By Staff Writer - March, 12th 2014

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints; however, the term arthritis is generally used to refer to more than 100 rheumatic diseases that can cause pain, redness, heat, swelling, stiffness, and decreased joint function. These diseases may affect other parts of the body, including connective tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and internal organs.

by Dr. Richard Foxx

Rheumatoid arthritis plagues 21 million Americans at some point in their lives, creating pain, discomfort and disability. Although it attacks various areas of the body—knees, shoulders, and feet—one of the most common and painful places it invades are the hands. The simplest tasks like getting dressed, brushing your teeth, or eating becomes a painful struggle.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis and it’s typically treated with anti-inflammatory medication, working to varying degrees of effectiveness. There are, however, lifestyle options you can take advantage of to ease the pain and severity of arthritic flare-ups. These options work to reduce inflammation and promote strength and blood flow in affected areas.

It might not come as a surprise to learn that a healthy diet and exercise are proven to help manage arthritis. After all, they seem to help with most other chronic conditions. Eating certain healthy foods helps reduce inflammation …

Arthritis is the most common disease in people over age 45, with more than 40 million Americans suffering from some form. OA is by far the most common, while RA is the most crippling. Chronic pain is one of the most devastating effects of arthritis, often limiting daily activities. Arthritis pain comes from different sources, including inflammation of the synovial membrane, tendons, or ligaments; damage within the joint, such as cartilage degeneration; muscle strain; and fatigue. Other factors affecting pain are activity level and emotions, such as depression and anxiety. A combination of these factors contributes to the intensity of the pain, which varies greatly from person to person. You and your doctor can develop a management plan designed to minimize your specific pain and improve the function of your joints.

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