Want Success in Managing Joint Diseases? Treat Both Mind, Body

For arthritis-afflicted people, the pain is not only affecting them physically but emotionally as well, orthopedic experts say. According to a recent study, arthritis exerts a strong influence over one’s emotion and quality of life. It has a holistic effect, indeed. To add burden over this, those who have faulty hip replacement implants are suffering twice more.
 
One of the most common problems associated with chronic diseases is depression. This should not be overlooked as a mere psychological condition which may interfere with daily routines. Treatment of arthritis must not be limited to orthopedists and surgeons but should include other healthcare professionals as well such as psychologists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists.
 
What they may do to you:
 
Psychologists
 
The work of psychologists involved studying the human mind and the reasons behind an action. They may provide certain approaches or plans on how to manage arthritis, as well as identify the need for medications such as antidepressants on when to incorporate this type of medicine in the treatment.
 
In fact, a type of antidepressant drug, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) has now been used in conjunction with some pain relievers for arthritis. SSRIs function by making serotonin circulate in the brain more causing a euphoric effect.
 
In addition, Jackson Rainer, a psychologist and dean of the graduate school at Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina said that when patients are experiencing stiffness in their joints, they might also stiffen up emotionally too.
 
Occupational therapists
 
Study shows that in an arthritis care plan (included in occupational therapy) it may help people with osteoarthritis stay on the go. Occupational therapists work by assisting people with mental, physical or social disabilities to individually carry out daily tasks or jobs. They also make individual treatment plans, assess patient’s development, and make alterations to the treatment as needed.
 
Occupational therapists may recommend range-of-motion exercises to painful and stiff joints. In the morning, having paraffin baths may help comfort the pain also. Their aim is to comprehend each person’s necessities and lifestyle so they can produce the best care plan for them.
 
Psychiatrists
 
Chronic ailments do really affect the mood and behaviour of its victims, and arthritis is one example of a chronic condition. Mahmoud Ahmed, a psychiatrist at Marshfield Clinic at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, said that arthritis is just not about the pain. Some think that having the disease is like death already. This is where depression sets in. A psychiatrist can distinguish signs of depression or anxiety and efficiently treat them. If and only when required, a psychiatrist may prescribe medicine to help manage depression.

 
What is really needed for a successful management of arthritis is treating both the mind and body. These two are in sync, so it is best to give proper attention to them before it will get worse.
 
Severe arthritis often leads to surgeries such as hip replacements wherein metal-on-metal hip implants are being used. However, severe complications arise from it such as swelling, pain, and metallosis. With these, people are stirred to file lawsuits against the manufacturers of these hip implants. Read more here, https://www.stryker-hip-replacement-recall.com/
 
 
Sources:
foundhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/mind
everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis/arthritis-therapies.aspx