This site provides articles and recourses for dealing with general arthritis, Rheumatoid, JRA, and Osteoarthritis. Under "treatments" it lists all types of medical and supplemental ways of treating arthritis. I thought that was neat.
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, control and cure of arthritis in the United States.
Everything you need to know about supplements and what they do for you. Learn about more than 100 medications for arthritis and related diseases. Get the practical information you need to live better with arthritis delivered straight to your inbox! When you have arthritis, even the simplest everyday activities can be difficult and painful.
This AOTA article includes the definition of arthritis as well as OT's role in the treatment of arthritis. There is also a great tip sheet for treatment of arthritis by current need which can be downloaded for ease of use.
Food Choices will not act as a panacea for arthritis, but they can have a positive or negative effect on the condition. This article lists 10 foods that help and hurt someone with arthritis.
This type of arthritis affect the joint of the base of the thumb. This joint tends to wear out and is prone to arthritis early on as we age. There are pictures and the article covers surgeries and other treatments. It often affects those with OA.
This site provides a virtual library that addresses questions about rheumatoid arthritis. Just click on the different sections and get info on things like preparing for your appointment and questions to ask.
This is a great article on Arthritis. It is from the AOTA website. It tells and explains arthritis. But best of all it gives examples of things to do to prevent and help compensate with arthritis. These types of articles are great for me because now that I am obtaining all of this knowledge in the classroom, things like this make so much sense to me now. I remember when I would read articles like these when I first entered the program and would be discouraged because I did not understand some of the key points. It is so rewarding now for an article like this to be beneficial. I really enjoy the articles on AOTA, if you have not joined you need to! Great stuff on the website to take advantage of!
This website lists OT interventions related to rheumatoid arthritis such as joint protection, range of motion, maintaining muscle strength, and avoiding stresses that can damage joints. It also lists the optimal lying, seated and standing positions as well as taking care of the hands.
This information indicates that arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the US. It explores possible alternative therapies including medication, massage, heat and cold, working with your physician, and social support.
The Centers For Disease Control has a webpage dedicated to arthritis. It has links for things such as interventions, statistics, basic arthritis information, and additional resources.
Although not curable, RA symptoms can be alleviated by the same relaxation and breathing techniques we have already learned. Cold and warm compresses can be used to help with inflammation and pain. Mind/body therapies have been shown to be of great help to those with RA. Progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, meditation, and biofeedback are all good techniques to teach our clients when traditional medications are not enough. Also, these techniques can be used in many other areas.
This website from the American College of Rheumatology provides fast facts re: appropriate exercises for those who suffer from arthritis. What exercises are helpful and safe, who should exercise and which exercises are best, when to exercise and how to get started. Good info to know and share with potential clients in the future
I found this article very helpful for people with arthritis. This guide gives you tips on how to do everyday tasks with arthritis and be pain free. Many people suffer from this and it would be beneficial to them! "You can do it easier! Find practical, everyday solutions for managing your household, gardening, cooking, beauty and more."
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder for which there is no known cure. Fortunately in the last few years, a shift in strategy toward the earlier institution of disease modifying drugs and the availability of new classes of medications have greatly improved the outcomes that can be expected by most patients.
I shared this as I feel the Mayo Clinic is a strong source for medical information. I have heard a lot of discussion regarding special diets for those with arthritis and it is interesting to know that there is no absolute proof regarding this.