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arthritis

Arthritis is a general term that describes any inflammatory condition which affects one or more joints of the body, in effect two very different conditions:

• Osteo-arthritis - generally present in the elderly owing to the wear and tear suffered by joints during life, in particular the lower back, hip and knee joints. This type can have acute and chronic forms.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - caused by inflammation of the joints or the lining of the joints, and is most likely to affect those aged over 40 - with severe symptoms for 5% of sufferers.

Antibodies attack the membranes around joints (synovial membranes) causing swelling, pain, stiffness and in some cases, deformity. Arthritis also causes inflammation of the sheaths around tendons, and may eventually erode the smooth articular cartilage, which covers the ends of the bones in joints, or the bone itself.

The first symptoms of arthritis tend to be felt in small joints, such as fingers or toes. Cold or damp weather often aggravates the symptoms - hence the old people you know predicting storms with uncanny accuracy!

SAFETY WARNING

If you suspect you have arthritis, see a doctor, even if symptoms are mild. The doctor will make an assessment based on symptoms and may carry out the following tests:

• Blood tests to look for changes caused by inflammation or anaemia (low levels of red blood cells, which affects most sufferers of arthritis)
• A test for a blood protein called rheumatoid factor, which is found in 80% of people with arthritis
• Ultrasound scans or x-rays of the hands and feet, which may identify changes in bone

Treatment

There are a number of ways with which people with arthritis can help to ease their symptoms. :

• Lifting weights and stretching will build muscle and help prevent joints becoming deformed. Gentle cycling and swimming can also help relieve stiffness. A physiotherapists can design a personalised programme.
• Losing weight if necessary, to reduce pressure on the joints
• Occupational therapy can help people learn new ways to do daily activities, and remedy bad habits
• Heat or ice applied to joints, especially on the hands, is a traditional treatment that can help reduce pain.

A full body massage will also help to relax muscles and hence reduce pressure on the joints affected.

Method 1 - Full Body Massage

Blend in 25ml of Almond oil and 5ml of sesame oil:

• German Chamomile (2 drops)
• Lavender (3 drops)
• Peppermint (3 drops)
• Eucalyptus (2 drops)