Seek help from a health care professional to assist you with establishing and monitoring an individualized program that is right for you. Other resources include you local branch of the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org). Common Types of Exercises:
Being overweight puts weight-bearing joints under extra pressure and stress. Because the joints are eccentric (not in the centerline of your body), force across the joint is three times greater than a person’s body weight when that person balances on one leg. For example, a 150-pound person places up to 450 pounds of pressure on the joint. The good news is that for every single pound lost, three pounds of force is taken off the hip or knee. The bad news is that for every pound gained, three pounds of force is added to the hip or knee. Extra pressure on your joints can make arthritic symptoms worse leading to pain and stiffness.
Heat treatments increase local circulation, bringing more blood to the area, when makes the muscles and other joint structures stretch more easily. Cold treatments do the opposite by decreasing local circulation and reducing swelling. Always consult your physician or physical therapist before utilizing heat or cold therapies.
Nutritional supplements have become increasingly popular with arthritis patients. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been the most widely used. Always consult your physician before taking any medications or utilizing nutritional supplements. Glucosamine is a substance normally found in our bodies. In laboratory studies Glucosamine was demonstrated to be a stimulator of the process that builds new cartilage cells. It is felt that supplementation of one gram of Glucosamine daily may offer protection of cartilage. Glucosamine is generally well tolerated without toxic effects. Chondroitin Sulfate is also a substance normally found in our body. It is found in cartilage, tendon, bone, disks, heart valves, and the cornea. Among many things, Chondroitin is known to inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage. A daily dose of 1200mg has been shown in clinical studies to reduce pain associated with arthritis and was tolerated without side effect. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate together is more beneficial than taking either separately. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are considered dietary supplements, and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Many over-the-counter (or non-prescription) medications are available to help treat arthritis and can function as a pain-reliever and as an anti-inflammatory to help relieve joint swelling and pain. For many patients these medications can lead to improvement in everyday function and quality of life. There are risks associated with the use of over-the-counter medications and you should always consult your physician before beginning treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are usually indicated for mild to moderate arthritis pain. They are very effective in reducing inflammation caused by arthritis. However, they can also increase your chance for gastric (stomach) ulcers and can alter your blood by affecting your platelets. Therefore, patients with stomach problems, bleeding problems, or on blood thinners should not take these medications. Always check with your surgeon before starting NSAIDs. Non-Narcotic: Some patients cannot tolerate NSAIDs and need a different class of medications. Several drugs have been developed that are usually well tolerated and effective for pain relief. The medications work by reducing the brain’s recognition of pain. Many of these drugs can be found under a variety of names.
Corticosteroids: Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It helps regulate inflammation and when injected into a joint it can relieve or reduce both swelling and pain. Hyaluronates: Hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that provides lubrication and cushioning to the joint. Synthetic Hyaluronate is made from rooster combs. Therefore, anyone who is allergic to feathers, chickens, or egg products should not receive an injection.
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