Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
‘Arthritis’ refers to more than 200 different forms of joint inflammation and potentially painful diseases. The more common forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, which affects
nearly 2.1 million Americans, in other words, one percent of all American adults. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an inflammation of the lining of a joint, which can cause the patient to experience pain and stiffness in the joint, along with swelling. The disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the body's joints. It is an autoimmune disease whereby the body's immune system attacks the body's own tissues. It is a progressive disease, meaning that it continually worsens as the patient ages. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, as well as other body parts including the heart, lungs, and blood can affect most joints of the body. In addition, inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the body’s tear
ducts, salivary glands, and the linings of the human heart and lungs. The disease is life-long, with those afflicted experiencing waves of severity ranging from periods of almost no pain to intense pain and suffering. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect those in the age range of 20 and 50, allthough it is occasionally diagnosed in persons younger than 20 and older than 50. Fortunately there are a number of helpful treatments and therapies that do not
involve the use of prescription medications. They may be used alone, or together with other treatments and therapies, or in conjunction with doctor prescribed medications. Physical therapy is a popular treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, helping patients maintain their natural range of motion and maintain the muscles and ligaments. Exercise also helps mental aspect of the disease. Relaxation therapy involves several different therapies working toward a similar goal. That of relaxing, which then helps in the release of muscle tension and joint rigidity and reduces the overall pain and discomfort of arthritis. Relaxation therapy may involve the use of meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, stretching exercises, Pilates, and any number of other techniques that may help relieve tension. Hydrotherapy is both a fun and effective therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, other health problems or anyone who just wants to exercise.
Hydrotherapy is a series of water exercises, in a pool, the water should be warm. Those with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis say that the
warm water helps to decrease the pain of arthritis. Studies have shown that the warm water relaxes the muscles and helps reduce the feeling of stiffness and that hydrotherapy is also good at helping to maintain a healthy weight, which is particularly important for patients' with rheumatoid arthritis. Occupational therapy is used to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis learn
how to use their body more efficiently. An occupational therapist will help rheumatoid arthritis patients to go about everyday chores and tasks so that less tension is placed on the joints. Patient and occupational therapist can work together to tackle the patient's specific challenges. The occupational therapist can design specific exercises for the patient, and may train him or her to use special devices and tools to
assist with daily tasks are readily available. Heat and cold therapies: These therapies take advantage of the effects of certain temperatures on the joints. Compresses, ultrasound devices, and warm wax may be used to apply heat to the joints. Ice packs may be used to apply cold temperatures to the affected areas.
