Monday, February 14, 2011

Health Tips for February 14

Health Tip: What Causes Arthritis Pain?

It's no secret to any person with arthritis that pain comes with the territory.

But what makes arthritis so painful? The Arthritis Foundation offers this list of contributing factors:
  • Arthritis causes painful inflammation (swelling) of the joints.
  • Arthritis -- over time -- damages joint tissue, causing additional pain.
  • Arthritis leads to a feeling of fatigue, which makes pain feel worse and more difficult to manage.
  • Arthritis can lead to symptoms of stress or depression, making you focus more on pain and lament not being able to do the things you once enjoyed.
Health Tip: Try a Self-Management Program for Osteoarthritis

A self-management program can help people with osteoarthritis learn more about the joint disease and how to better cope with it.

The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says self-management programs may offer these benefits:

  • Gain a better understanding of osteoarthritis.
  • Stay physically active while still controlling pain.
  • Learn ways to deal with osteoarthritis emotionally and physically.
  • Learn to feel more self-confident, which can lead to a more independent lifestyle.

No comments: