Managing Arthritis in Your Retirement

Arthritis is a chronic disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joints of your body. It effcts movements that you rely upon for everyday activities.

There are more than 100 varieties of arthritis. Among the most common, Rheumatoid arthritis, affects 3 times as many women as men and usually is first observed between ages 30-45. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a breakdown of the joint tissue and is usually first observed later in life.

Treatment for Arthritis is usually a combination of physical therapy to maintain joint movement and medication to control the pain associated with the disease. Aspirin and ibuprofin have positive effects as do the class of drugs known as NSAID's (nonsteroidal anit-inflammatory drugs).

It is very important that you keep your joints flexible and moving, as painful as that may become. The affects of Arthritis are progressive and, left untreated, will eventually lead to very limited joint movement.

Your Rheumatologist is the person to see if you suspect you have Arthritis.

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