Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects People of All Ages

When most of us think about arthritis we picture it affecting elderly people. However in reality this disease can strike people of any age. Many elementary and middle school children around the country suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is characterized by swelling, pain and tenderness in various joints and can make it difficult for children to play in the schoolyard or learn how to ride a bike. While this is a very difficult condition for children to live with it is treatable and many cases does not last more than a few years.

The mildest form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is classified as pauciarticular. Children with this condition, mainly girls under the age of ten, will typically see fewer than four joints affected. These children will remain in good health (other than the condition) and symptoms typically subside within five years.

Arthritis characterized as polyarticular affects five or more joints and can last up to ten years. While still treatable, this condition is serious and can sometimes retard skeletal growth. Even more serious than this condition is systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Along with the traditional symptoms, children who suffer from this condition experience a spiked fever and a rheumatoid rash. Medical assistance is required to limit the long-term health effects this condition can have on children.

If a child has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis it does not mean that he or she will develop adult rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that 90 percent of children who suffer from this condition will not develop arthritis as adults. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not a progressive, degenerative disease and the vast majority of children with the disease will recover.

There are many treatment options available for this condition. Physicians and physical therapists recommend exercise in order to encourage growth and improve the range of motion of the affected joints. Anti-inflammatory and pain medications are often prescribed to patients during the rehabilitation process. Living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can be very difficult but with proper care many children suffering from this condition can make a full recovery.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Everyone experiences occasional aches and pains due to soreness and general muscle fatigue. However, if you suffer from chronic pain and fatigue you should seek medical attention as you may be suffering from a common type of rheumatic disease known as fibromyalgia. This condition causes pain in the ligaments, tendons and muscles and left untreated, can disrupt a person’s daily routine.

The two main symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain and fatigue of the muscles and the areas of the body where the muscles meet the bones. People who suffer from this disease typically have poorly developed muscles, an inability to get a good night’s sleep and suffer from muscle tension. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 make up the majority of fibromyalgia patients.

If your doctor diagnoses you with fibromyalgia, he or she will come up with treatment options that will hopefully reduce the pain associated with this condition. Doctors often prescribe medications that help people sleep because getting a good night’s rest is key for tired muscles to regrow and repair. Self-medication through the use of sleeping pills or alcohol is highly discouraged as these measures can ultimately lead to further problems sleeping.

Regular aerobic exercise is also crucial for people with fibromyalgia. Physical therapists can work with patients to create an appropriate exercise routine. It is important for patients to start slow and work towards more challenging and vigorous exercises. Physical therapists can also work to provide pain relief through the use of heat and massage and can teach patients relaxation techniques to do on their own.

If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from fibromyalgia it is important to stay positive and work hard towards improving your condition. While physical therapists and certain medications can help a lot, your dedication and commitment to improving is vital in the recovery process. By improving sleep, exercising regularly and controlling stress, people with fibromyalgia can see major improvements.

Living with Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the country, over a half million people die every year from the disease. But with a three step rehabilitation process many people are able to take steps everyday to improve heart health. With a mixture of education, exercise and support it is possible to properly recover from heart attacks or heart surgery.

Education is vital to help you and your family and friends understand the causes and risks associated with coronary heart disease. It is important to modify your lifestyle to reduce risk factors. Things like stopping smoking, losing weight, reducing stress and lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol can help to improve the strength of your heart. Coronary heart disease is inherited, so it is vital for children and relatives of patients to also alter their lifestyles to decrease their risk of developing the disease.

Exercising regularly is an important part of living with heart disease. Exercise strengthens your heart and lessens the risk and severity of another heart attack occurring. Every patient exercises at a different level depending on factors such as their medical history and personal goals. A physical therapist will be able to prescribe an exercise regime that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Exercises usually need to be supervised but some home exercise programs are recommended too. Supervision allows for heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiograms to be monitored and tested throughout the workout.

Support is the most important part of cardiac rehabilitation. Family and friends can help by eating well and exercising along with the patient. Having a support system offers encouragement and helps the patient to not feel alone in their fight. Since coronary heart disease is hereditary it will be important for family to change their lifestyles as well, so make it a joint effort.

While heart attacks and heart disease are scary it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce potential risk factors. With over 100,000 people participating in cardiac rehab in America each year, getting back on your feet after a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, hypertension or any other heart related problem is possible with some hard work and dedication.

Recovering from a Dislocated Shoulder

Even though most separated shoulders occur during sporting events, you don’t have to be an athlete to sustain this type of injury. Anyone can dislocate his or her shoulder during a traumatic event such as a car accident so it is important to learn about the recovery process. Physical therapists understand the complexity of the shoulder and can help people make full recoveries from this injury.

When people separate their shoulders they cause damage to one of the four joints in the shoulder complex. The acromioclavicular, or AC joint, provides the link between the scapula and the clavicle. When someone dislocates his or her shoulder, this linkage is damaged and normal movements are disrupted. A separated shoulder can cause severe pain whenever the patient tries to move his or her shoulder, head and neck.

Separated shoulders can vary in severity and the extent with which the AC joint was damaged can determine the treatment options. This type of injury can range from a grade one (the least severe) to a grade three (the most severe). The most common treatments recommended by doctors for people suffering from either a grade one or two separated shoulder include rest, ice and modification of activity. This recovery process can also include physical therapy to help regain strength and improve range of motion. People who suffer from a grade one injury can often recover quickly and get back to their daily routines.

Grade two and three separated shoulders take longer to heal and require more extensive treatment. While rest, ice and modification of activities remain the main treatment method for people with a grade two injury, the use of a supportive aid is often required when people return to normal activities. People who suffer a grade three injury have torn their ligaments and will require surgery to regain full function.

The Truth About Shin Splints

by amandacarnesi, July 2, 2014

Running can be a great way to increase endurance and burn calories. However, this cardiovascular exercise can have its’ drawbacks as well. If people do not train properly or take necessary precautions they can develop many different types of injuries to their feet, ankles, knees, back, or shins. One of the most common injuries a runner can get is shin splints.

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints, occurs when a runner’s feet repetitively pound against a hard surface. The recurring impact that a runner experiences with each step can lead to a stress reaction over time, causing hair line fractures in the tibia and damage to the tissue in the surrounding area. Once the stress reaction begins, it will continue to worsen as long as the patient continues to run.

Shin splints occur in stages so it important to recognize the symptoms early as this is the best way to prevent the most severe damage. The first stage involves pain at the beginning of a workout. While this pain can be sharp, it typically eases as the workout progresses. During the next stage, the pain will not subside during the workout and will instead continue to worsen. The third stage of MTSS prevents most people from running at all as the pain becomes too severe. The final stage, also known as grade four, can even make walking or climbing stairs difficult. By the time the injury reaches this stage it can take a very long time for a person to heal.

Reducing pain and inflammation are the first steps in treating shin splints. Simply icing and elevating the affected leg can be very beneficial. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to speed up the process. It is also highly recommended that a runner take off several weeks from running. Shin splints are very painful and can last a long time so it is important to train wisely and treat the injury before it progresses too far.