Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.
The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected.
The pain from arthritis is due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff, painful joints and fatigue.Arthritis can make it very difficult for an individual to remain physically active, contributing to an increased risk of obesity, high cholesterol or vulnerability to heart disease. Individuals with arthritis are also at increased risk of depression, which may be related to fear of worsening symptoms.
There is no cure for either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Joint replacement surgery may be required in eroding forms of arthritis. Medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain, meanwhile it can cause several side effects.
Individuals with arthritis can benefit from acupuncture. In arthritis the joints become stiff and the range of movement can be limited. Acupuncture has been shown to significantly improve function, decrease pain, and delay need for surgical intervention in advanced cases. acupuncture often focuses on improving muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. Furthermore, acupuncture treatment for the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, arthritis and related conditions are classified as Bi syndromes, also known as painful obstruction syndromes. Deficiency of healthy qi and the invasion of pathogenic factors are two basic causes of this disorder. Treatment generally consists of relieving the blockage or obstruction in the patient’s meridians while improving the quality of the patient’s qi and energy-flow. Immediate relief of pain symptoms is the primary goal, and is usually achieved earliest, while long-term treatment aims to reduce inflammation and prevent future flare-ups.
You can live with arthritis for a long time without pain if you make changes in your lifestyle that include alternative therapies.
