Arthritis for Dummies - Barry Fox

. .

Résumé :

An easy-to-understand in-depth look at of one of the most common medical conditions in the world

If you're one of the 350 million people around the world who suffer from arthritis, you know how challenging it can be to live with it. And if you care for someone who has arthritis, you know how difficult it is to help your loved one live comfortably with the disease.

Arthritis For Dummies was written for you. In it, you'll find no-nonsense guidance based on the latest arthritis research, the straight goods on medications old and new, and up-to-date info on over 40 forms of the disease, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and more. You'll also find:

• Ten new cutting-edge treatments for arthritis
• A complete rundown of medications for arthritis, including the very latest ones
• Diet strategies to help combat arthritis pain and improve joint function
• The best exercises for building stronger joints and easing arthritis pain
• Biomechanical techniques to help ward off joint damage

An essential handbook for all who suffer from arthritis, as well as their caregivers, friends, and family, Arthritis For Dummies is the all-in-one handbook that shows you how to control arthritis symptoms, deal with chronic pain, assemble a top-notch healthcare team, and do much to help others who suffer from the disease....

Biographie:

Nadine Taylor is a registered dietitian and contributing editor to the bestseller The Arthritis Cure. She is also author of Green Tea: The Natural Secret to a Healthier Life.

Barry Fox, PhD, is a best-selling writer who has authored or co-authored 20 health books and over 160 health-related articles. His works include the New York Times #1 bestseller, The Arthritis Cure, and many more....

Sommaire:

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Foolish Assumptions 2

Icons Used in This Book 3

Beyond the Book 3

Where to Go from Here 3

Part 1: Making Sense of the Types of Arthritis 5

Chapter 1: What Is Arthritis? 7

Understanding How Arthritis Affects Your Joints 8

Saying hello to your joints 8

Looking at the types of synovial joints 11

Distinguishing Between Arthritis and Arthritis-Related Conditions 14

Defining true arthritis 14

Classifying arthritis as a major player 16

Describing arthritis as a minor player 17

Experiencing arthritis as a companion condition 18

Deciding Whether It's Really Arthritis: Signs and Symptoms 19

Considering the Causes of Arthritis 20

Understanding Who Gets Arthritis 21

Assessing Your Treatment Options 23

Looking into medications 24

Considering surgery 25

Making lifestyle changes 25

Looking at alternative approaches 26

Chapter 2: Osteoarthritis: The Most Common Form 29

Considering Cartilage 30

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis 31

Discovering What Causes Cartilage Breakdown 33

Considering causes of primary osteoarthritis 33

Sorting out the sources of secondary osteoarthritis 34

Regarding the repair problem 34

Recognizing Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis 35

Determining Whether It Really Is Osteoarthritis 36

Treating Osteoarthritis 37

Muting the pain with medication 37

Lubricating your joints with exercise 38

Protecting your joints through good alignment 38

Heating and cooling the pain away 39

Taking a load off with weight control 39

Knowing how to help yourself 39

Considering surgery 39

Chapter 3: A War Within: Rheumatoid Arthritis 41

Turning on Itself: When the Body Becomes Its Own Worst Enemy 42

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of RA 43

Understanding the causes of RA 45

Pinpointing the most likely victim of RA 46

Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis 47

Searching for clues: The medical history and physical exam 47

Taking tests 47

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis 49

Relying on rest during a flare 49

Delving into your diet 50

Easing into exercise and physical therapy 50

Protecting your joints 50

Applying hot or cold compresses 50

Taking medication 51

Saving your joints through surgery 53

Reducing the risk factors for heart disease 54

Predicting the outcome 54

Focusing on the future 55

Understanding the Difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis 55

Chapter 4: Investigating Other Forms of Arthritis 57

Gaining Insight into Gout: It's Not Just for Royalty 58

Summarizing the symptoms 58

Diagnosing and treating gout 60

Helping yourself heal 60

Studying Pseudogout: The Royal Pretender 61

Summarizing the symptoms 61

Diagnosing and treating pseudogout 61

Understanding Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis 62

Summarizing the symptoms 62

Diagnosing and treating JIA 63

Investigating Infectious Arthritis 64

Summarizing the symptoms 64

Diagnosing and treating infectious arthritis 64

Getting a Grip On Gonococcal Arthritis 65

Summarizing the symptoms 65

Diagnosing and treating gonococcal arthritis 65

Surveying Psoriatic Arthritis 66

Summarizing the symptoms 66

Diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis 66

Anlalyzing Ankylosing Spondylitis 67

Summarizing the sympto...