Arthritis is a degenerative or autoimmune condition that affects the joints. Osteoarthritis specifically refers to the degenerative form while rheumatoid arthritis refers to the autoimmune type. The signs of the two conditions are similar in many respects. They include pain, stiffness and even joint deformities. If looking for arthritis relief Santa Cruz residents have a number of options to consider.
Drugs continue to play a vital role in the management of arthritis symptoms. The main classes of drugs used are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. It has been observed that the dosage and number of drugs needed to control the symptoms increase as the condition progresses. This makes it more difficult for some patients to remain compliant to what has been described and also increases the risk of experiencing serious side effects. These, as well as other reasons, have created the need to have alternative therapies.
Weight loss has been advanced as an effective strategy of managing arthritis symptoms. Proponents claim that being overweight or obese increases the stress on various joints in the body and this accelerates the degenerative process. Losing the excess kilos will hope to slow down the disease and may even reverse some changes that may have occurred.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies also have an important role to play. They are likely to have more benefits if considered as a long term measure. Making them part of the daily routine will achieve this objective. For instance, one can schedule warm showers every morning which will help relieve pain that is most marked at this time. They may also start using an electric blanket at night. Ice packs can be applied to painful joints at scheduled times.
Another group of treatments that has attracted a lot of interest is that of traditional Chinese medicine. There are many that have been tried here with acupuncture emerging as one of the most popular techniques. Acupuncture is based on the belief that well being is dependent on the flow of energy through certain areas of the body. By inserting special needles in predetermined locations on the body, good health can be restored.
Stress management is one area that tends to be forgotten or ignored. Stress has been shown to be a causative or contributing factor in the genesis of many diseases and medical conditions. Arthritis is among these conditions. Taking care of psychological stress will go a long way in helping being many of the symptoms under control. Methods that can be used are many. Mediation and yoga are simple and cheap options that one may consider.
The impact of diet cannot be ignored. A number of foods and supplements have been found to worsen the condition while others are associated with relief. In general, diets that have high levels of omega 3 fats are beneficial in the reduction of stiffness and pain. Others include those with gamma linolelic or GLA. Always remember to consult your doctor before trying out any new form of treatment.
Drugs continue to play a vital role in the management of arthritis symptoms. The main classes of drugs used are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. It has been observed that the dosage and number of drugs needed to control the symptoms increase as the condition progresses. This makes it more difficult for some patients to remain compliant to what has been described and also increases the risk of experiencing serious side effects. These, as well as other reasons, have created the need to have alternative therapies.
Weight loss has been advanced as an effective strategy of managing arthritis symptoms. Proponents claim that being overweight or obese increases the stress on various joints in the body and this accelerates the degenerative process. Losing the excess kilos will hope to slow down the disease and may even reverse some changes that may have occurred.
Engaging in regular physical exercise is without a doubt one of the strategies that work quite well when it comes to weight loss methods. However, exercise has a lot more benefits with regard to the well being of joints. Among these benefits is an improvement in flexibility. This is quite important considering that stiffness is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the condition. The general recommendation is that one should avoid weight bearing exercises such as jogging, walking and running and instead opt for less stressful exercises such as swimming and aerobics.
Hot and cold therapies also have an important role to play. They are likely to have more benefits if considered as a long term measure. Making them part of the daily routine will achieve this objective. For instance, one can schedule warm showers every morning which will help relieve pain that is most marked at this time. They may also start using an electric blanket at night. Ice packs can be applied to painful joints at scheduled times.
Another group of treatments that has attracted a lot of interest is that of traditional Chinese medicine. There are many that have been tried here with acupuncture emerging as one of the most popular techniques. Acupuncture is based on the belief that well being is dependent on the flow of energy through certain areas of the body. By inserting special needles in predetermined locations on the body, good health can be restored.
Stress management is one area that tends to be forgotten or ignored. Stress has been shown to be a causative or contributing factor in the genesis of many diseases and medical conditions. Arthritis is among these conditions. Taking care of psychological stress will go a long way in helping being many of the symptoms under control. Methods that can be used are many. Mediation and yoga are simple and cheap options that one may consider.
The impact of diet cannot be ignored. A number of foods and supplements have been found to worsen the condition while others are associated with relief. In general, diets that have high levels of omega 3 fats are beneficial in the reduction of stiffness and pain. Others include those with gamma linolelic or GLA. Always remember to consult your doctor before trying out any new form of treatment.
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To seek instant arthritis relief Santa Cruz patients are welcome to our clinic. Take a tour of our practice now by clicking on this link http://www.eastwestclinic.net/our-practice.
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