Who We Are News and Events Resources for Caregivers Additional Info Census Figures Eye on Health COAF's Holiday Tips for Grandparents Is Your Grandchild Learning Disabled? How to Support Us			Additional Info - Eye on Health Eye on Health: Important Info on Arthritis Compiled by Georgianna Glose, OP, DSW Many older people suffer from painful joints that may be swollen and red and feel hot to the touch. These are signs of inflammation common to the arthritis sufferer. Arthritis means "swelling of the joints." While we associate arthritis only with elders, it is a disease that can affect young people, including infants. Actually there are more than 100 different conditions classified as arthritis because these conditions include joint and musculoskeletal pain. The pain of arthritis comes form the inflammation of the joint lining. The 206 bones of our bodies are tied together by ligaments and cartilage. If the cartilage is destroyed , the bones of a joint grind against each other, causing pain. Inside the joint, the inner lining of the capsule is kept lubricated and nourished by the production of a think fluid. When the joint is inflamed by the overproduction of thick liquid, it causes pain and can damage cartilage and underlying bone. No one knows what causes arthritis, though scientists have uncovered many interesting clues. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms and describe them accurately, so that the physician can recommend a treatment that will keep the joints moving as much as possible. Ask your physician if there are any medications that might help. Winter and cold weather can worsen arthritis pain. Wearing warm comfortable clothing, gloves or mittens, using a heating pad, and taking warm bathscan help to relieve the pain of arthritis. It is very important to get plenty of rest. Living with the chronic pain of arthritis can keep you from doing many of the things that you most like to do. When pain prevents you from enjoying your day to day life, it is time to do something abou tit. When you see your doctor, there are some important questions you need to answer including, what the pain is like (throbbing, piercing, sharp, dull, aching) where the pain is, how severe is the pain (on a scale of 1-10), when the pain began, and how long the pain lasts and what aggravates or relieves the pain. The Arthritis Foundation offers a free brochure called “Speaking of Pain.” To request a copy call 1-800-283-7800. Arthritis is not a life threatening disease, but it does threaten the quality of the sufferer’s life. Experiencing chronic pain takes a powerful psychological and emotional toll on the sufferer and the family. Coping with pain every day is exhausting and lead to depression; that is why it is so important to talk about the pain and its affect on daily life tasks. Sometimes people who suffer from arthritis don’t want to complain or feel like it will make no difference anyway. Common symptoms of depression are: - Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood - Loss of interest or pleasure in activities - Lack of energy, restlessnes, irritability or excessive crying - Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness - Changes in sleep patterns, appetite or weight - Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions - Thoughts of death or suicide. It is very important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. Much can be done to help with these problems. Copyright © 2002 Brooklyn Grandparents' Coalition. All rights reserved.