Effective & Trusted Medications Guide » Arthritis
Having aches and stiff joints are sometimes a part of life. But if one notices that this goes beyond usual wear and tear or if it begins to interfere with the ability to live a normal, happy life, a type of arthritis may be the cause. Being able to identify what type of arthritis is the culprit will aide in the treatment and prevention of damage to joints.
23.1 million Americans have been diagnosed by doctors with arthritis. There are 2 main types of arthritis, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, both are painful and can be debilitating but there are major differences.
Arthritis affects 10 percent of the American popu-lation and 50 percent of those over age 65. Strokes, nerve damage, and accidents may also result in a loss of flexibility in the fingers and other joints. Arthritis may cause weakness in limbs, and force some individuals to avoid stress on joints.
If you have arthritis or flexibility problems, begin by determining which tasks are easy and which are difficult. Many people, for example, have trouble closing their hands to grip objects—particularly small objects, such as pens or pot handles. To better handle these items, wrap them in insulation material, foam, or cloth secured by rubber bands. Insert a small utensil in a large foam or rubber ball for easier gripping.
For years, women with potentially serious systemic autoimmune diseases have been advised against getting pregnant. We now know that, with careful medical and obstetric management, most of these women can have successful pregnancies. Successful, however, does not mean uneventful. Doctors and patients must be ready to deal with possible complications for both mother and child. Further, women should not consider getting pregnant until their rheumatic disease is under control.
Fast Facts
Often rheumatic diseases affect women during their childbearing years, when pregnancy is an expected event.
With careful medical and obstetric management, many women with rheumatic disease can have successful pregnancies if they and their physicians are prepared to handle the possible complications.