Arthritis Support

There are millions of Americans that suffer from the pain of arthritis and related conditions all the time.  The most important thing to know is that you are not alone in this suffering.  Many times you may feel like you are the only one going through this disease, but there are others that feel the same way that you do.  Arthritis can be a very hard problem to understand and many patients who suffer from arthritis will feel like they are alone and confused.  However, with some help, you can meet and talk to others that are dealing with the same pain of arthritis conditions.  Joining one of the many different arthritis support groups will help you feel better about your condition and give you a better outlook on life.

The Arthritis Foundation is one of the non-profit organizations that were formed for those that have arthritis.  There are over 100 different conditions that are related to arthritis and this foundation has worked hard to meet those needs and concerns for people.  This organization will help to give out information about arthritic conditions as well as work as an advocate for the patients that are dealing with arthritis.  They will sponsor medical research for the condition and hope to find a cure for it one day. The Arthritis Foundation will join in with many other organizations and companies to bring patients the service that they need.  Their website will help those that are suffering and the family members and friends that want to learn more about how they can help and donate money towards arthritis research.  You can also join an online organization and benefit from their different member services.

When you are looking for something on a personal level, you need to first find a local arthritis group and talk to your doctor about it.  Usually hospitals will sponsor these types of support groups and help people cope with different disease and pain.  Arthritis is no different.  A local group will usually meet with others that are dealing with arthritis and get feedback on how to cope in daily life.  These community groups are going to be lifelong friends and you can learn to live better and be more optimistic.  You can check your local newspapers if your doctor does not know where to find a support group.  You can even start your own group!  If no support group exists in your town, there may be a huge need for someone to head up this type of project.

A support group is an important way for children that are suffering from arthritis as well.  Arthritis is a condition that is usually more common with age; many children will feel isolated because they have it at such a young age.  The children?s wing of your local hospital may be able to help you find a support group.  It makes no difference what age you are, you can get benefits from the community or support group when you have arthritis.  You need to look online and talk to your doctor about more information on this subject.

Arthritis and the Older Horse

There are a variety of home remedies or treatments you can use for your senior horse companion if he is having a lot of pain and inflammation with his arthritis.  And several of them can be done at the same time.  The thing to remember is that your horse is an individual and may not take too kindly to some treatments, and be just fine with others.  Treat them accordingly and go with the flow. If his joints are really swollen and painful and the Vet has suggested he be confined for a 24 hour or longer period, either use a box stall with lots of cushy hay or a small turn out pen with lots of soft grass underfoot.  If your horse is herd sour and pitches a fit when out of sight of its buddy, put the buddy someplace close.  The last thing you want is your sore horse to be fretting and pacing more trying to find his friend. You can try using a flexible ice pack or even a bag of frozen peas tucked in a towel on the swollen joint for 5 minutes.  Remove for 15 minutes, repeat 3 times in a row.  If you can wrap the joint, then try a standing bandage to help reduce swelling and inflammation.   You can also try Neo-Ice Equine bandages or an ice gel that provides deep penetrating action to help reduce edema and inflammation. Since he'll just get as stiff as all get out if left standing in a stall, take him out twice a day and hand walk him.  Remove his bandage first then walk for about 15 minutes to get limber.  When you take him back to his stall or pen, rewrap the bandage.  Every day gradually increase his exercise.  You will need to do this about four times a day as he progresses and then also reduce the length of time he is to be confined to about half the original period of time. You'll be doing controlled exercises like hand-walking, ponying at a walk or slow trot or riding at a walk or slow trot.  These all depend on what condition your senior is in, so use your discretion.  If the swelling comes back, you need to slow down. If there is no swelling an hour after the exercise session(s) you should be able to turn your senior back out into this regular pasture and then slowly get back into an easy exercise program.  If however there is swelling, you will need to call your Veterinarian to re-evaluate the situation.