Rheumatoid Arthritis: Prevention is Better than Cure

One common ailment among adults is rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune type of disease in which the immune system of the body attacks the joint. It means that the joints are being subjected to inflammation causing damage to both the cartilage and bones. Aside from the pain and discomfort that is commonly experienced by a person having a rheumatoid arthritis attack, it also causes disabling deformities, especially in the hand and feet. Fortunately, there are ways on how to prevent and stop the disease/attack from occurring.

Once recognized, it is vital for it to be treated before it can cause any more severe damage to the bones or the cartilage. The disease is like a tumor or cancer that progresses and thus if it is to be halted early on, it would help tremendously on the pain and discomfort in the later years.

Unfortunately for those who aren’t fans of taking pills, at present, the most common form of remedy for this disease is through medication. Taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is considered a reliable way of slowing or halting the progression of the disease. This drug has two types - the first one suppresses the body’s immune system, and the other one hones on certain inflammation producers. It had been categorized as biologics later on since they are synthesized from human genes.

Many researchers have devoted their time in studies as to how the intervention by the DMARDs has impacted on the progression of the disease. One of the thing they did is to track down patients over a two year period. These patients took DMARDs and are classified as having ‘early rheumatoid arthritis’ since for the following year, the onset of the disease will strike. As per the study, out of the 833 patients that have been tracked down, more than 90% of them have showed symptoms showing that the disease’s progression has slowed down.

After six months of usage, 56% of the patients have achieved slow activity, which meant less swelling, inflammation and pain markers. After two years, these people who have used the drug at the earliest stage they could have a notably better experience with the disease compared to those who have only used the drug later on.

Researchers have also stated that the conventional use of DMARD doesn’t necessarily work just for everyone. There are some who might want to consider as using biologics combined with DMARD, while others opt to undergo surgical procedures for a longer lasting result. They have also noted that the ‘early window’ for one to intervene the disease’s progression is within three months since the disease has started. This is the period wherein the patient will start to develop joint inflammation.

6 Racquet Signs That Suggest a Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis or more commonly known as tennis elbow can be a painful, chronic ailment for tennis enthusiasts around the world. Having the time to take a good look at your tennis racquet to see if it is at the root of why you have this agonizing irritation can save you time, money, effort in enduring all that pain!

Having a tennis elbow does not happen overnight. There are several factors that can predispose a player to suffer from such. They are the following:

1.     Stiffness of racquet frame

2.     Racquet head size

3.     String related issues such as type of string, string size, tension, pattern and the number of cross row

4.     Racquet handle grip size

5.     Swing weight

6.     Balance point

Racquet stiffness can be a major problem when talking about tennis elbow. Tennis racquets that are larger and stiffer require tennis players to use less energy since they produce power, pop and pace. It is because when the tennis ball comes into contact with a racquet that is stiff, the latter could not completely absorb the force. Instead, the vibration and force reaches the elbow through the region of the ERCL and the ECRB, which helps us understand why it is linked to tennis elbow.

Comparing racquet types to determine the power level of stiffness for a tennis racquet can be difficult for some. However, comparing the features of new racquets including the length, the string’s tension and pattern, swing weight, and power level can be helpful according to the Tennis Magazine.

Racquet strings also contribute to lateral epicondylitis. It is due to certain types of strings that  produce a lot of pace and force, which are also stiff. This results in poor absorption of shock therefore requiring a lot of force from the elbow.

To prevent a tennis elbow from occurring, a natural gut is recommended. A natural gut is a type of string that can be very forgiving but expensive. It can cost between $40 and $60 a set. Albeit it is much better to go for the blended string type instead of monofilament, since strings with a higher gauge are good but they can break easily.

If you are recovering from tennis elbow, consider a grip overwrap since a small grip may aggravate a tennis elbow. To do this, wrap your tennis racquet grip by one or two layers.

If all fails, consider getting an advice from a Certified Racquet Technician in picking the right tennis racquet for you that won’t hurt. They would provide guidance on the right racquet, string type, gauge, tension and grip size that is suitable for you.

Since technique is at the heart of tennis elbow, simple technique corrections can alleviate symptoms – and this can be the best prevention you can ever give yourself.