Overcoming Arthritis.Rheumatoid arthritis rheumatoid arthritis Chronic, progressive autoimmune disease causing connective-tissue inflammation, mostly in synovial joints. It can occur at any age, is more common in women, and has an unpredictable course. and osteoarthritis osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease Most common joint disorder, afflicting over 80% of those who reach age 70. It does not involve excessive inflammation and may have no symptoms, especially at first. are both conditions that result in joint pain and often necessitate ne·ces·si·tate tr.v. ne·ces·si·tat·ed, ne·ces·si·tat·ing, ne·ces·si·tates 1. To make necessary or unavoidable. 2. To require or compel. lifestyle changes. One of the best things you can do for any form of arthritis is to exercise. Exercise increases muscle strength and flexibility as well as bone mass. Movement also promotes circulation: that nourishes joints and muscles. Other "tools" that can be used to help overcome the stiffness associated with arthritis include stretch gloves, electric blankets and heating pads and household "helpers" that make it easier to open doors and jars or turn on lamps. In dealing with a chronic illness or condition such as arthritis, occupational therapy professionals can be especially helpful. List the difficulties you face in completing your daily tasks and ask an occupational therapist occupational therapist A person trained to help people manage daily activities of living–dressing, cooking, etc, and other activities that promote recovery and regaining vocational skills Salary $51K + 4% bonus. See ADL. or occupational therapy assistant to identify tools and techniques you can use without aggravating ag·gra·vate tr.v. ag·gra·vat·ed, ag·gra·vat·ing, ag·gra·vates 1. To make worse or more troublesome. 2. To rouse to exasperation or anger; provoke. See Synonyms at annoy. your condition. For more information, or to locate an occupational therapist in your community, call the American Occupational Therapy Association at 1-800-668-8255, or visit the website at www.aota.org. |
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