Arthritis and Stress…

Arthritis and Stress…By Jack Schetter

The Nature of Arthritis

Occurs within the joint (area where two bones meet)

Inflammation of one or more joints

Over 100 different types

Protects the joint Allows it to move

smoothly Absorbs shock *Arthritis=Breakdown of

Cartilage Without it, bones rub

together Causes pain, swelling

(inflammation), and stiffness

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002223/

Cartilage

What Causes Arthritis?

Possible Causes include: An Auto immune disease

(Body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)

Broken Bone General Wear and Tear Infection cause by

bacteria or virus

Common Types of Arthritis Include:

Gout Juvenile Rheumatoid

Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Scleroderma

Signs and Symptoms include…

Joint Pain Swelling Stiffness Reduced Mobility Warmth Around the Joint Redness of the Skin

Around the Joint

Signs and Tests

Physical Exam checks for: Fluid around the joint Warm, red, tender joints Difficulty moving a joint Joint deformity

(swollen/misshaped) May have joint fluid sent

to a lab and evaluated

Who gets arthritis?

1.3 million people in US have it

Nearly three times as many women affected than men

Most commonly occurs from 30-60 years of age

Occurs later in life for men

Older teens can still get arthritis

300,000 children diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis

Occurs in all ethnic groups in EVERY part of the world

http://www.arthritis.org/who-gets-rheumatoid-arthritis.php

Stress in relation to Arthritis…Studies

Studies in lab rats have shown a relationship to stress and the development of arthritis

People have connected their involvement of arthritis with stress

Chronic arthritis adds to the stress of:

Pain Fatigue Depression Dependence (pain

mediation) altered finances,

employment social life self-esteem and self-

image.

Stress and Arthritis continued… Difficulties of chronic

arthritis causes more stress

Stress causes muscle tension, resulting in worsening arthritic symptoms

Worsening symptoms = More stress (vicious cycle continues)

Arthritis symptoms Increased Stress Worsened arthritis symptoms Causes more stress

Identify cause of stress Express thoughts and

feelings Manage your time Avoid depending on

drugs and alcohol Become mentally and

physically fit

Develop a sense of humor

Realize you can only change yourself, not others

Allow self to be Imperfect Practice Relaxation

techniques

Treatments for Arthritis help to… Reduce Pain Improve Function Prevent Further Joint Damage

Underlying causes cannot usually be cured

Main treatment = Lifestyle Changes

Life style changes include… Avoid staying in one

position for too long Get enough sleep (heal

body) Stress reducing activities

(yoga) Make things easily

accessible in house Eat healthy diet (Fish

oils, omega 3’s, micronutrient dense foods)

Medicationo Involve Riskso May be prescribed in

more serious caseso Over the counter drugs

(Aspirin, ibuprofen) help relieve pain

Arthritis Management

Exercise programs (low impact)

*Range of motion exercises (help flexibility)

Strength training to improve muscle tone

Physical Therapy (Heat and Ice, Message)

THE END!

Sources

Board, A.D.A.M. Editorial. "Arthritis." Arthritis. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Jan. 0001. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.

Eustice, Carole. "The Effect Of Stress On Arthritis." About.com Arthritis & Joint Conditions. About.com, n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Definition." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 02 Nov. 2011. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.

"Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?" Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis? Arthritis Foundation, n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.

"Arthritis-Related Statistics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 01 Aug. 2011. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.