When Allan was 45 years old he developed arthritis. As a result of deterioration over time he had to retire early. His physician diagnosed his condition as rheumatoid arthritis. This is an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation of the tissues around the joints and other parts of the body. Being a man Allan took pride in being a hard-working professional. Known around the office as a "can do" manager who showed great enthusiasm while conquering high-pressure tasks.
Also an active sportsman, Allan took his physical fitness very seriously. Regrettably, he was now forced to curtail his activities by a disease that sneaked up on him with no warning. Oh, he had felt arthritic pain since the age of 40 but, being the kind of person he was, he did nothing about it. Like many, Allan believed that a little pain was not going to stop him or slow him down. This was a total denial of his physical condition. When the arthritis struck he simply couldn't believe what a disruption it was to his happy life.
Allan found himself not only curtailing those activities he enjoyed but stopping them altogether. He had to quit his job and go on medication to deal with the pain and disfigurement of his bones. He found that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis were just too much for him to handle. He felt that for the first time ever he was not in control of his life.
There are thousands, perhaps millions of Americans, just like Allan, who are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. Almost 40 million of our countrymen are arthritis sufferers and regularly visit a physician in search of pain relief. This disease affects not only older men, but women and children as well.
To better enable us to deal with the onset of arthritis it is helpful to be informed how to manage and control this ailment. Arthritis comes in four forms. The are:
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Rheumatoid arthritis- this is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints. This condition can develop systemic problems that include inflammation of blood vessels and bumps, which are also called rheumatoid nodules, in various parts of the body. It has been discovered that women are more likely than men to have rheumatoid arthritis. Some 80% are diagnosed between the ages of 35-50.
- Inflammatory arthritis-this type of arthritis is characterized by swelling and stiffening of joints.
- Degenerative arthritis-symptoms of this form include gradual deterioration of cells and organs accompanied by loss of function.
- Miscellaneous arthritis.
The good news is that arthritis suffers can manage their pain through rest, rehabilitation and proper pain relief medication. It is important for you to find the kind of medication that works well for you. Many over-the-counter pain relievers are available. However, it is best to consult with your own physician or pain therapist to decide what specific pain medication works best for you.
There are other things you can do as an arthritis sufferer than simply take pain medication. Perhaps you will find alternative or supplemental methods that will bring relief and assist in managing the disease. Just the task of daily living requires a certain amount of resilience and courage. Excruciating pain can bring you close to spirit-crushing days.
However, there is hope for all who suffer the debilitating affects of arthritis. You can obtain arthritis pain relief. It's not an impossibility. Read on and see what you can do to help yourself.
Moral support is very important. Rely on your family and friends to "be there for you." Perhaps joining a support group is something for you. Being amongst other arthritis sufferers will let you know that you are not alone. After all, those who suffer the same pain and discomfort know best how they deal with it.
It is also important for you to educate yourself. Listen to audio tapes, read books, watch DVD's and learn ways to deal with arthritis. The Internet is another good resource. Knowledge is the key to understanding.
Keeping busy can help. Exercising regularly can help prevent arthritis pain. It can also improve your overall sense of well-being. Minimal physical exertion exercises are the best.
If you can still get around fairly well you can try your hand at cycling or even taking short hikes.
Try to promote a feeling of serenity by becoming close to nature. You can do this by visiting a nearby park or zoo.
Perhaps most important of all is to eliminate stress. While easier said than done, you should try to avoid situations and persons who add to your stress.
You'll be surprised what positive thinking will do for you. Be optimistic. This not only will help you with your arthritis but can improve your general health as well. It will also make life easier for those who care for you as well.
When you come right down to it a combination of a positive attitude, various forms of therapy, medication that helps you and limiting stress are good ways to find that much sought after pain relief. You'll soon find that following these tips can and will lead to a healthier, happy, pain-filled life.
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