|
Inflammation of the joints causing pain, stiffness and swelling in the muscles and the bones is arthritis. There are two main types of arthritis- osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid. On a general note, some of the many reasons behind this disease are your obesity and constant use of the same joint. The commonly affected areas are the hands and the elbows, the knees and the hip too.
Osteoarthritis form of arthritis is the result of the normal degeneration of the different joints of the body. Slowly, you feel pain in the knees or in the elbows, which over a period develops into swelling and lack of mobility of the said area. Rheumatoid is very different as here your own body system attacks the joints of your body, thereby disabling them and affecting your movement of the limbs and joints.
There are different types of drugs and treatments for arthritis. However, they bring along many side effects. A very recent addition is your grandmother’s remedies. Many herbal potions are also available, which reduce the sufferings and do not cause any side effects.
Previously, doctors advised against any form of exercises for arthritis patients. However, now studies have proven that a light exercise routine helps keep the pain at bay. The best are walking, light bicycling and swimming. These exercises allow better movement of joints and increase the strength in your muscles.
Try to follow the saying- Prevention is better than cure. You can guard yourself from an onslaught of arthritis by reducing excessive strain on the joints and muscles. Do not wait for the symptoms to go up to alarming levels and consult an orthopedic at first itself. Exercises will make your bones and muscles stronger and increase the flexibility in them. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods and reduce the intake of packaged foods. Take in a lot of water, which lubricates the joints. Yoga can also help. Keep a check on your obesity level.
|
