Dear Readers

Trevor M is a 66 year old gentleman who lives in Spanish Town and who feels that, sadly, the years lived are now catching up with him. He says that it is only since the arthritis pains in his knees and hips started that he really realised that he was no longer young for he has always been very healthy.

Now he gets up in the mornings and is experiencing pain and stiffness over his back, hip and knees, which makes him wonder if he really needs to get up at all. Nevertheless, even with the pain experienced, he is weary of continually taking prescribed medication and he has asked Lifeline to share some ways on how to manage the arthritis adequately with minimal use of drugs.

wear and tear

Arthritis is mainly a disorder of ageing, although this is not always the case. By 66 most people will have completed over two-thirds or more of their lifespan, which has often included hard, physical work and even traumatic events which have impacted the skeletal system. Arthritis, especially oesteo arthritis, is one of the ways in which wear and tear on the body is manifested.

Arthritis is a chronic disorder with acute flare-up from time to time. When the pain is minimal, pain medication does not need to be used at all.

There are also several precautions which the persons with arthritis can take to help minimise pain and improve joint mobility.

A person's weight, diet and even dietary supplement, can affect many types of arthritis and eating healthily is often very beneficial to controlling arthritis symptoms. There are several people with rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis, who will find that what they eat has some bearing on how well they feel.

Sometimes, eliminating almost all meat kind (except fish) and adopting a vegetarian diet can help reduce numbness and joint pains. Coffee and caffeine in all its forms can also enhance joint pain and eliminating coffee, colas, and even some chocolate, cocoa, etc will help some people to reduce the pain of arthritis.

limitation

Many middle-age persons are overweight. This weight gives an increased level of stress to the joints such as the knees and hips, resulting in significant pain which limits movements and because of this limitation can lead to more weight gain. In an overweight individual, losing weight will help to relieve arthritis pain. Losing weight also helps the person feel more positive about themselves.

Exercise also contributes to the relief of joint pains and stiffness by keeping the muscles and joints strong and supple so that they provide adequate support and to protect the joints. Exercise also does a lot more as it helps control weight, lowers the risk of osteoporosis (weak bones) and helps control both hypertension and diabetes.

People with arthritis should actually move frequently as staying in the same position for long, leads to joint stiffness. When the hands are affected and even deformed by arthritis there are many small devices and self-help equipment which are available to help the arthritic person maintain his/her independence. Often the occupational therapist and physiotherapist can give a lot of help in this area.

And then there is medication. When over-the-counter preparation such as Advil, Tylenol, Aanadol, Acetaminophen, etc., do not work with pain management, then the doctor can provide stronger pain relief with the use of prescription medication.

Some individuals also receive good pain relief with the use of several dietary supplements. Use of glucosamine sulphate and the omega 3 fatty acids are some examples of this. It is always helpful to maintain a very positive outlook and Trevor M should not abandon his youthfulness.

Write to:

Lifeline

PO Box 1731

Kgn 8

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