Arthritis is a degenerative condition that is characterized by inflammation and sometimes derangement of the joints. It can be both painful and debilitating. The classification includes commonly known conditions such as Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, but is also used to classify conditions such as Gout, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia.
There are many different types of arthritis that affect people of all ages, ethnicities and gender. Arthritis does not affect only the elderly. In fact, more than three in five people diagnosed with arthritis are under the age of 65. Canadian statistics suggest that there may be slightly more women than men diagnosed with arthritis and Aboriginal Canadians have a higher incidence as well.
As a massage therapist, I work daily with clients that suffer from chronic pain associated with arthritis. Particularly troublesome is arthritis in the hands and wrists, as it is not only painful, but limits one's ability to do the activities of daily life like opening doors, writing and picking up kids and grandkids. It is important to understand that although arthritis is a degenerative condition.
According to the World Suicide Prevention Day website, 800 000 people end their lives through suicide, but it is thought that as many as 25 times that number have attempted in doing so. Isolation plays a large role with regards to this.