Mixed Connective Tissue arthritis

• Mixed connective tissue arthritis is actually a combination of several different types of diseases or symptoms from diseases, which have been classified as a separate disease. As a result, it is not that common a disease since it requires multiple initial sets of symptoms in order to be diagnosed. That does not change the fact that this disease can be devastating and difficult to manage. There is no cure for it so the best that is available is a treatment plan that can help to alleviate the symptoms and help to give you back at least some of your life. This is in particular an overlap of three different diseases. These diseases are systemic lupus erthematosus, scleroderma and polymyositis. Normally, if you have missed connected tissue disease you will end up with symptoms from each of these three diseases but not enough of any one to gain a classification in one of the three.

• While these three diseases are the most common, you can also have overlapping of systemic lupus erthematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, which gives you, mixed connective tissue arthritis

• Treatment of a mixed connective tissue disease is dependent on the symptoms or diseases, which make up the combination that is currently creating the symptoms. As a result, treatments are varied. Usually there is a treatment plan designed to target each one of the various organs, which are affected. Generally, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is applied since connective tissue diseases as well as arthritis cause inflammation. This helps to relieve joint stiffness and help to relieve pain. In addition to the anti-inflammatory drugs prednisone, hydroxycloriquine and methotrexate can be used to alleviate pain. Common painkillers can also be used and in some cases, physical therapy can help signification with certain parts of the body.

• Connective tissue diseases can affect anyone from children to adults. Some of the other medications that are often offered as help for pain relief are ibuprofen, also used as anti-inflammatory such as Advil, children’s Advil, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, and Pediacare, for children.

• There are a number of other ways that you can relieve pain with mixed connective tissue diseases. There are supplements that have been found to help reduce inflammation; excess fluid in the body can be removed through small changes in the diet. The reduction of inflammation can be a great relief when it comes to getting rid of and reducing pain.

• There are also alternative practices like Reiki, which has been shown to not only be highly relaxing but also can reduce the amount of pain you are experiencing. Acupuncture is also another way that can be used to help reduce pain. Keeping active can go a long way too, this helps to keep you flexible making it easier to move. If you are looking for something that will keep you mobile but you are on restrictions consider Tai chi or yoga. There are a number of programs that can help keep you flexible and moving without putting any pressure on your joints and body. Water aerobics are also a good way to keep moving without putting additional pressure on your body.

• Some conditions may require physical therapy and with any exercise or treatment program consult with your doctors before beginning them in order to make sure they work with your current treatment program.

• Mixed connective tissue diseases whether it is a combination of arthritis and another disease or several connective tissue diseases, it is not easy to live with and can make normal life seem a thing of the past. However, with the proper treatment you can regain a large portion of your life and your ability to do things. There are a number of treatment options, both modern and alternative medicine as well as exercise programs.

• Check with your doctor about local programs that can help you, as well as checking your area for support groups. You may not be able to find a support group for mixed connective tissue arthritis but there are a number that deal with chronic illnesses such as this and offer support and understanding. Knowing you aren’t the only out there can go a long way to keeping a positive mental attitude which can go a long way to helping reduce the amount of pain you experience and increasing your tolerance.

• Thanks to modern medicine and tried and true alternative treatments, there are a wide variety of options available that can help you keep control over your life, keep moving and enjoy more of life.

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