Eiyu Matsumoto writes:
From Ms. Kashiwagi's symptoms, her disease is likely arthritis. But from this information, we cannot know which type of arthritis she has. So to know the type, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, we have to know more about her symptoms. She gives a lot of information. But we need more information to make an accurate diagnosis. First, we have to know when these problems occurred. If her pain developed slowly, it should be osteoarthritis. On the other hand, if it developed suddenly, it might be rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it is so important to check her symptoms and her family health history, because some forms of arthritis tend to run in families. And X-rays can show if a bone is damaged by osteoarthritis, and, if so, how badly. it is also good to test a sample of blood or of fluid drawn from inside the affected joint. These tests may help rule out other diseases and determine the type of arthritis that is causing her symptoms.
Should Ms. Kashiwagi have osteoarthritis, she will have to listen to me. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Beginning treatment as early as possible can help reduce long-term damage to her joint and bones. The goal of every treatment for arthritis is to reduce pain and stiffness, allow for greater movement, and slow the progression of the disease. So, she should accept her circumstances now. First, she must lose weight and exercise, because losing weight can help relieve the pressure and strain on her joints, and taking exercise strengthen muscles It leads to improving flexibility, relieving stress. When she takes exercise, she should try to make a good plan. The exercise should be a part of her life and fit her physical ability, because, a plan that takes much time would not be continued. Moreover both too much exercise and exercise that does not match her abilities are not good for her knee. So she should make a good plan with the health care professionals. After these, I recommend medication to her. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever often first recommended. It is excellent medicine, because it does not cause stomach irritation like some other pain relievers, such as aspirin. I think, her knee does not need surgery for now. But, osteoarthritis cannot be cured. So, she must keeping track to be aware of her body's response.
If she has osteoarthritis, she has to do many things to improve her symptoms and to live fully. First, she should see a doctor as early as she can. Osteoarthritis can't necessarily be prevented. But seeing a doctor can help to the slow progress of the disorder and reduce the pain and the damage to her joints. But the diagnosis is only the first step toward managing osteoarthritis. She and her doctor have to work together as a team. Second, if she will make efforts, she can get many benefits from other health care professionals, such as nurses, a physical therapist, and an occupational therapist. Third, one of the most powerful weapons against arthritis is a positive attitude. Having an optimistic outlook can increase her ability to control her symptoms and greatly improve the quality of her life. Thinking she can gain control over her pain and knowing she can accomplish everyday tasks gives her self-confidence and a sense of well-being. This self-confidence can boost the effectiveness of your treatment program. Finally, adapting her lifestyle to meet the challenges that damage to a joint can create is good. By taking charge of her treatment, she can learn how to manage her pain, control her weight, and use exercise most effectively. I recommend she try to educate herself.
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