Health & Wellness
BY CARI SCRIBNER
WHAT A PAIN Tips and strategies for alleviating arthritis symptoms
T
he many aches and pains of growing older can range from minor back aches to sore muscles, or they could be something more serious. They could be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis is an umbrella term for dozens of forms of joint pain or disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions afflict more than 50 million adults in the United States. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as we age. The good news is we are learning more about this challenging disease all the time. “As time has progressed, there is more awareness about arthritis,” says Rainbow Doemel, upstate New York associate director of the Arthritis Foundation. “We’ve brought it to the forefront as a major public health issue.” Unlike a sudden injury, arthritis creeps in. The first warning sign is often stiffness. This typically happens after long periods of sitting or when waking up in the morning. If you feel like the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz who needs oil in his joints when you get out of bed, that soreness and stiffness may be arthritis. Other symptoms include swelling, pain and decreased range of motion in the joints. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. If they result in chronic pain, it could make everyday activities such as climbing
stairs or getting up out of a chair a challenge. Experts advise seeing your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. If they suspect arthritis, they will do tests such as checking the range of motion in your joints, looking for swelling, and tracking when and how long your pain lasts. Your physician may recommend taking medications that have been shown to diminish pain, swelling, and inflammation. While medications aren’t the only treatment option available for arthritis, they’re often a go-to for managing pain. These can include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These include over-the-counter meds such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. NSAIDS are also available by prescription; two common brand names are Celebrex and Vioxx. Corticosteroids. These steroid medications work against the body’s immune system to help reduce inflammation and are prescribed for autoimmune arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Biologic Medications for Arthritis, made with organic molecules. These are the newest arthritis medicines out there today. You may have seen some of them, such as Humira, advertised in magazines. These meds are given by injection. Continued on page 46 Fall 2021 | 55pluslivingguide.com
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