Like wrinkles and grey hair, we tend to associate arthritis with old age.  While working with youth several years ago, I thought a young girl was kidding when she was complaining about her arthritis pain.  But of course, she wasn’t!  I now know that Arthritis impacts lives at many stages.

There are quite a few types of arthritis, in fact. According to PubMed Health—a division of the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health—there are more than 100 types. Of these, the type associated with aging is known as osteoarthritis and it is the most common type diagnosed. 

Pub Med Health (PMH) defines arthritis as painful inflammation in a joint along with swelling and stiffness in that joint.  This inflammation is caused when the connecting bones in the joint start rubbing against each other. Normally, our joints are cushioned by cartilage that also acts as a shock absorber. With healthy cartilage, our joints can move smoothly and painlessly, but without out it, simple movements can become very painful and sometimes, impossible. 

PMH indicates that approximately one in seven Americans have some sort of arthritis.  People who have had an injury such as a broken bone are at higher risk as well as people who repeatedly use a part of their body, putting extra stress on it, such as athletes. Being overweight also puts stress on the joints and increases risk.  Bacterial or fungal infections, Lyme disease or autoimmune system complications can cause some types of arthritis.

Symptoms that may indicate arthritis are listed by Pub Med Health as follows:

-        Joint pain

-        Joint swelling

-        Reduced ability to move the joint

-        Redness of the skin around the joint

-        Stiffness, especially in the morning

-        Warmth around the joint

It is important for arthritis suffers to seek treatment for symptoms and get help as soon as possible to prevent as much joint damage as possible.

Physicians can prescribe helpful medications and physical therapies for symptoms as well as trying to determine the cause.

Some habits can be developed at home that may help reduce the suffering of arthritis pain.  PMH suggests getting regular, gentle exercise including strength training, stretching and aerobic excises which get the heart rate up. 

All exercises should be low-impact, meaning little stress should be placed on joints. And make sure your exercise is balanced with rest.  Getting a full night’s sleep and even a nap during the day can reduce severity of flare-ups.

Topical creams may relieve some pain.  When trying a topical rub, try a cream containing capsicum, which is derived from hot peppers. It may take three to seven days to make you feel a difference but stick with it for a week to give an honest chance to work.

As with many health concerns, changes to diet also may provide relief.  The experts at Pub Med Health suggest taking steps to make sure you are consuming enough vitamin E, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.  Eating walnuts, wheat germ, Brewer’s Yeast, salmon, mackerel, flaxseeds, garlic and soybeans can provide valuable nutrients.

Arthritis is a painful and debilitating condition for millions of Americans. By seeking medical attention, taking steps to care for yourself and staying active, you can learn how to maximize your life’s potential and minimize your complications.