There is no cure-all drug for arthritis, but certainly a good start with a correct diagnosis makes a lot of difference in terms of pain management, if not pain prevention, for millions of arthritis sufferers. An early and accurate diagnosis can help prevent irreversible damage and disability that is likely to happen when the onset of the disease is ignored and allowed to progress without treatment. Doctors recommend a properly guided exercise program, rest, medications and physical therapy.
The treatment for all types of arthritis cases revolves around the following objectives:
o Relieve pain and inflammation
o Reduce risks of therapy
o Slow down disease progression
o Provide patient education
o Prevent work disability
o Enhance quality of life
With early and accurate diagnosis, arthritis sufferers are given the chance to try the less costly means to control the pain of arthritis through exercise and diet. Exercise provides the least expensive option to keep the joints healthy. Moving the joints daily through regular exercise helps keep them active and working, but regular consultation with a health professional is needed for proper guidance and monitoring. It is also important for the patient to understand the diagnosis as it relates to the exercise routine.
Two exercise routines commonly used by arthritis patients are the range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises:
Range-of-motion exercises are soft and moderate stretching routines designed to move joints through their normal maximum range of motion. They should be done on a regular basis everyday to help keep the joints moving and to prevent stiffness and deformities due to inactivity. These exercises are crucial for arthritis patients, especially those who are not inclined to move their joints through their full range because of the chronic pain they experience. It must be stressed here that normal daily activities, such as walking, dressing, washing, and cooking are not substitutes for range-of-motion workouts.
Arthritis patients likewise need strengthening exercises to help increase the strength of the muscles that supports the joints. Strong muscles help joints to be firmer and more stable to make them move more easily with less pain. Of course, these treatments for arthritis are only possible for mild cases which have been detected early enough. As the disease progresses, arthritis patients may have to opt for more invasive treatments.
Author Resource:
Terry likes to write on various topics and has been doing so for several years. His latest website has information on purchasing an electric heating pad or a Thermophore heating pad .
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