Do you wake up in the morning with stiff joints? Are your knees, hands, hips, neck, or lower back aching more than before and it’s getting harder to move in general? Have you noticed that some of the joints in your hands and feet have become swollen?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be developing arthritis, the most common joint problem in older people.
6 Surprising Truths Every Arthritic Patient Needs To Know
a) There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types.
b) Arthritis is mostly seen in adults over the age of 60, but it can also develop in children, teens, and younger adults.
c) Women are more likely to develop arthritis than men, especially when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, and also in people who are overweight.
d) Having rheumatoid arthritis makes you more likely to experience a serious cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke.
e) Arthritis is a significant cause of disability among adults. If left untreated, it will get worse with time.
f) Rheumatism is no longer a medical term, so Arthritis is more preferred to be called the condition.
What are the symptoms of Arthritis?
The joints are the most commonly affected by arthritis signs and symptoms. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, you may experience the following signs and symptoms :
a) Stiffness and pain
b) Redness and swelling
c) Reduced range of motion
Other symptoms are unexplained fever, fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms typically last more than two weeks.
Why do you suffer from Arthritis?
Two of the most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (The most common type) involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint’s cartilage, occurring over many years or it could be hastened by a joint injury or infection.
Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones and allows nearly frictionless joint motion, but enough damage can result in bone grinding, directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement.
In Rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
When do you need Medical Attention?
It’s very important you see a health care professional when you experience the following :
I) When you are feeling pain from arthritis; it may come and go, or it may be constant. It may affect only one part, or it may be felt in many parts of the body.
II) When the affected joint becomes red or swollen and feels warm to the touch.
III) Stiffness: This is most likely upon waking up in the morning, after sitting at a desk or sitting in a car for a long time.
IV) If moving a joint or getting up from a chair is hard or painful, it could indicate arthritis or another joint problem.
Who are at risk of Arthritis?
Men and women 45 years of age and older
Females 15 years of age and older
People who are obese
Someone with a family history of arthritis.
People with past injuries to joints.
People with certain occupations require frequent repetitive joint activities, for example, kneeling or stooping.
Note: A number of factors increase blood pressure in people with rheumatoid arthritis, including a lack of exercise and drugs used to treat the disease.
Complications
If left untreated, severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed.
Healthy habits you can practice to reduce your risk of developing Arthritis
a) Eat fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s have a number of health benefits, and they can reduce inflammation in the body.
b) Maintain a good body weight: Your knees have to support your body weight. Being overweight or obese can take a real toll on them.
c) Exercise: Exercise not only takes the stress of excess weight off your joints but also strengthens the muscles around the joints.
d) Try to avoid injury when playing sports or participating in recreational activities.
e) Go for medical care immediately: The damage from arthritis is usually progressive, meaning the longer you wait to seek treatment, the more destruction can occur to the joint.
Proper Treatment of Arthritis
Its treatment involves repairing the worn-out tissues, strengthening the blood vessels and veins, and lubricating every joint in the body for easy movement. A standard treatment helps to greatly improve your joint health, prevent pain and inflammation so you can have better flexibility and be in great shape again.
