Home Health Care Services for Arthritis Sufferers in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Somerset and Union Counties in North New Jersey.
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints with the most common symptom being joint pain and stiffness. Unfortunately, the symptoms worsen with age, but injury and infection can promote their onset as well. Symptoms can include swollen joints that are tender, swollen and/or stiff. You may experience difficulty moving and doing everyday tasks. The symptoms can come and go for a period of time until the damage to the joints really set in.
The CDC reports that over 54 million adults in the US have been diagnosed with some kind of arthritis and over 23 million of them have had to diminish their activity because of it. It is most common among those 65 and older, but it can hit at any age, including children. It is the second most common chronic condition in the elderly and can be the result of a years long process.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage between the bones breaks down which can result in bone friction, pain and restricted movement. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule where the synovial membrane becomes swollen and is inflamed. In this instance, the cartilage and bone is destroyed. Arthritis can be the cause for 200 rheumatic diseases, but the more commonly known conditions include lupus, gout and fibromyalgia.
Treatments for arthritis focus on a reduction of symptoms in terms of pain management and minimizing joint damage. Doctors recommend physical therapy, warm water therapy and occupational therapy in addition to medications to manage the arthritis patient. Increased physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms as well as improve function and mental health. Sometimes joint replacement surgery is recommended in tandem with intensive rehabilitative therapy.
Here are some tips for those with arthritis: