7/24/2019 11:32:58 AM
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. Symptoms include pain and limited function of affected joints. The diagnosis of arthritis can be confusing to the millions of people living with this disorder. Osteoarthritis (OA) is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but they are two very different conditions. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where antibodies reaction to substances that occur naturally in the body. Symptoms of RA are fatigue, anemia, lumps, redness, flare-ups, dry mouth, physical deformities, and sensation of pins and needles. Osteoarthritis is degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, most common from middle age onward. It causes pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.
Some arthritis programs in the community include:
Area hospitals, medical facilities, and health care providers offer classes of various lengths for individuals. Typical programs range from 4 to 12 sessions and include information on:
- Medication for arthritis
- The impact of your diet
- How to reduce pain and increase your range of movement
- Movements you can do regularly to increase strength and maintain muscle mass
- Simple arthritis exercises you can do using household items such as a chair
- Exercises for arthritis you can do in a swimming pool
It is recommended that individuals having arthritic issues seek immediate help from their family physician.
Information provided by BSBS of WNY.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have a topic for Wellness Wednesdays, please email us: Elements@nfta.com