
"Arthralgia". Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but
the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to
the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been
known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.
Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that
only affects the elderly. This simply isn't the case. Yes it's
true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the
greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of
Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted
between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been
diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.
One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that
it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it
only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental
that of the diseases that instill chronic physical
disabilities,
Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.
The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of
quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as
well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an
individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating
effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost wages, medical
treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care.
The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously
unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It
does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also
plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all
Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint
pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen
that Arthritis isn't cured, but managed. Some steps
and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:
· Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the
joints) · Increasing their Nutritional
Intake · Reducing Stress (both physical and
emotional) · Participating in Gentle Stress Free
Exercises such as Stretching · Using both Hot and
Cold Therapies · Protecting Joints by use of
Splints and Braces · Drug Therapies ·
Surgery
If you suffer from Arthritis, don't give up. There are many
people who are discovering that with the proper management and
health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and
pain free lives.
· Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis,
Symptoms of Arthritis".
About the author:
Written by John
Robben of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc.
Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products. Visit our
Arthritis Information
Center
Written by: John Robben
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