Dealing With the Effects of Arthritis and Alternative Treatments

One of the many misconceptions surrounding arthritis is that the joint pain can be minor and that in time, the pain will eventually go away. Some arthritis patients in the early stages of the disease may only feel minor pain. However, arthritis is a degenerative disease. It does not have a cure and it can get worse when left untreated. Arthritis in its most hideous form can in fact lead to permanent joint damage and loss of mobility. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease of the cartilage that cushions our joints and prevents bone on bone contact.

Chronic pain resulting from osteoarthritis and the potential loss of mobility can be hard to live with. People need to consider the fact that as their condition progresses, their way of life may have to change as well. There will be times that they will be unable to perform everyday activities like house chores, walking, or even attending to personal grooming. Arthritis sufferers may need to rely on other people to help with daily routines. Severe osteoarthritis sufferers may have to accept the fact that working may be difficult and their ability to make a living compromised.

Change is always hard to accept and cope with. Having to deal with unbearable chronic pain, and the frustration of not being able to do the simplest things we use to take for granted, can lead to anger, depression and a feeling of uselessness. Severe arthritis can lead to financial problems, deepening the constant worry, feelings of devastation, and hopelessness.

This is why early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Early signs of pain can be a precursor to chronic pain and the change in lifestyle that may come with it. A rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in arthritis, can prescribe various forms of treatments depending on the needs of the patient. Medication typically includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but in the recent years, more and more rheumatologists are beginning to add supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment. Proven to be effective relieving pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis and other joint disease, these supplements are rapidly being embraced as an alternative, of not primary, therapy of choice. A USA study in 2006 concluded that a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate relieved those suffering moderate to severe joint pain more effective than NSAIDs like Celebrex. These supplements have been available for years and studies like these have doctors and patients reassessing their treatment.