| Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling | | | | cents as well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost |
| diseases? It's true! Arthritis currently affects more than | | | | by an individual over the course of a lifetime due to the |
| 40 million Americans and that figure is expected to rise | | | | debilitating effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost |
| to 60 million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you | | | | wages, medical treatments, and the cost of medically |
| read this article and find out what this devastating | | | | based needs and care. |
| disease is truly about. | | | | The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously |
| | | | unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and |
| Arthritis: What it Is | | | | weakness. It does not only affect seniors, but forms of |
| Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There | | | | Arthritis also plagues children. There are over 100 |
| are currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and | | | | forms of Arthritis and all Arthritis sufferers share one |
| remarkably, that number continues to rise. The most | | | | thing in common, chronic joint pain. The top three |
| common forms of Arthritis include: Osteoarthritis, | | | | common forms of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis, |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our next article, | | | | Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen that |
| "Symptoms of Arthritis" for more information). | | | | Arthritis isn't cured, but managed. |
| Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint | | | | |
| disease, or simply "wear and tear" on the joints. | | | | Some steps and treatment plans used by Arthritis |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an over active | | | | sufferers include: |
| Immune System that results in inflammation. Gout is the | | | | |
| oldest form of Arthritis and is the result of too much | | | | · Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and |
| Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in the joints, | | | | strain on the joints) |
| leading to "Gouty Arthritis". The joint pain, inherent to all | | | | |
| Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as "Arthralgia". Not | | | | · Increasing their Nutritional Intake |
| only are the joints susceptible to attack, but the | | | | |
| surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable | | | | · Reducing Stress (both physical and |
| to the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has | | | | emotional) |
| been known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and | | | | |
| liver. | | | | · Participating in Gentle Stress Free Exercises |
| Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a | | | | such as Stretching |
| disease that only affects the elderly. This simply isn't | | | | |
| the case. Yes it's true that seniors, especially senior | | | | · Using both Hot and Cold Therapies |
| women, are effected the greatest by Osteoarthritis, | | | | |
| yet the average age for onset of Arthritis is 47 years | | | | · Protecting Joints by use of Splints and |
| old, and sufferers are generally afflicted between the | | | | Braces |
| ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been | | | | |
| diagnosed with forms of Arthritis. | | | | · Drug Therapies |
| One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has | | | | |
| to be that it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so | | | | · Surgery |
| weakening that it only grows worse with time. In fact, | | | | If you suffer from Arthritis, don't give up. There are |
| Arthritis is so detrimental that of the diseases that instill | | | | many people who are discovering that with the proper |
| chronic physical disabilities, Arthritis is second only to | | | | management and health care provisions, they can live |
| Heart Disease. | | | | better, healthier, and pain free lives. |
| The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of | | | | · Stay tuned for the next article in our series |
| quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and | | | | on Arthritis, "Symptoms of Arthritis". |