Related ArticlesArthritis Treatment by Blood Filtration Recognizing Quack Remedies, Devices and Clinics Four Basic Elements of Arthritis Technique for Progressive Muscle Relaxation Recreation or Leisure Time in Arthritis Understanding Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Save Money by Treating Arthritis Early Treatment and Therapy for Arthrities Learning Relaxation Techniques Travel as Relaxation and Arthritis |
Women and ArthritisSome women develop arthritis in their early 20’s or at a younger age. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious type; if left untreated, it can lead to permanent joint deformities, disability, and damage to the body’s vital organs. In many cases of rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms decrease during pregnancy but sometimes flare up again after delivery. The manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may become worse during pregnancy. Researchers suspect that natural hormonal changes in the female body play a role but that hormones are not the entire answer. Researchers are working on this puzzle and hope to have more answers as knowledge about arthritis increases. Meanwhile, many health care professionals are exploring the unique effects of arthritis on women. Study projects focus on emotional and physical manifestations of the disease, pain and depression, developing positive mental attitudes, coping and change, mothering, dependency, and physical appearance.
Having any one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that you have arthritis, but if you do, you should have a check-up and obtain a diagnosis. The Arthritic Child: Special Role of ParentsIf you are the parent of an arthritic child, you and the child’s physician must become partners in providing care for the child. Your role will include providing the emotional support, the chronically ill child needs, as well as helping the child follow the physician’s program of medication, rest and exercise. Children with arthritis need encouragement to grow and develop emotionally and socially as well as physically. |