Arthritis, a crippling disease, strike one in ten Jamaican. And whilst it does not necessarily represent an immediate threat to life, a full-blown attack can reduce the bravest of men and women to whimpering childlike beings, cowering in pain, as the condition can make everyday life a frustratingly painful experience, as many who suffer from this ailment, often fail to seek proper medical treatment.
What Is Arthritis And How Can It Be Treated?
Simply put: Arthritis is the swelling of the joint(s). With especially pain, redness, and inflammation, are usually present in nearly all cases. Typical symptoms the sufferer might experience are early morning stiffness and or aches, resulting in difficulty in moving or bending. Tenderness and or swelling in one or more joints (i.e. Hands, wrist, elbows, feet, shoulders, or knees.
It is important to point out that there are more than 100- known Forms of Arthritis, with the two most common being: Osteoarthritis. This is the most common form and is usually associated with advanced age.
And there is Rheumatoid Arthritis: Often first noticed between 40 and 50 years of age, and can be the most debilitating form of the ailment.
Both forms of this ailment, are more prevalent in Women, than in Men. Their causes and Cures are still the subjects of intense research, but experiential observation has shown that arthritis sufferers can benefit greatly, from proper treatment.
A range of advanced therapies, including new medicines, have been effective in reducing the attendant pain, and physical and social inconvenience of sufferers. Today there are drugs, which are not only very effective but also reduce the dosage previously needed for treatment to as little as one per day. Along with the new medication, a tailored program of exercise and proper resting habits can be used to strengthen joints and keep them moving more smoothly.
Be Wary of Myths, Quackery and ‘Old wives Brews”
Your Doctor should be your first point of reference when it comes to treating or dealing with an attack of arthritis. Beware of homemade remedies as sometimes they do, more harm than good. As it is not uncommon for sufferers to resort to unproven or unusual ‘remedies’ in search of reprieve, with the research showing sufferers turning to
‘cures’ such as copper bracelets; and or exotic herbs. Unfortunately, there’s no record to show where these ‘cures’ actually helped the sufferer. What they do is serve as placebos and delay the seeking of proper medical treatment and waste the financial resources of those who turn to them.
It’s important to remember that in getting medical care, you the individual are a very important partner in the pursuit of your own wellness. So it is important that you seek medical intervention in a timely fashion to facilitate early treatment to end your pain and suffering.
So, it’s not only important that you seek early medical intervention, it is of paramount importance that in seeking medical attention, you follow the advice, counseling, and guidance of your medical practitioner, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
Your Doctor interprets warning signs, orders tests and makes diagnoses based on those findings, and then prescribes medication based on his observation and interviews, it is up to you to take the prescribed drug, as directed.
Along with a proper program of rest and exercise your Doctor also prescribes the best medication known to him for you, from those available, after considering each drug’s characteristics, and your history and or reaction. If you are a true partner doing your part, then your recovery is that much closer to your grasp.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
