Arthritis in the hands and arthritis in the knees are the most common forms of a rheumatic disease that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Other areas affected include muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and some internal organs. These areas are usually categorized within the two major forms; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. The disease causes pain which can be measured in two different ways; acute and chronic. Pain is the body' way of reporting an abnormality in the regular function of a system. Acute pain is temporary pain associated with minor cuts, bruises or fractures. Chronic pain is long lasting pain that interferes with daily activities and can last throughout a person's entire life.
Severe cases result in chronic pain. More than 16 million people suffer from osteoarthritis and over 1.2 million people suffer from rheumatoid (which is the most crippling form). Arthritis in the hands and arthritis in the knees is caused by an inflammation of the tissue that lines the joints. The pain associated with the inflammation of these tissues varies from person to person depending on the severity of inflammation. These pain variables can include the sufferer's depressive state, anxiety levels and hypersensitivity to outside environmental irritants such as hot and cold weather and dry or humid heat.
Short term pain relief for those that suffer include NSAID's or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs contain aspirin or ibuprofen. Arthritis in the hands and arthritis in the knees can be soothed by heat and/or cold. A warm bath or shower can provide temporary relief, or a dry heat pad, or ice pack (ice packs should not be used for those who have poor circulation). Joint protection such as the use of a splint or brace can help relieve the pain by providing rest for the joint and inhibiting the possibility of injury. A physical therapist or regular physician can make recommendations as to which kinds of joint protection methods would be appropriate for people that suffer. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Sometimes a massage performed by a certified massage therapist can aid in the relief of pain by lightly stroking or kneading a painful muscle tissue which will increase blood flow and bring warmth to the stressed area. Consistent mild exercise such as swimming, walking, or low impact aerobics may help because the range of motion exercises involve a certain amount of stretching which can alleviate some pain caused by arthritis in the hands and arthritis in the knees. A healthy diet is also recommended for sufferers. They need their body's working at optimal levels in order to decrease the sensations of pain that the disease causes.
In addition to the short term methods for relieving pain, there are also long term methods for chronic pain sufferers. They include medications such as DMARD's or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs that are used when typical NSAID's fail to combat the problem. These drugs include; methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine, and gold injections. Another drug used in conjunction with chronic pain from this disease is the use of corticosteroids. These are hormones that are taken by mouth or injected, and are very effective. They should only be used once or twice a year because they can cause damage to the cartilage. Weight reduction is another mandatory method. Reducing body weight lessens the stress on weight bearing joints. The last option is surgery for people suffering.
Surgery involves removing the synovium and realigning the joint, or replacing the damaged joint with a new artificial one. When cases are so severe, surgery is a wonderful option that can allow a person to enjoy their life again. In addition to the specific methods mentioned, all those that suffer should eat a healthy diet and get 8-10 hours of sleep a day. Sufferers are also encouraged to keep a daily diary of pain and mood changes for a physician to review to eliminate outside irritants that may cause more pain (for example: humidity has been shown to increase pain in some sufferers). It is suggested that a person choose an expert physician in their field. They should stay informed on any new breakthroughs or drugs that may become available to them for the cure of arthritis. Joining a support group can also aid in the emotional management of the disease.
Severe cases result in chronic pain. More than 16 million people suffer from osteoarthritis and over 1.2 million people suffer from rheumatoid (which is the most crippling form). Arthritis in the hands and arthritis in the knees is caused by an inflammation of the tissue that lines the joints. The pain associated with the inflammation of these tissues varies from person to person depending on the severity of inflammation. These pain variables can include the sufferer's depressive state, anxiety levels and hypersensitivity to outside environmental irritants such as hot and cold weather and dry or humid heat.
Short term pain relief for those that suffer include NSAID's or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs contain aspirin or ibuprofen. Arthritis in the hands and arthritis in the knees can be soothed by heat and/or cold. A warm bath or shower can provide temporary relief, or a dry heat pad, or ice pack (ice packs should not be used for those who have poor circulation). Joint protection such as the use of a splint or brace can help relieve the pain by providing rest for the joint and inhibiting the possibility of injury. A physical therapist or regular physician can make recommendations as to which kinds of joint protection methods would be appropriate for people that suffer. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Sometimes a massage performed by a certified massage therapist can aid in the relief of pain by lightly stroking or kneading a painful muscle tissue which will increase blood flow and bring warmth to the stressed area. Consistent mild exercise such as swimming, walking, or low impact aerobics may help because the range of motion exercises involve a certain amount of stretching which can alleviate some pain caused by arthritis in the hands and arthritis in the knees. A healthy diet is also recommended for sufferers. They need their body's working at optimal levels in order to decrease the sensations of pain that the disease causes.
In addition to the short term methods for relieving pain, there are also long term methods for chronic pain sufferers. They include medications such as DMARD's or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs that are used when typical NSAID's fail to combat the problem. These drugs include; methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine, and gold injections. Another drug used in conjunction with chronic pain from this disease is the use of corticosteroids. These are hormones that are taken by mouth or injected, and are very effective. They should only be used once or twice a year because they can cause damage to the cartilage. Weight reduction is another mandatory method. Reducing body weight lessens the stress on weight bearing joints. The last option is surgery for people suffering.
Surgery involves removing the synovium and realigning the joint, or replacing the damaged joint with a new artificial one. When cases are so severe, surgery is a wonderful option that can allow a person to enjoy their life again. In addition to the specific methods mentioned, all those that suffer should eat a healthy diet and get 8-10 hours of sleep a day. Sufferers are also encouraged to keep a daily diary of pain and mood changes for a physician to review to eliminate outside irritants that may cause more pain (for example: humidity has been shown to increase pain in some sufferers). It is suggested that a person choose an expert physician in their field. They should stay informed on any new breakthroughs or drugs that may become available to them for the cure of arthritis. Joining a support group can also aid in the emotional management of the disease.
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