You do not have to be of any particular age to start feeling the onset of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis especially is a disease that you can get at any age. But you can still do what you love despite having arthritis.
This disease is especially difficult on people who like to be very active. Think about the avid skier who is looking forward to the season and has accumulated all the new Salomon ski equipment in preparation. Then what started out as an occasional annoying ache in the knees really flares up and even walking is agonizing.
Arthritis often affects the hands and knees first, although hips and shoulders are not uncommon. The onset of leg arthritis reminds you just how much you rely on them working properly. Hand arthritis can be even more debilitating. The good news is, there are things that you can do to help alleviate the pain and continue living as normal.
Supplementation is one thing to look into; there are many supplements that address joint aches and pains. Two of the most commonly used supplements are glucosamine and chondroitin. These have been around for a while so there are several studies that have been done showing their efficacy.
Glucosamine is found in the cartilage and fluid that surrounds the joints and keeps the joints cushioned. When the cartilage wears down, as happens with osteoarthritis for example, the joint becomes painful, stiff and swollen. Taking glucosamine supplements can help to reduce this cartilage loss as well as decreasing the inflammation and pain.
Generally, the glucosamine is taken from the shells of prawns and crabs or other shellfish. If your diet cannot include these, there is also a vegetarian glucosamine supplement. Whether you choose to eat a vegetarian diet or you are allergic to shellfish, as many people are, this is an alternative.
Many herbal supplements are also available to treat arthritis and other joint pains. You can purchase these yourself but you will get the best results if you visit with an herbalist. For example, different Chinese herbal formulas will be used depending on your individual condition. They are not used simply to treat symptoms.
But the bottom line is, do not let arthritis keep you for pursuing an active lifestyle. There are many different alternative therapies and supplements out there. The sooner you start investigating them, the sooner you can get that ski equipment out and head for the slopes.
