LIVING WELL WITH ARTHRITIS
TREATMENTS THAT CAN EASE THE PAIN
Many people resign themselves to aches and pains as they grow older, assuming that suffering from arthritis is inevitable. But taking action can make a difference! Effective treatment can ease those symptoms and keep the disease from progressing. In recognition of May as National Arthritis Awareness Month, this is a good time to take a closer look at the causes of joint pain and how a physical therapist can help reduce its harmful impact on your quality of life. Arthritis pain is caused by three different types of the disease, so pinpointing the exact cause of your symptoms is important. The most common type, osteoarthritis, affects roughly 80% of people over age 55, or 7.6% of the population worldwide. It is caused by wear and tear to the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, usually in the hands, knees, hips, or spine. Osteoarthritis can also be caused by a blow or injury to a joint. Two other types of arthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation in or around the joints. These two disorders each affect less than 1% of the global population. Before beginning any treatment, patients should receive a diagnosis from a physician. There is no cure for arthritis, but doctors can often prescribe
medications to slow or stop the joint damage caused by rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Also, your physical therapist can perform a joint analysis and develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around painful joints and relieve some pressure. Exercise also aids healing by improving circulation. And improving your overall physical condition can help: Losing just 10 pounds can take about 30–60 pounds of pressure off your knees! Other treatments may help as well, including applying heat or cold to the affected joints, low-dose radiation therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, and, in extreme cases, joint- replacement surgery. If you are troubled by arthritis and would like to ease the pain and regain mobility, call us today! We will be glad to perform a joint analysis and help determine the best path forward for you!
Have a Laugh
No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake
Ingredients • 1 box graham crackers, crushed • 2 (3.4-oz) boxes instant lemon pudding • 3 1/2 cups milk • 1 (8-oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 cup lemon juice • Zest of 1 lemon
Directions 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and milk. 2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken. 3. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest. 5. Add the lemon mixture to the pudding mixture, stirring until combined. 6. Layer graham crackers on the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. 7. Spread half the lemon pudding mixture over the graham crackers. 8. Repeat steps with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. 9. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
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