Arthritis - How To Avoid The Agony

Arthritis has tortured humans and animals since the beginning

. Even dinosaurs had arthritis.

There are over 100 forms of it - all painful and debilitating. The most common forms in humans are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The pain is constant and effects parts like the back, neck, hips, knees or feet. Hands can become totally crippled and deformed by it.

At each of our bone joints there's a cartilage. It's a rubbery protective layer that ensures our joints bend smoothly and painlessly. There's also a thin membrane that provides fluid that lubricates the moving parts of the joint. When the cartilage wears out the membrane becomes inflamed and the result is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

In osteoarthritis the cartilage can be eroded so much that bone rubs on bone. It happens gradually over a lifetime, caused by wear and tear on your joints. Very few people escape some degree of osteoarthritis, though its severity varies.

If you are over 50 you are likely to have at least one joint affected by osteoarthritis. It affects men and women equally and is by far the most common type of arthritis.

In rheumatoid arthritis the trouble is caused by damage to the membrane. Doctors and researchers are not sure what causes it but most think rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks certain tissues in the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis begins with swollen, stiff and painful joints but may progress until scar tissue forms in the joint or, in extreme cases, until the bones actually fuse together. The disease can start as early as your teenage years.

Because arthritis is so serious and so common, it's well worth trying to prevent it so here are a few suggestions:

1.Lose weight

The single most important measure to prevent osteoarthritis of the knee is to lose weight. Extra weight puts extra stress on your knees. If you are 10 pounds overweight, for example, you put 60 pounds per square inch of extra pressure on your knees every time you take a step. That extra pressure can erode the cartilage in your knees, leading to arthritis.

2. Stretch those muscles

Any kind of stretching is good as long as you don't bounce because this can lead to pulling muscles.

Try to hold a slow, steady stretch for 15 to 20 seconds, then relax and repeat. It is best to stretch before any exercise, especially running and walking. But it's also a good idea to stretch each day. Ask your doctor to teach you stretches that focus on potential arthritis trouble spots, such as the knees or the lower back.

3. Go for walks

Take a long walk at least three times a week or participate in step-aerobics or low-impact exercise.

4. Ask your doctor's advice on foods to eat and what vitamins can help.

by: James Larkin

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