Relieving Arthritis

Recent research and clinical findings show that there is much more to life for people with arthritis than the traditional recommendation of bed rest and drug therapy. Chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition are critical in successful arthritis management.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The word “arthritis” means “joint inflammation” and is often used in reference to rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases include more than 100 conditions: gout, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and many more. Rheumatic arthritis is also a rheumatic disease, affecting about 1 percent of the U.S. population (about 2.1 million people). Although rheumatoid arthritis often begins in middle age and is more frequent in the older generation, young people and children can also suffer from it. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints.

Several features distinguish it from other kinds of arthritis:

• Tender, warm, and swollen joints

• Fatigue, sometimes fever, and a general sense of not feeling well

• Pain and stiffness that last for more than 30 minutes after a long rest

• The wrist and finger joints closest to the hand are most frequently affected. Neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and feet joints can also be affected.

• The condition is symmetrical. If one hand is affected, the other one is, too.

• The disease can last for years and can affect other parts of the body, not only the joints.

Exercising with Arthritis

Exercise helps maintain healthy and strong muscles, joint mobility, flexibility, endurance, and helps control weight. Rest, on the other hand, helps to decrease active joint inflammation, pain and fatigue. People with arthritis need a good balance between the two: more rest during the active phase of arthritis, and more exercise during remission. During acute systematic flares or local joint flares, move the joints gently through their full range of motion once a day, with periods of rest.

If you experience unusual or persistent fatigue, increased weakness, a decrease in range of motion, an increase in joint swelling, or pain that lasts more than one hour after exercising, contact your health care provider.

Nutritional Recommendations

Nutrition may provide complementary support to arthritis medications.

Some foods and nutritional supplements can be helpful in managing arthritis:

• Fatty-acid supplements like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Deep-sea fish, (salmon, tuna, herring and halibut) are sources of EPA and DHA. Black currants and borage seed contain GLA.4,5

• Turmeric, ginger and nettle leaf extract

• A vegetarian or low-allergen diet The benefits and risks of most of these agents are being researched. Before taking any dietary supplement, especially if you are using medication to control your condition, consult with your health care provider.

How Can We at DuPage and Physical Therapy Center Help?

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, DuPage Health and Physical Therapy Center can help you plan an exercise program that will:

• Help you restore the lost range of motion to your joints.

• Improve your flexibility and endurance.

• Increase your muscle tone and strength.

We can also give you nutrition and supplementation advice that can be helpful in controlling and reducing joint inflammation.

Recommended Exercises for Patients with Arthritis

• Range-of-motion exercises: Activities like stretching and dancing can help maintain normal joint movement and increase joint flexibility. Perform such activities every day, or every other day.

• Strength-training: Weight lifting can help support and protect the joints affected by arthritis. Unless pain or swelling occurs and is severe, perform such exercises every other day.

• Aerobic or endurance exercises: Walking, swimming or riding a bike can help improve your cardiovascular system, while toning your muscles and controlling your weight. Exercise 20 to 30 minutes three times a week unless pain and swelling are severe.

*Adapted from Questions and Answers about Arthritis and Exercise

For more information on arthritis, chiropractic care and wellness, visit our website DuPagehealthpt.com or call (331) 401-5900.

References:

• Questions and Answers about Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. February 2002.

• Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Jan. 1998, revised Nov. 1999.

• Questions and Answers about Arthritis and Exercise. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. May 2001.

• Fortin Paul R., et al. Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis. J Clin Epidemiol, Vol. 48, 1995, pp. 1379-90.

• Navarro Elisabet, et al. Abnormal fatty acid pattern in rheumatoid arthritis - A rationale for treatment with marine and botanical lipids. J Rheum, Vol. 27, February 2000, pp. 298-303.