Arthritis: Having pain in these body part could mean you have the condition
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes a person’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. When left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can have wide-ranging effects. The autoimmune disease is classified by doctors as a systematic disease because of the extensive changes it makes to different parts of the body. Pain in your knees and hips could mean rheumatoid arthritis. How can you help ease the pain in these body parts?
Arthritis Foundation revised guidelines to the four groups of patients with arthritis. The four groups are:
- Patients with arthritis in one or both knees only and no co-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, GI bleeding, depression or obesity.
- Patients with knee-only arthritis who have co-existing conditions
- Patients with multi-joint arthritis and no co-existing conditions
- Patients with multi-joint arthritis and co-existing conditions
There are many treatments out there when it comes to treating pain in the knees and hips.
Acupuncture
This traditional Chinese medicine has been around for centuries. It involves the insertion of thin, sharp needles at specific points on the body.
Research on acupuncture’s effect on arthritis is limited but promising and could help pain in the knees and hips.
Balneotherapy
This treatment involves soaking in warm mineral springs. Research has found it be an appropriate therapy for arthritis sufferers.
The treatment aims at reducing pain and improving daily functioning.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
This technique involves a weak electric current which is administered through electrodes placed on the skin.
TENS is believed to stop messages from pain receptors from reaching the brain. A small, lightweight, hand-held, battery operated device produces electrical current and helps the pain receptors.
Canes or crutches
Using a cane may reduce pain and improve function in people with knee arthritis. Canes alleviate weight on the joints to decrease pressure on the knee or hips.
They are designed with softer grips that might be comfortable enough for people with hand arthritis.
Tylenol, anti-inflammatory drugs, topical NSAIDS, diacerein, capsaicin and duloxetine are all medications that have been linked to helping ease the pain felt by arthritis.
It’s important to speak with your GP before taking any mediations or treatments.
Exercising also helps with pain in the knees and hips from arthritis. It causes joints to compress and release which brings blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen into the cartilage.
Physical activity will also help with pain, stiffness, fatigue and even depression.
Try this like walking, swimming, biking and jogging. Start off slow and work yourself up as you get fitter.
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