=====KNOW YOUR ARTHRITIS=====

Arthritis is referred to as the nation?s number one crippling disease and the most common chronic disease in people over 40, arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans.

And this figure is expected to rise to 60 million by 2020, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Arthritis generally afflicts people between the ages of 20 and 50, but can affect all ages, even infants.

The average age of onset is 47 and about three out of every five people with arthritis are under 65 years of age.

Arthritic expenditures for just one person due to lost wages, medical treatment and other related expenses can come to more than $150,000 in his or her lifetime.

And doctors believe there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic: all forms cause joint inflammation.

What can be done for arthritis pain relief? Many things...

For example, weight and nutrition are only a couple of factors that play a role in arthritic pain.

And yet shedding even 10 pounds to relieve weight from knees and finding the right nutritional strategy can help relieve pain a lot.

=====EXERCISE IN ARTHRITIS=====

Exercise can be very beneficial for arthritis sufferers, often relieving stiffness in joints, strengthening muscles thereby reducing stress on joints, keeping bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy, and increasing flexibility.

A recommended 30-minute minimum of daily activity is the norm.

Using aquatics: exercising in a pool-is a great way to exercise as well.

Water is an excellent aid because it provides resistance that builds muscle in the entire body while reducing shock to the joints at the same time.

Additionally, because the whole body tends to become involved in aquatic exercise the added benefit of cardiovascular exercise is enjoyed.

If at all possible, find a heated pool to work out in. Warm water is soothing to the joints and will cause the blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation.

With that in mind, it is often beneficial to add using a spa to your regimen, perhaps after your workout, in order to provide some soothing jets of water to your muscles and even more help with increased circulation, which is always vital when dealing with arthritis.

=====DRUGS IN ARTHRITIS=====

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for arthritis pain sufferers that can be purchased without physicians? prescriptions.

Some are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ? some are OTCs / some require a prescription, acetaminophen and various topical medications.

Users need to be aware of possible risk from long term use or product abuse, though, and consult their medical advisors before and during use.

The most common OTC NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

However, the misuse of some of these can cause blockage of an enzyme in the body that aids in the protection of the stomach lining and other areas.

Misuse can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding, and liver and kidney trouble. (The same drug abuse issues can result from prescription NSAIDs, too).

Use the right way, these drugs can help with pain relief, inflammation and fever reduction, and blood clot prevention.

=====JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN ARTHRITIS=====

There are currently many options in orthopedic (bone) surgery for people with arthritis.

Joint replacement is the most common option. According to the National Joint Replacement Foundation, (NJRF) over 435,000 Americans underwent this procedure last year.

These numbers have boosted joint replacement to one of the most successful medical discoveries and the absolute most significant surgery in the field of arthritis treatment.

Joint replacement is the process of removing one?s entire joint as well as any damaged tissue and replacing it with a metal prosthesis.

This prosthesis provides the patient with much need relief from pain.

This surgery most effective on the weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and ankles, however, it has been used for all joints with successful results.

However, all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioner.