The word arthritis strikes fear in the hearts of older adults. It often signifies aging, pain, inactivity, and disability. Data from 2005 released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that one in five American adults received a doctor diagnosis of some form of arthritis. Arthritis is recognized as a leading cause of disability in the United States.
Understanding Arthritis
The most common form of arthritis--osteoarthritis, or also known as degenerative arthritis--affects more than twenty million Americans. Osteoarthritis (literally meaning "bone-joint inflammation") is the most common type of arthritis and it occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down. It typically affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Key contributors to osteoarthritis are injury to a joint, wear and tear that comes with aging, and being overweight because it puts extra pressure on the joints. More than half of people over sixty-five have some evidence of osteoarthritis on X-rays, although it doesn't always manifest as symptoms.
Do you know what arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s, bowel disorders, and even obesity have in common? Inflammation. The body’s inflammatory response is a primary component of arthritis and most chronic diseases. Acute, chronic internal inflammation can be linked to a wide range of health conditions and overall poor health. If you’re looking for a natural herbal supplement to alleviate arthritis and other conditions linked to inflammation, there is amazing research available on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin, the active compound found in the spice turmeric.
Many problems also arise from a sedentary lifestyle. Joints lose flexibility and muscles lose strength, feeding the cycle of pain, inactivity, and more pain.
Exercise Offers Sweet Relief
Vigorous walking, swimming, and bicycling boosts the release of powerful endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. When done four to five days a week, these aerobic activities improve general cardiovascular health and aid in weight management (obesity is the single biggest risk factor for osteoarthritis).
Strengthening and stretching exercises targeted at maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength--especially for at-risk joints--slow the progression of degenerative arthritis. Yoga classes and moderate weight lifting programs are excellent ways to improve strength and flexibility. Massage therapy can also provide relief.
If arthritis is slowing you down, get serious with your exercise plan. Consult your physician, work with a professional trainer, physical therapist, yoga instructor, or massage therapist, and start a gentle, progressive exercise program. Your joints will reward you for it, and you'll free yourself from arthritic pain.
For a free 32-page booklet on inflammation and the healing power of curcumin, stop by my office or give me a call.
Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns her own wellness practice, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza between 7-11 and Round Table Pizza, near the Post Office. More information about her and her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.
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