Have you ever woken up feeling stiff and achy from sleeping in a different position? Or you just feel like you cannot get rid of joint pain? Luckily for many of us, some stretching or a hot shower will help alleviate the symptoms and one can start their day without any residual effects. However, for a person with arthritis, stiffness and pain are common daily symptoms. Symptoms may start out as the person awakens and gets worse as their day continues. If left untreated, symptoms could cause permanent joint damage. This may increase the risk for finger and hand contractures or even decrease a person's mobility, which could lead to permanent disability. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be equally debilitating as each impacts a person's daily life.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
The most common type of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that impacts a person's joints. This type of arthritis can be brought on by injury or repetitive movements of joints. Additionally, many older people are impacted due to age. Other risk factors may include genetics, obesity, or even female gender. The disease not only impacts joints but may also modify ligaments, bones and tissues surrounding the joints. Cartilage and bones can be forever changed which decreases mobility and causes pain.
Symptoms
Joint pain, swelling typically on a particular joint that has been used during the day (fingers, knees, hips, lower back and or neck)
Pain, stiffness later in the day after work or activity
Decreased range of motion, muscle weakness
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where one's own immune system ends up attacking their joints. RA can be a severe debilitating disease leaving one with uncontrolled pain thus impacting all areas of a person's life. Some risk factors for RA may include being over the age of 50; female gender; genetics; and even exposure to secondhand smoke as a child.
Symptoms
Swelling of joints - at least 3 different joints
Swelling of the same joints on both sides of body (wrists, fingers, feet)
Morning stiffness that can be severe
Weakness in fingers and hands
Generalized fatigue
Fever
Weight loss
Depression
Small lumps can appear under the skin, known as rheumatoid nodules
Having a positive Rheumatoid factor blood test
TIPS to MANAGE OA and RA SYMPTOMS
Rest often during the day
Research about OA and RA limitations and symptoms, educate yourself
Learn what your triggers are, such as any prolonged activity, or strenuous work
Get adequate sleep
Do exercises from a physical therapist to help with daily life
Get pain relief by taking nsaids under the guidance from a physician
Use of cold or warm compresses
Obtain medications in regular medication bottles; do not get childproof bottles or containers since it will be difficult to open
Ask for help to make your home more user friendly for your limitations (change doorknobs, faucets, handles and locks for easier use)
Limit the use of rugs, to help decrease the risk of falling
Keep a "grabbing stick" in each room to help if something drops or is too high to reach
Install safety rails along hallways, in bathrooms, bedrooms, and in the kitchen for assistance
Purchase an elevated toilet seat and change shower access to remove steps or step-overs into tubs
Place cushions on chairs and couches; get an elevated sofa chair
Keep necessary items at waist level to help decrease bending or long reaching
Learn to know your limitations and if needed keep a cane, walking stick or rolling walker available nearby
If possible, change your bedroom to the first floor of the home, so the use of stairs will be less each day
Other Ways to Cope Effectively:
Surround yourself with expert arthritis physicians that care for your overall well-being (physical, emotional and spiritual)
Exercise to include - low impact exercises such as swimming or yoga
Improve mental health by focusing on religion or spirituality; join bible studies or volunteer at church or local shelters; join weekly therapy groups or social groups
Join the local AARP or old persons organization to increase your support system
Focus on other interests such as cooking, ballroom dancing, reading, listening to audio books
Consult with a nutritionist to help with eating a non-inflammatory diet
Additional Treatments Could Include:
Discuss the use of prescription medications for pain and inflammation relief such as Lyrica or Cymbalta
Use of DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs) for RA: These medications slow down the progression of the disease
Use of steroids, oral or injections
TENS (Transcutaneous electrical stimulation)
Massage therapy
Acupuncture and or Accupressure
Use of grounding mats, sheets, blankets
U/S guided aspiration of joint fluid
Surgery
Getting diagnosed with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can be extremely frightening, as a person may have to change many parts of their life. Daily life may have to be slower, and changes will be needed to help decrease pain and inflammation. Additionally, family, friends and neighbors will need to be part of an essential support system. Valuable exercise, better nutrition and stronger mental and spiritual health is mandatory; to help anyone with OA or RA. Together, these will help them to continue to live their best life.
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board