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Diagnostic Assessment and Treatments
Evaluating Arthritis requires a thorough diagnostic
assessment of the patients past history. A trained medical
professional will often evaluate a number of different factors
including current symptoms, present health conditions, and level of
functioning capacity. Other critical components of the evaluation
process will be to analyze various test results. Both blood and urine
specimens are required to conduct such tests and are necessary to
evaluate the causative factors associated with Arthritis as well as to
prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen.
Typically, the primary treatment objectives in treating Arthritis
include controlling the inflammation, preserving and protecting joint
function and curing the disease if that is possible. Different forms
of Arthritis affect the body in a number of different ways. As with
all cases of Arthritis early diagnosis is essential to the overall
success of treating the disease effectively.
Treatment regimens for Arthritis fall into a number of different
categories. The most common include the following:
- Medication
There are numerous drugs available to treat Arthritis. Many of these
drugs are available at your local pharmacy while others require a
prescription. As a general rule you should NEVER take any medication
without first consulting with your physician. Categorically there are
a number of different types of medications that can provide you with
some relief. These include the following:
- Anti-inflammatory- used to reduce pain and swelling
- Disease Specific - Drugs designed to facilitate certain
metabolic or physiologic changes in our body.
- Corticosteroids - used to address severe swelling and pain and
are often given by injection.
- Sedatives- used to promote rest and sleep
- Exercise
A daily regimen of exercise is important to keep you moving and
independent. The old saying "use it or lose it' has significant
relevance when it comes to coping with Arthritis. It is important to
make sure that you don't overdue it and that you pace yourself with
certain activities. Exercise regimens can fall into the following
categories:
- Strength Related - intended to maintain and build muscle tissue
- Range-of-motion - intended to maximize joint functionality
- Endurance - intended to help you maximize your health and
cardiovascular capacity
Exercise of any type should be conducted in a manner that benefits
and doesn't harm you. Some fairly common sense rules should guide you
through your exercise program. First, start off slow and gradually
increase you program over time. Don't attempt to plan your exercise
program based upon what other people are capable of doing. Exercise
during those periods of the day when you're not as stiff or tired.
Seek advice from your physician or physical therapist on the exercises
that are best suited to meet your needs.
Cold and Heat Treatments
Cryotherapy is the clinical use and treatment utilizing very low
temperatures or medical equipment devices such as ice packs. The use
of both cold and hot temperature treatments on Arthritic areas of your
body such as joints may provide you with some temporary relief to your
pain and stiffness.
It is important to use both of these methods appropriately and
under the direct consultation from your physician or physical
therapist. The inappropriate use of either of these two forms of
treatment may have adverse effects and cause further injury to you.
"Assist Devices" or
Products
In the rehabilitation
profession devices that are designed to reduce stress and protect
joints are termed "assist devices". These devices or
products have been specially designed to incorporate features that
make your day to day activities easier to accomplish with reduced
amounts of pain and exertion.
The primary engineering goals of all of these items is centered on
reducing muscle and joint stress. Similarly, the field of Ergonomics
has taught us the importance of positioning our bodies while
performing certain activities such as lifting to reduce injuries.
Likewise, using the appropriate methods and tools for carrying out
these daily chores can mean the difference in whether we're able to
accomplish carrying them out or not.
Many of these assist devices have special features that help us
make tasks easier. My favorite is watching my teenage son try to open
a jar that has a tight fitting lid. Once he has exhausted his strength
trying to open it I'll pull out the rubber lid mat to allow me a
better grip. Opening the jar always seems to get his attention!
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