What is it?
A very common condition, arthritis actually refers to approximately 100 different variations of damage to joints. There are different kinds of arthritis that depends on what joint is affected and how the damage is affecting the joint. Common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondylosis, among many others.
What does it feel like?
Arthritis can have a large range of symptoms from stiffness and inflammation in joints, to decreased range of motion, to sharp shooting pains that may last for a long time or only flare up occasionally. Sometimes the joints can feel warm or hot and the skin may change color.
What causes it?
Different types of arthristishave different causes but usually it involves a degeneration of something inside the joint. In osteoarthritis (the most common kind for people as they age), the cartilidge and fluids that surrounds and cushions the bones moving against each other in a joint can wear away forcing the bones to rub against each other. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system eats away the synovial membranes around the joints. Other types of arthritis can be caused through viruses, lifestyle - both good and bad, such as tobacco use or being active in athletics, as well as chronic overuse of joints.
Can Massage help?
While massage can't help the degeneration of the joints themselves, massage can help with decreasing inflammation and relaxing muscles that may tighten up as a result of the painful joints and stiffness. massage can help increase range of motion and keep the joints moving more easily. Massage with heat treatments such as hot stones can also help decrease the pain and inflammation and make the joints relax and move more easily.
What can I do on my own?
Unfortunately medication is the most prescribed method of dealing with arthritis pain - either over the counter pain meds or prescriptions. Cortisone shots may also be recommended. Physical therapy and excercises that involve movement are beneficial for keeping inflammation moving and draining as well as reducing stiffness. Heat treatments such as using a heating pad or soaking sore joints in warm water and epsom salts may also help ease the pain.
Comments