Women's Health

A-Z Women-Related Medical Terms:

A

Arthritis:
The general name for a number of diseases that cause inflammation of the joints with swelling, redness and/or tenderness. Arthrtis is more common in women than men, and most forms of the disease are chronic. Septic arthritis is caused by bacterial infection in and around a joint. This is frequently caused by bacteria such as common streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci or gonococci (resposible for Gonorrhoea). The bacteria or viruses that cause influenza, Hepatitis, German Measles or bacterial endocarditis can be responsible for some forms of arthritis. Rheumatic fever may cause arthritis symptoms, and this is an example of an Autoimmune Disease. The most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Symptoms Of Arthritis:
The main symptoms of arthritis are pain and stiffness, and of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and swelling around the joints, especially the knuckles, wrists, knees and ankles.

Treatment:
Osteoarthritis is degeneration of the joint cartilage. A common site is the hip, and often, the only cure is to have an artificial hip replacement. Aromatherapy helps to alleviate pain and improve mobility in arthritis joints. The recommended treatment is the twice-daily use of a lotion containing relevant essential oils gently massaged into the affected knees or hips. Use overnight compresses for affected hands and feet.

Arthritis can cause problems such as pain, restricted movement and dexterity and even disfigurement in the hands as you grow older. Arthritis should receive medical diagnosis and treatment, but self-help measures include taking pain killers and applying alternate hot or cold compress to the hands. Hand massage can also be helpful.
Arthritis Massage: To give a massage, lubricate your hands with base oil mixed with a few drops of marjoram essential oil and gently sandwich one of the sufferer's hands in between both of yours. Gently stroke the length of the hand from the wrist to the fingertips. The warmth of your hands will ease the pain. Now gently rub and stroke the thumb.

Supplements:
Vitamin C, Vitamin B₅, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), bone mineral complex, general antioxidant supplement, or a general multivitamin and mineral supplement.