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Common Arthritis Pains |
Common Arthritis PainsPain and stiffness are two of the most common symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis is an illness that primarily causes inflammation in the joints and if left unchecked, it can severely damage them. The most common joints that are affected by arthritis include the elbows, knees, hips, and joints of the fingers, toes, neck and spine. Some kinds of arthritis can also cause problems in other organs, such as the eyes, chest, or liver. It can also affect the skin.
The pain caused by arthritis can make simple everyday activities an onerous ordeal.
It affects our lifestyle, work and rest. Fortunately, there are ways in which the pain associated with arthritis can be managed so that the quality of life is not affected.
There are many different types of arthritis, each with its own painful symptoms. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
It affects the elderly and causes pain in the fingers, knees, and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissue. The joints of the hands and feet become painful, and it may even affect organs such as the eyes, mouth, vocal chords, lung, heart, and blood vessels. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis also develop fever.
Gout is also a form of arthritis that affects the big toe.
Whatever the type of arthritis, it is important to consult your physician to obtain relief from arthritic pain. Other than pain, some of the other symptoms associated with arthritis include fever, loss of weight, difficulty in breathing, and rashes on the skin. Your doctor will perform a thorough check up to confirm the presence of arthritis and will provide you with medication to soothe the pain and inflammation.
There are also many nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate that are available over the counter.
These supplements help in soothing the pain associated with arthritis. Do consult your doctor if you wish to use any of these supplements.
There are some home remedies that you can use to soothe most common arthritis pains. Applying a hot or cold pack for twenty minutes can bring instant relief to the affected area.
Taking a warm shower also alleviates the pain and soothes the joints. Gentle stretching exercises ensure that the joints do not become stiff and painful. A physical therapist can also greatly aid you by prescribing exercises to alleviate the pain.
If the pain does not get better even after following all of the doctor’s instructions, it is a good idea to consult him again. He may be able to prescribe some other medication that may prove more effective in arthritis pain relief.
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