Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • April 10. 2013 Arthritis can be a debilitating disease, and is a leading cause of disability in the United States and elsewhere. Pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms, and millions of people seek relief from arthritis every year. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease of old age. The Arthritis Foundation says one in every five adults has arthritis, two-thirds of whom are under the age of 65. In a 2008 Canadian Community Health Study, 15.3 percent of Canadians age 12 or older reported a diagnosis of arthritis. Even children can suffer from arthritis. A complex family of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis consists of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This can compromise physical movement and lead to pain. Arthritis may result from the wearing down of joints and connective tissue through repetitive movement or injury, but it also may be the result of an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the membranes around joints, particularly in the hands and feet. Treating a complex condition like arthritis is not always easy. Treatment of arthritis, which has no cure, typically involves reducing pain and improving mobility. While pain medications can be prescribed to treat arthritis, there are other more natu- Natural ways to ease arthritis pain and stiffness ral ways to handle arthritis. Eat foods that reduce inflammation. Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and connective tissues, so it makes sense that reducing inflammation could ease symptoms. A number of foods, including tart cherries, have been found to reduce inflammation. According to research from Oregon Health & Science University presented in 2012 at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference in San Francisco, tart cherries have the highest antiinflammatory content of any food. The antioxidant compounds -- called anthocyanins -- in tart cherries have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications. Spinach, walnuts, garlic, and broccoli can also reduce inflammation. Use hot and cold treatments. The University of Washington School of Medicine says hot and cold treatments can reduce swelling, relax muscles, and relieve pain. Cold packs can numb sore areas and should be used when symptoms come on suddenly. Heat sources can help ease pain gradually and limber up tight joints and muscles. Always use a towel or barrier between a cold or hot pack and the skin to avoid injury. Exercise a few times a week. Although it may hurt to move around, frequent exercise can be beneficial in the long run. Lowimpact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling three times a week can help to keep joint pain at bay. Always consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to find out if it is right for your condition. Once you get the green light, start out gradually. If you are experiencing pain for more than an hour after a workout, your workout was too much for your body to handle and you need to lighten the load during your next workout. Lose weight. Being overweight can put added pressure on joints and cause more pain. Shedding a few pounds may be all it takes to get substantial relief from pain associated with arthritis. Many natural therapies can effectively alleviate arthritis pain. Talk to a doctor if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life. P R I M A R Y C A R E A N D F A M I LY P R A C T I C E NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS l MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED “I’m a Valley Medical Group doctor… …because it affords me the opportunity to collaborate with 160 physician experts in 24 specialties to provide you with the best possible care. As part of Valley Health System, I am able to provide comprehensive primary care and preventive services that are backed by Valley’s superior clinical resources. I look forward to caring for you and your family.” Khatuna Belov, MD Valley Medical Group – Khatuna Belov, MD 61 Crescent Avenue Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-445-0033 Primary Care Physician When you need a primary care physician, choose wisely. Choose one backed by the award-winning care of Valley Health System. Choose Valley Medical Group. For information about Valley Medical Group, including a listing of our physicians and their specialties, please visit www.ValleyMedicalGroup.com or call 1-800-637-1136.