Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of one joint or multiple joints in an individual. Unfortunately, arthritis is not generally not well understood because there are more than 100 types, caused by different factors and require different ways of managing or treating them.
Though the condition affects persons of all ages and sexes, it is more common in women more than men, and it often occurs in individuals who are over the age of 65 years. Very active lifestyles like sports activities or overweight have been identified as contributors to arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
It is essential to get a medical diagnosis and prescription from a medical expert. Their vast knowledge and experience will help you manage your health better. The main symptoms of arthritis are swollen, stiff and painful joints. The symptoms are most evident in the morning.
Common Types of Arthritis
Among the over 100 types of arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are the most common, and they have no known cure. Patients with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis, therefore, have to manage symptoms associated with these illnesses using various strategies including using prescription drugs, a healthy diet, and lifestyle changes.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is more common than RA and is characterized by a breakdown of cartilage in the joints. In a healthy individual, cartilage covers the joints and keeps them from rubbing against each other. However, when Osteoarthritis occurs, there is no cartilage to protect the joints causing the joints to wear out.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune illness. Every individual has an immune system which protects the body from infections and illnesses. However for patients with autoimmune disorders their immune system attacks and destroys healthy cells mistaking them for viruses or bacteria.
For Rheumatoid arthritis patients, the immune system attacks the soft lining around the joints. The disease results in an accumulation of fluids in your joints, which lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints.
Managing Arthritis’ Pain
There are various medical methods of managing arthritis including patients undergoing surgery and the use of pain relievers. Doctors may recommend surgery for extreme cases of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Humira (adalimumab) is a common drug prescribed for managing symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune illnesses.
It is essential to have healthy body weight, to prevent the excess weight from overburdening the joints. To maintain a healthy body, monitor your weight regularly, eat a healthy diet, work with your doctor to suggest exercises that can reduce your weight without increasing joint pains.
Lowering the Cost of Managing OA and RA symptoms
Considering that the pain associated with OA and RA will have to be managed on a regular basis for life, the illness can get too expensive and require the patient to dig deep into their pockets.
The good news is that there are various patient assistance programs which help underinsured or uninsured citizens. You can visit the Patient Assistance Program(PAP) website and find out your eligibility for subsidized prescription drugs by filling out the provided forms. Humira costs can be subsidized or entirely taken care of in the patient assistance programs.
As medical scientists are researching for cures for various ailments, the best you can do if you are diagnosed with the condition is to prevent the condition from interfering with your day to day life. We hope that you will keep ahead of managing the symptoms of OA and RA.
In the meantime, you can also take more anti-inflammation and antioxidative food and supplements to reduce your arthritis pain to a certain extent. You can read what are they at beautyhealthage.com/stop-arthritis-pain and get some pain relief naturally. This is one way to reduce the use of painkiller medications with their negative side effects unless it is necessary for you to do so.