Crystal Hann
health WISE
Living with Arthritis
There are hundreds of different types
of arthritis, and knowing which one
you have will help you take the right
steps towards managing it. Two of the
most prevalent forms of arthritis are
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
While both types involve stiff and
painful joints and limited range of
motion, Rheumatoid Arthritis tends
to be the more severe of the two. It is
an autoimmune disorder where the
immune system attacks the soft lining
of your joints. This causes fluid to build
up within your joints, which results in
swelling, pain, and stiffness. Rheumatoid
arthritis can affect more than just the
joints and can cause inflammation in the
lungs, heart, and eyes. Osteoarthritis, on
the other hand, is a degenerative joint
disorder where the cartilage cushion-
ing your joints breaks down over time.
This causes your bones to rub against
one another, exposing small nerves
which results in pain. Unlike RA, OA’s
degenerative nature is limited solely to
the joints and is a little more predictable.
Having arthritis can take both a
physical and emotional toll on some-
one. People with chronic diseases
often mourn over the person they
were before they were affected and
some struggle to accept these changes.
They are more susceptible to depres-
sion and anxiety, and might even give
up on everything. That is why it is
important to reach out to loved ones
and credible support groups early after
you’ve received your diagnosis. Arthritis
support groups are especially helpful
because you’re around others who
know what you’re going through. Other
members who have had arthritis for
longer may have helpful tips that might
make your own journey easier. There
76
Crystal Han is a freelance writer and artist. She graduated from San José State
University with a BFA in Animation/Illustration and is an aspiring novelist, currently
working on two books.
L
iving with arthritis can be disruptive and distressing. The pain and stiffness
it causes can make simple tasks like putting on shoes or cooking dinner
exhausting. While there is no cure for arthritis yet, there are plenty of ways
to continue doing the things you love in spite of it.
are also plenty of professional physical
therapists and psychologists that can
help you find constructive ways to
work through problems you’re facing.
Everyone’s experience with arthritis
is different, however there are things
that are beneficial for anyone struggling
with arthritis:
Staying Active
Moving may be the last thing you want
to do when you’re in pain, but keeping
your joints in motion prevents them from
deteriorating more. Exercise strengthens
the muscles that support your painful
joints. It can improve and increase the
joints’ range of motion, boost your mood,
and help you lose excess weight.
A good physical therapist can help
you find a safe exercise program that
will help you develop your strength
and joint mobility. With a little trial and
error, you can learn what your body will
tolerate and how much tolerance you can
build up.
You can also find ways to continue
the activities that you love. For example,
if gardening is your passion but you
can’t stoop or kneel anymore, you can
get raised flower beds instead. There are
even runners diagnosed with RA who
have found ways to continue running.
Balance Activity with Rest
Maintaining a balance of work and
leisure activities is important for your
health. Taking short breaks and alter-
nating between heavy and light activities
throughout the day will help you main-
tain that balance. Allow extra time for
rest on days where you have big tasks or
plans. Find ways to break big jobs into
smaller, more manageable parts so that
you don’t overtax your joints.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
february/march 2019
Respecting Your Pain/Fatigue
The pain and fatigue caused by RA and
OA can be a massive hindrance, but
no matter what’s at stake, it’s better not
to push through those tough times.
Pain and fatigue are the primary ways
your body signals that something is
wrong. Although it can be frustrating to
listen to your body, ultimately toning it
down during times of intense pain or
exhaustion will allow you to get back to
doing the things you want faster.
Self-Help Devices
If your range of motion is limited,
using reachers and grabbing devices
is especially helpful. Lever faucets and
door handles are easier on finger joints
than the twisting kind. Getting grips
for utensils, pens, and grooming aids
are also helpful.
Having arthritis means you’ll deal with
more uncertainty in your life than most.
Many types of arthritis have an on-again
off-again pattern, where physical effects
can change from day to day or even
hour to hour. If you prepare yourself for
this up and down nature, you’ll be less
likely to be disappointed with your life.
When things get bad, it helps to remind
yourself that a bad day doesn’t mean a
bad life. You might have to skip out on
a fun outing because of an arthritis flare
up, but that doesn’t mean you will never
go out again. With patience and self-care,
you can get back on top again.
Sources:
Nar“Is it Rheumatoid Arthritis? The Differences
Between RA and OA,” healthline.com
“Frequently Asked Questions about Living with
Arthritis,” UW Medicine, orthop.washington.
edu/patient-care/articles/arthritis/frequently-
asked-questions-about-living-arthritis.html
gmhtoday.com