Empathizing: Arthritis

Arthritis is when tissues of the individual become inflamed at joints or connective areas and the general overall feeling is pain. Sometimes the pain is severe, and other times it may be sporadic. The general area may show signs of swelling, inflamation, nerve pinching, achiness, or stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis. Rhuematoid arthritis begans at earlier onset and becomes more chronic. Bursitis is a form of arthritis. Osteoarthris occurs when wear and tear on joints occur; bones sit upon bone without cartlidge padding between joint areas. Jobs that have weight lifting, or athletes or overweight individuals have this type of arthritis. Psoriases leads to arthritis. Skin lesions turn into arthritis; a genetic nature. Gout is a form of arthritis; uric acid builds up in the body; a fat-free diet is recommended. MRI's can detect arthritis around bones. People who have had old injuries are prone to getting arthritis.

The following has been recommended by doctors in eliminating pain:

1. Drugs: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib are ofen prescribed over the counter. Doctors may prescribe DMARDS which are disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs that target immune system and slows the progression of arthritis. Corticosteroids are steroids to reduce inflamation; use sparinly as these tend to thin the bones; low dose is under 20 mg/day. Increasing amounts of calcium, vitamin D, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, ginger, tumeric, omega 3 (fish), or green tea is recommended. Do not take glucoseamine sulfate with chondroitin as they work against each other. New drugs for the arthritic is on the horizon.
   
2. Rest and Relaxation: Learn how to destress your life. Get regular rest. Vacation in the sun as it gets rid of skin lesions and provides extra Vit D from the sun. Elevating feet will keep the area more rested. Use RICE therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Give pressure to painful area. Where a elastic banage to provide relief. Do not wrap too tight as it would cut off circulation of leg.


3. Exercise is a must. Begin at 5 min stage and work your way up to 45-60 min 4 x weekly. Weight bearing exercise is recommended: walk, jog, stair climb, or lift weight. Elipitical exercise is recommended for osteoarthritis. Water aerobics is a great way for an artritic sufferer to get excersise. Water exercise reduces the weight required for moving joints. The idea is to keep your body moving to increase overall flexibility. Generally, exercising the area around the painful area (joint) is key in padding up and developing the muscle tissue of the affected. Choose aerobic, strength training and stretch training and incorporate activity in areas you enjoy!


4. Alternating Hot and Cold Packs is wise strategy to reduce pain twice a day. Use frozen veggie bags on the pain for 20 minutes; off for 20 minutes. Heating pads, disposable heating wraps, hot showers, hot baths are all strategies to mask the pain.
   
5. Eating Plan for three meals that maintains a normal weight is recommended. Eat a variety of foods. Dairy, leafy dark green vegetables, calcium and Vit D fortified foods are recommended. Do not smoke or drink.


6. Coping Strategies include doing tasks during your more flexible hours; establishing a routine, simplifying life, chunking tasks together, prioritize most important to accomplish first thing, empty your handbag to bare minimum,


7. Build Support System

To become empathetic you begin to understand the state of a person. You are aware of the needs, feelings, thoughts, and experiences the person has. They have literally "walked in their shoes" for awhile in their actions and thinking.

What can I do to empathize with a arthritic:

1. Learn the pain tolerance level of the one you are with.


2. Exercise is not an option; it is necessary to heal and strengthened arthritic area. Ask to do exercise with the arthritic.


3. Monitor pain level and dosage of medicine to avoid over taking of drugs. Supplement with calcium and Vit D.


4. Go to the beach for rest and relaxation. The extra Vit D from the sun will help the arthritic. Take a cane with you if you find arthritic is in pain. Scooters in grocery store will help the arthritic do tasks more easily.


5. Plan an eating strategy to maintain normal weight.


6. Beware of constraints in tight quarters may make it more painful for an arthritic.


7. Don't forget to suggest RICE: Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation as options.