The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1945-12-11
Your Health
Physician Should
be ConSulted For
ArthritiS Cases

10y III IN " IN ID q - JUS taaNF NAr q
MISTAKES in the handling OF
patients with arthritis or inham-
nation Of the joints may lead to
deformities and Gripping. Persons
who have arthritis should not de-
lay in seeking medical attention so
that the physician may determine
the kind Il arthritis present and
start proper treatment at once.
Unfortunately, up 10 the pres
ent, there has been no direct cure
discovered for arthritis but at the
same time, treatment carried out
even over a period Of months or
years, If necessary, may help 10
check the progress Of the disease
and prevent crippling.
Younger Adults
The most common type Of arth-
ritis is known as rheumatoid ar
thrills. 1t is the kind which occurs
in younger adults. According 10
Doctor Bernard |. Comroe Of
Philadelphia, persons should not
be led 10 believe that improvement
will be steady or uninterrupted.
since such things as changes in
the weather and emotional upsets
may cause the disease to fare up.
Not only is it necessary 10 treat
the joints, but also the patients
general health and comfort.
In carrying out the treatment,
the patient should not go TO bed
for prolonged periods without hav-
ing proper exercise and massage.
Excessive movement Of the joints
may lead TO further damage and to
increased pain, swelling and stiff.
ness, but every patient should have
enough exercise to keep stiffness
Of the affected joints from devel-
oping, and should have enough rest
to permit healing TO go on. The
joints should never be exercised
70 the point Of persistent pain or
fatigue.
Heat Application
Applying heat to the joints is
also helpful in the treatment in
most instances and. as a rule, this
can be applied at home by using
hot baths or q heating pad. If the
knees are involved by the arthri-
tbs. every attempt must be made
to keep the legs stretched out. II
the patient walks with his knee
bent, it may be necessary to use
a plaster cast for a while to keep
the leg straight Splints may also
be used.
Many persons with arthritis
wonder if a change Of climate will
not bring about n definite improve
ment. There is no definite evidence
that a change to a warm, dry eli
mate is particularly beneficial.
There are various drugs which
may be employed to give tempo
rary relief from pain and these
should be used under the direc-
tons of a physician.
There is need for a great deal
more study of the causes Of arth-
ritis and methods for relieving il.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
s. G.: Could ore have all the
symptoms of grippe and not have
il at all ;
Answer: The symptoms which
occur in grippe might be similar to
those of a variety of other disor-
ders. A careful study by physi-
clan would be needed to determine
lust what disorder is present,
G. W: What is the cause OF an
adult gritting his teeth while
asleep?
Answer: Grinding the teeth dur
ing sleep is probably due to nerv-
BUSINESS in most instances.
Ell. Is it harmful TO take small
amounts Of iodine for an over
active thyroid gland?
Answer: Iodine, for treating
thyroid disease, should be EN-
ployed only under the directions Of
a physician and in the dose which
he advises. When used properly it
is beneficial and not harmful