Tag Archives: Osteoarthritis

Facts/Myths About Arthritis Tips

Posted on by
5

The Meaning Of Arthritis

There are many people who don’t know what the word arthritis means. Arth means joint. Itis means inflammation.

Elderly Adults

One of the most common myths about arthritis is that only elderly adults develop arthritis. That is so not true. All ages of people get arthritis, including children.

All Ages

Arthritis affects one in every seven Americans. What most people don’t realize is that arthritis doesn’t just affect elderly adults. Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children.

Moving

Many people think that if you move to a warmer, drier climate it can cure your arthritis, but this is just another myth. Arthritis occurs in all parts of the world. Many people do notice that a difference in the weather can cause their arthritis to flare, but for most people, moving to a different climate does not make a big enough difference to move. 

 Different Ways

Arthritis affects different people in different ways. Some people think if you have arthritis you have stiffness, fatigue, swelling of the joints, etc. Most people have those symptoms at some point, but it depends on the person. People respond to different treatments differently.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects more than 20 million people.

How to Tell If You Have Arthritis

Arthritis has many warning signs you can watch for, such as: pain, stiffness, occasional swelling, and difficulty moving a joint. If you have these signs for more than two weeks you need to get to your doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose you with arthritis.

Medication Cures

Common arthritis medications can cure arthritis. This is another myth. Although many common arthritis medications can improve your health and help keep your arthritis under control, there is still no arthritis medication that can completely cure your arthritis.

                                             Not Serious

One common myth is that arthritis is not a serious health problem. Arthritis is a serious health problem. Arthritis is the most common type of chronic disease. Arthritis affects one in every six Americans.

Exercise

A common myth about arthritis is that people with arthritis should not exercise. This is not true. Everybody needs exercise, even people with arthritis. Exercise is very important to people with arthritis. Exercise helps keep your joints moving, keep the muscles around your joints strong, and improves your overall health.

~If all one can do when coping with arthritis is ‘walk’ that alone is helpful for the body~ I do apologize for not keeping note of the site where I found this information. My neck is full of arthritis and my lower back has degenerative tissue. I am a huge believer in fitness and doing an exercise workout. I enjoy my power walks and going to the GYM and just feel better than if I were to just sit and be inactive.

 

 

Be Nice to Your Knees

Posted on by
5

Be nice to your knees now, avoid surgery later.

Whether you’re dashing up the stairs, saying your prayers or strutting your best Michael Jackson move, a sudden “OUCH!” from your knees can stop the action faster than a goalie.

I told my knee surgeon when I was a girl I did too much kneeling on hard, wooden benches in Church. All joking aside arthritic knees are painful.

Ignore persistent ouches, and getting to  know a knee surgeon may be next. Don’t want to go there?

Take this fast new knee health test. It can predict your future.

  1. Have you ever had a knee injury?
  2. Have x-rays spotted knee osteoarthritis? I have had a cat scan and an MRI done on my left knee and yes I do have arthritis under the knee cap. I also have a benign tumor on the same knee.
  3. Is your body mass index 25 or higher? (Not sure? Use the BMI calculator at Realage.com)

If you’re a female over 50, even one “yes” means you need to do something now to prevent knee problems later.

Three “yeses” and you’ll know that surgeon’s office hours by heart if you don’t get serious. What to do:

  • Abandon the couch. Regular exercise strengthens your leg muscles, giving your knees vital support. Focus on low-impact activities that build stamina, strength and flexibility: Walking, biking, swimming, weightlifting.

  • This is one of the many reasons I am so committed to my gym workouts and walking activities.I can only try to do the best I can for my knee as I have been told I am looking at a knee cap replacement surgery in the near future. I am hoping that I can put it off. My Momma had severe arthritis in her left knee so it can also be genetic.

  • Eat like a knee doc. These DHA-rich foods stifle joint damaging inflammation: walnuts, avocado, flax seeds, salmon and trout. To be sure you get enough, take 900 mg a day of DHA omega-3.
  • Don’t go back for seconds. Obesity almost guarantees osteoarthritis because it speeds cartilage breakdown. Every extra pound puts 3 pounds of pressure on your knees when you walk. Dropping even 10 pounds or so can cut your risk of osteoarthritis in half. Good for it! Bum knees are a bummer, and most knee surgeons aren’t that much fun. I work hard to keep a good weight for my body size.

“You’re only as old as you feel. Age is only a number. You don’t have to act old.  You can be “young” at any age! “

Source: Health Tips