At age 45, Allan developed arthritis and, as years went by, his body deteriorated so much that he had to go on early retirement. His condition was diagnosed by the doctor as rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of tissues around joints and other parts of the body. As a man, he took pride in being a hardworking professional. In the office, he was a “can-do” manager who always showed great enthusiasm in accomplishing high-pressure tasks. Allan was also known as an active sportsman who took physical fitness very seriously. Now, he had to contend with a disease that came like a “thief in the night.” He felt the arthritic pain when he turned 40 but made nothing out it. Somehow, he believed that his physical condition was still very good and that a slight pain need not stop him from doing his work. Of course, he was just being in a state of denial. He just could not believe how the disease could easily disrupt his once “blissful” existence.
Robbed out of his physical vitality, he had to give up his job and seek medication. The pain and disfigured bones were just too much for him to bear. The symptoms of the rheumatoid arthritis were just too severe for him to handle. For the first time in his life, he felt that he was no longer in control.
Like Allan, thousands if not millions of people are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. Nearly 40 million Americans are afflicted with arthritis and regularly visit the doctor to get arthritis pain relief. It is a disease that affects not only older men, but also women and children.
Gaining a better understanding of arthritis may help people to prepare and be informed about the proper management and control of this ailment. There are actually four types of arthritis, namely:
Rheumatoid arthritis- a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints. It can develop systemic problems including inflammation of blood vessels and bumps which is also called rheumatoid nodules in various parts of the body. Women are more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than men and about 80% are diagnosed between the ages of 35-50.
Inflammatory arthritis - a type of arthritis that is characterized by swelling and stiffening of the joints.
Degenerative arthritis - gradual deterioration of cells and organs along with loss of function
Miscellaneous arthritis
Despite the seemingly overwhelming effects of this disease, arthritis sufferers can manage their pain through rest, rehabilitation, and proper medication. Finding the perfect product for arthritis pain relief is important. There are a lot of over -the- counter pain relievers out in the market. Still, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pain therapist about choosing a drug remedy to arthritic pain.
Aside from taking medication, arthritis sufferers need to look out for other alternatives and supplemental treatment methods to manage the disease. Surely, living day-to-day with arthritic pain takes an enormous amount of courage and resilience. Your spirit may oftentimes be so close to the brink of being crushed because of the excruciating pain.
But there is always hope for you and others who desperately need arthritis pain relief. Getting arthritis pain relief is not an impossibility. Here are some suggestions that might help you manage or overcome the pain associated with this disease:
Get moral support from your family, relatives, friends. You can also join a support group near your area where you can share your struggles with the disease with others who also suffer from arthritis. Members of a support group face almost exactly the same challenges that you face. They would be in the best position to understand or to empathize with what you are going through.
Educate yourself. Read books, listen to audio tapes, or watch videos about arthritis and the various methods to control it. You can also browse the Internet to get more information about the treatment options available to arthritis patients.
Try to keep busy. Regular exercise can help prevent arthritis or improve your over-all sense of well-being. Activities that require minimal physical exertion are best. But if you are still physically mobile, you can try cycling or taking short hikes. Going to a park or visiting nature sites can help promote serenity and strength as you undergo therapy or medication.
Eliminate stress. Avoid situations and persons that contribute to your stress.
Positive Thinking. Being optimistic does wonders to an arthritis patient or to anyone who is sick, for that matter. Combined with proper medication or other forms of therapy, a positive attitude will go a long way in improving your health. By being optimistic, you also make it easier on other family members who have to care for you in times when you are under intense arthritic pain.
Ultimately, getting arthritis pain relief is a combination of rest, proper medication, and the right attitude in life. Obtaining arthritis pain relief is not difficult especially if you are fully committed to restoring your health --- which is necessary to have a fulfilled, pain-free life.
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