OUR SERVICESSeldom does a conversation among members of the over-60 generation omit some mention of arthritis. Nearly every elderly person experiences at least some of the swelling, stiffness and pain associated with this condition, because, as people age, the tissues surrounding their joints invariably fray and tear.
There are many kinds of arthritis – the word means inflammation of the joints – but the type most people are concerned with is osteoarthritis, the most common kind.
Often osteoarthritis is mild, but it can be severe. It can afflict any joint, but those most commonly involved are the fingers, hips, knees, and vertebrae of the spine. Arthritis may develop in only one or two joints, or in several.
In some people, osteoarthritis produces only mild discomfort from time to time, while other people experience pain whenever they move the affected joint. The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, but repeated injuries to a joint may damage the tissues that protect it, resulting in arthritis.
Medical Examination
Because arthritis is so common among older people, there is a tendency to think any joint pain must be arthritis. However, you should always consult a physician to make sure the pain you’re experiencing is due to arthritis and not another condition. In addition to performing a physical examination, the physician may want to x-ray the affected area and have your blood tested. If the diagnosis is osteoarthritis, suitable treatment will be prescribed. This may include coated aspirin or other medication, hot or cold packs, gentle massage of the affected joints, and exercise. Prescribed exercise is extremely important to help prevent further deterioration of the joints. The doctor may also recommend diathermy or ultrasound treatments, forms of heat therapy that help relieve pain in some patients.
Diet
Contrary to what you may have heard, eliminating certain foods from your diet will not cure arthritis; so far, there is no known cure. Unless you have diabetes, kidney disease or another condition requiring dietary restrictions, you should follow a varied diet, including poultry and only the most lean red meats, as well as fish, vegetables, fruit, whole grain cereals and bread, and low-fat dairy products. Keep your fat, sugar and salt intake low. Most important, if you are overweight, lose those excess pounds since they burden your joints with extra pressure.
Exercise
The role of exercise in maintaining health cannot be overemphasized. Exercise makes you look better, feel better, sleep better, and it helps control weight. If you have arthritis, exercise is even more important. Movement helps keep your joints from becoming stiff and your muscles from becoming weaker. For example, if you have an arthritic knee, you might be tempted to keep it immobile in a bent position because it feels better that way. However, if it remains bent too long, it could become stiff and rigid. Loss of function and deformity of the knee could result. On the other hand, exercising the knee would keep it limber and ease pain.
Your physician will prescribe the appropriate stretching exercises for you, but you must do them daily to relieve pain and stiffness. You physician may also recommend a physical therapist to show you how to carry out the exercises.
Words of Caution About Advertised “Cures”
Charlatans prey on arthritis sufferers, whose pain and discomfort make them avid for cures. Do not be taken in by advertisements offering cures, including brass bracelets, medication or diet supplements. You may also read in certain so-called health magazines that eliminating certain foods, such as those in the nightshade family – potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, etc. – will reduce your pain. It will not do so – and depriving yourself of these foods could result in a nutritional deficiency.
At this time, there is no cure for arthritis. If and when one becomes available, your doctor will tell you. All you can do now is follow your physician’s advice about medication, regular exercise and other methods of relieving pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Finally, a word about rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common kind after osteoarthritis. Some people assume that rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting only the joints, but actually it is a widely generalized disease, often striking tissues, organs and connective fibers throughout the body. Affected tissues swell and thicken, while joints redden and become hot, painful, and difficult to move.
As with osteoarthritis, there is no miracle cure, but if you have rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will design a strategy to ease your pain and reduce the damage to your tissues and joints. This strategy may include exercise; the use of supports, splints and heat therapy; medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation; and sometimes even joint replacement surgery
The Last Word
It is important to remember that while arthritis cannot be cured, it can be controlled. With medical help, most arthritis sufferers can lead active, vigorous lives. See your doctor regularly, and keep yourself informed about new methods and medications for dealing with the disease.