Arthritis Pain Essay

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Home Care and Easing Arthritis Pain

Inflammation is the body's way of responding to danger and protecting itself. When the body misreads a situation, however, the result can be painful. Dr. Mansour Mohamadzadeh, director of the Center for Inflammation and Mucosal Immunology at the University of Florida, notes, "In a healthy situation, inflammation serves as a good friend to our body. But if immune cells start to overreact, that inflammation can be totally directed against us." Some of the reasons the body may react with inflammation include bacteria, viruses, parasites, cancerous cells, degenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Environmental factors, such as the foods consumed or the stress a person is under, can also impact the body's inflammatory response. …show more content…

One of the most common ways to treat this condition is through medication. The most common of the medications are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of NSAIDS. These medications reduce the symptoms of the inflammation, but they do not address the cause. NSAIDS are hard on the stomach and kidneys and often lead to a number of side effects if taken long-term.

Inflammation can also be a symptom of a more severe medical condition. Seniors with chronic inflammation should be monitored for heart disease, as more than 50 percent of elderly individuals with heart disease also have arthritis and/or inflammation in the lungs or kidneys. Chronic inflammation also limits mobility, which may lead to a loss of social interaction, an increase in social anxiety, and depression.

Seniors with chronic inflammation may have a difficult time performing daily tasks. Even simple chores may lead to immense amounts of pain. This can be quite challenging for seniors who have chosen to live at home despite their physical

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