I always said, “my plan in life is easy, I will just stay young and strong forever.” But as time slips by and the meter keeps running, the body ultimately begins the natural process of aging. I would wake up one day and have pain and stiffness in my joints that never existed before. I would do daily chores around the house and very easily pull a muscle or tendon. Doing some of my favorite outdoor activities, like bike riding, would cause my hands to become very stiff and tingly from holding the handlebars. Joint stiffness, decreases in range of motion, general inflammation, overall weakness, are all common signs for Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, these are two separate conditions that are often confused but can overlap.
There are plenty of medications on the market to treat these ailments, some over the counter, while others are prescribed (Rx). While seeking a natural healing/home remedy method I was introduced to paraffin wax heat therapy treatments through some close friends. It is a very benign method, yet very effective method, that has been used for years, by physical therapists and salons to help relieve pain, improve circulation, and provide an overall soothing effect. I must say, once I tried it, I was hooked and now have my own home setup (wax warmer, favorite wax scents, warming gloves) and perform wax treatments daily.
Understanding the difference between Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is very important.
In general, there are two types of Arthritis; Osteoarthritis occurs when the slick cartilage (flexible tissue) at the end of the bones wears down. This occurs gradually and only worsens over time, until the cartilage is fully worn out leaving bone rubbing on bone. Osteoarthritis is a very common condition that afflicts over three million people a year. It is what people call a degenerative disease because it occurs over time and is related to regular wear and tear.
The other type of arthritis is known as Rheumatoid Arthritis and is an autoimmune disorder, when your own immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissue. Unlike the wear and tear damage caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Initially, rheumatoid arthritis affects the small joints first, such as the area between your hand/fingers and feet/toes. Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and often come and go. Periods of increased activity are known as flare up, then often followed by a period of remission. As Rheumatoid Arthritis progresses it can affect other parts of the body as well.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also causes weakness, tingling, numbness and pain in the wrist/hand, clumsiness and loss of fine movement. I found just gripping a quart of milk became a chore and pain would shoot through my wrist and hand. For weeks I could not perform basic tasks like typing or writing. Eventually my fingers locked up in a claw-like position. Many of the symptoms are like arthritis, but Carpal Tunnel is a nerve condition that happens in your wrist. It occurs when the median nerve (main nerve) which runs from your arm to your hand is compressed (squeezed) or damaged as it goes through the wrist. The carpal tunnel (wrist area) is only a slight opening and has nine tendons running through it; any swelling in the tendons or changes in the bone can put pressure on the median nerve. Where arthritis is caused by inflammation and damage to the joint.
Arthritis and carpal tunnel are two different conditions that can happen on their own. However, Arthritis can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have arthritis in your hand, it could lead to a higher risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Overall, arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is used to describe multiple conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround and other connective tissues.
Paraffin Wax heat therapy treatment offers a noninvasive way to get immediate relief for arthritis and carpal tunnel pain. If used daily, paraffin wax will help to increase blood flow to the distressed area, improving circulation is vital to the healing process. In addition, it helps to reduce inflammation, and provides immediate comfort.
At first I found my new “conditions” debilitating, we all want the quality of life that we always enjoyed. As we age, just losing basic functions can take away from who we once were. Discovering at home therapy like paraffin wax has become an uplifting experience. As I turn additional family and friends into the features / benefits, they have joined me with this simple, easy to use treatment. I firmly believe in seeing my doctor regularly, but at-home remedies are very nice too!
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Informative