ARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is primary marked by a breakdown and loss of joint cartilage. Cartilage is the tough tissue that separates and cushions the bones in a joint. As cartilage is worn away and the bones begin to rub against each other, the joint becomes aggravated. In osteoarthritis, this breakdown of cartilage is accompanied by minimal inflammation, hardening of the bone beneath the cartilage, and bone spurs (growths) around the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is not an inevitable aspect of the aging process. For reasons unknown, the synovail membrane, or lining, of a joint becomes inflamed, so pain, swelling, heat and redness occur. Researcher are beginning to understand what may predispose some people to arthritis.
EASING STIFFNESS AND DISCOMFORT

Keep moving. Maintain movement in your joints as best you can. This can help keep your joints functioning better for a longer time and, at the same time, brighten your outlook on life.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. Exercise work best when inflammation has calmed down. There are few different type of exercises that used to help arthritis sufferers. The simplest easiest exercises that can be done by almost any arthritis sufferer are called range-of- motion exercise. They help maintain good movement by putting the joints through their full range of motion. You’ll find several range-of-motion exercise recommended by the Arthritis Foundation.
Give your hands a water workout. Try doing your hand exercise in a sink full of warm water for added ease and comfort.
Play in the pool. The buoyancy will help reduce the strain on your joints. And “the warm water will help loosen joints and maintain motion and strength. Running the stream of water down your back, for instance, may relieve back pain.
Don’t overuse over the counter creams. These pain relieving rubs give temporary relief by heating up the joints. However “frequent use may activate enzymes that can break down the cartilage in the joints.
Put on a scarf. Not around the neck, but around the elbow or knee joint when it aches. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly, however you don’t want to hamper your circulation.
Try a water bed. The slight motions made by a water bed can help reduce morning stiffness, And a heated water bed may warm the joints and relieve joint pain.
Watch your weight. Being overweight puts more stress on the joints. As a matter of fact, a weight gain of 10 pounds can mean an equivalent stress increase of 40 pounds on the knees. So if you are carrying excess pounds, losing weight can help improve joint function.” People who lose weight can slow the progress of their osteoarthritis.

EXERCISE FOR ARTHRITIS
These exercise are recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. For the best result, carry out the exercises in a smooth, steady, slow-paced manner, don’t bounce, jerk or strain. Don’t hold your breath; breathe as naturally as possible. If any exercise causes chest pain, other pain, or shortness of breath, stop. When your joint are inflamed, its best to skip the exercise and rest.

Shoulder: Lie on your back and raise one arm over your head, keeping your elbow straight. Keep your arm close to your ear. Return your arm slowly to your side. Repeat with the other arm.
Knees and hips. Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other as straight as possible. Bend the knee of the straight leg and bring it toward the chest. Extend that same leg to the floor. Repeat with the other leg.
Hips. Lie on your back with your leg straight and about six inches apart. Point your toes up. Slide one leg out to the side and return, keeping your toes pointing up. Repeat with the other leg.
Knees: Sit on a chair that’s high enough so you can swing your legs. Keep your thigh on the chair and straighten out your
knee. Hold on a few seconds. Then bend your knee back as far as possible to return to the starting position. Repeat with
the other knee.
Ankles: Sit on a chair and lift your toes off the floor as high as possible while keeping your heels on the floor. Then return your
toes to the floor and lift your heels as high as possible. Repeat.
Fingers: Open your hand with your fingers straight. Bend all the finger joints except the knuckles. Touch the top of the palm with the tips of your fingers. Open and repeat.
Thumps: Open your hand with your fingers straight. Reach your thumb across your palm until it touches the base of the little
finger. Stretch your thumb out again and repeat.