Coping With Ankle Arthritis
September 30th, 2007    Subscribe To Our FeedIf you have ankle arthritis, not only is the condition painful, but it can also make you unsteady on your feet.
There are a number of causes of ankle arthritis, and a case of this condition can often be attributed to a specific event or injury. This means that if you suffer an injury to your ankle in your earlier years of life, arthritis is a condition that you should be on the lookout for as you age. The good news is that there are a number of possible treatment options for this condition, and they can range from changing your footwear to a variety of surgical options. Your doctor will be the best source of information in diagnosing and treating your ankle arthritis.
There are a number of reasons why you might be diagnosed with ankle arthritis, and one of the most common is a previous injury to the area, such as a sprain or fracture. These types of injuries can lead to damaged cartilage in the ankle, and may result in accelerated arthritis in the joint as well. It is also possible to develop arthritis in your ankle if you are overweight and placing undue stress on the joints. Another possible cause of ankle arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis that can spread to any of the joints of the body, including the ankle joint.
Symptoms of ankle arthritis include pain, stiffness and swelling around the ankle joint. You may also notice that you develop bone spurs in the area, or that the joint itself becomes deformed. Another symptom of this type of arthritis is the feeling that the joint will give out, or you may feel that you are not completely stable on your feet. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility that you have ankle arthritis and begin weighing your treatment options.
Treatment for ankle arthritus
Treatment for ankle arthritis can range from gentle strengthening exercises like yoga, to medication and cortisone injections, and even surgery in some cases. One of the first treatments that you can try is a simple modification of your footwear. Many who suffer from ankle arthritis find relief from the pain by simply using cushioned insoles inside of their shoes.
If a simple process like this does not help to ease your discomfort, your doctor can advise you in the use of anti-inflammatory medications and may prescribe cortisone shots for particularly severe pain. In some cases, surgery will be the best treatment for ankle arthritis, and this can range from arthroscopy to fusion surgical procedures.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ankle arthritis, talk to your doctor today about a diagnosis and your treatment options. You will be glad you did.
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Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis
June 17th, 2007    Subscribe To Our FeedRheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation and is usually chronic.
It is in the family of autoimmune diseases which causes the body’s immune system to destroy body tissue and sometimes it will even affect body organs. People who have this disease will suffer a great deal of joint pain and often joint deformation. Since it is a chronic disease, which means recurring, it can appear to be dormant for a time but then it reoccurs.
Rheumatoid arthritis often causes severe inflammation which can lead to other problems such as damage to surrounding tissues and muscles. This usually occurs when an individual tries to compensate for the pain by using other muscles inappropriately.
This is a disease that is usually progressive with time and usually affects more women than men. There are studies that indicate it can be hereditary. It can strike a person of any age but the most prominent age range is between forty and sixty. For many people rheumatoid arthritis causes severe crippling and joint damage which restricts their everyday lives.
There has been a lot of research done to determine the cause of rheumatoid arthritis but to date the exact cause is not known. Many researchers believe it to be caused by a virus but none can prove it. The environment seems to affect those who are afflicted with the disease, making their symptoms worse. Many people complain of increased pain with weather changes such as rain or extreme cold.
Treatments
The most effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce the inflammation. Once the inflammation is reduced the pain is usually reduced also. Another treatment goal is to keep joints as mobile as possible. This can be done by an exercise program which is directed at strengthening the affected joints. It is important to consult with your doctor at the first signs of inflammation or pain. Early detection can help to prevent or retard further arthritis damage.
Treatment is usually a combination of many factors. There are medicines which can help reduce the inflammation and also help control the pain. Your doctor can help you develop an exercise program which is aimed at keeping your joints moving comfortably. Since there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment will be an ongoing thing for the rest of your life. It is important for you to continue with treatment even on the days when you are feeling better.
Getting plenty of rest, controlling your weight, and not smoking are also factors in successful treatment. Drinking plenty of the right kinds of fluids and keeping your body hydrated will also help with the pain and inflammation.
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