* Arthritis means joint inflammation.
* Generally divided into “osteoarthritis” and “inflammatory arthritis”
* Inflammatory arthritis includes rheumatoid and gout. In these types, the body’s immune system attacks its own joints causing swelling, redness, warmth and pain.
* Osteoarthritis is present to some degree in all of us as we age. It may just cause stiffness and/or pain. It can become inflamed during a flare-up and look like inflammatory arthritis, but this is less common and not due to their immune system.
* Many other conditions that cause joint. tendon, ligament and muscle pain is referred to at times by medical personnel as “arthritis”. Examples include tendonitis, bursitis, and chronic pains that can occur after the acute discomfort of these conditions is “healed”.
* Common treatment of arthritis includes medications, especially what are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples include Advil, Naproxen and newer ones such as Viox and Celebrex. When inflammation is severe; cortisone-like medications may be used. Acetaminophen and other pain medications may be used in addition.
* Often neglected is the function of the joint and the activities that need the joint to move properly. Joint function includes the range of motion, the smoothness of motion, coordination and balance of motion.
* Although joint motion produces wear and tear it is essential for nutrition to the joint. Without movement little of the nutrients essential to repair damage can get where they are needed. After a period of immobilization the joint gets very stiff, begins to degenerate and muscles begin to waste. Coordination and balance often must be relearned.
* Pain and stiffness of these conditions discourage normal movement and function making the condition worse. Stiff and off-balance joint movement can cause more irritation and pain worsening a vicious cycle. The problem begins to multiply and will begin to produce imbalance in nearby joints. Through time even distant joints are affected: a stiff big toe reduces the length of stride before the low back begins to extent. Months or years later low back pain may result.
* Limping, or favoring one leg due to pain or stiffness not only increases the stress on the offending joint, It commonly will produce hip, back and even neck pain. A simple remedy that can keep the joint moving is to take “baby” steps small enough that walking can be even on both sides. Then joints are getting motion and nutrition needed to heal without causing other problems. You may look funny, but you will heal faster.
* Patterns of movement and posture become ingrained in subconscious parts of our nervous system. Once you have it, thinking is not necessary for standing or sitting; walking, running or riding a bike. These “programs” or habits can be changed fairly easily, especially after prolonged episodes of pain. A new movement pattern is substituted that is almost certain to produce less efficient motion that is likely to cause further problems.
* Using techniques that manually change joint motion, bad patterns can shift back toward normal function. Simple techniques can be taught that help you help yourself change and maintain functional movement and posture. With practice these techniques are integrated into day-to-day activities.
* Activities at home, work or recreation can be easier, more effective and enjoyable as these patterns improve. Episodes of pain become less severe if they happen and end quicker. Joints last longer and surgery can be delayed or avoided.
* Used in conjunction with needed medication, this type of low-tech treatment can be very successful in improving the quality of life for those that suffer from many forms of “arthritis”.