Arthritis: All You Need To Know!
Arthritis is an underlying condition in which the joints become inflamed. It may affect a single joint or several joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, each with its own set of causes and treatments. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two of the most common types of arthritis (RA).
Arthritis symptoms usually appear gradually over time, but they can also occur suddenly. Arthritis is most common in people over 65, but it can also affect children, teenagers, and younger adults. Women and overweight people are more likely to develop arthritis than men.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of arthritis?
The common symptoms that most patients of arthritis experience are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Your range of motion may also be limited, and the skin around the joint may become red. Many people with arthritis observe that their symptoms are exacerbated in the morning.
Due to the inflammation caused by the immune system's activity, you may feel tired or lose appetite if you have RA. You will also become anemic, which means your red blood cell count drops or develops a mild fever. If left untreated, severe RA can lead to joint deformity.
What are the causes of arthritis?
In your joints, cartilage is a firm yet flexible connective tissue. This protects your joints by absorbing the pressure and shock that comes with moving and stressing them. Arthritis is caused by a decrease in the average amount of cartilage tissue.
One of the most common types of arthritis is OA, which is caused by normal wear and tear. A joint infection or injury may hasten the natural breakdown of cartilage tissue. If OA is in your family history, your chances of developing it are higher. The autoimmune disorder RA is another common form of arthritis. It happens when your immune system attacks your body's tissues. The synovium, soft tissue in your joints that contains a fluid that nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints, is affected by these assaults.
How do you know if you have arthritis?
If you're unsure who to see for an arthritis diagnosis, start with your primary care physician. They'll do a physical exam to see if there's any fluid around the joints, whether the joints are warm or red, and if they have a limited range of motion. If necessary, your doctor will refer you to a specialist.
If you're having severe symptoms, you may want to see a rheumatologist first. This may result in a quicker diagnosis and treatment.
Doctors widely use imaging scans such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to create your bones and cartilage images. This allows them to rule out other possibilities for your symptoms, such as bone spurs.
What is the treatment for arthritis?
The primary aim of therapy is to decrease the amount of pain you're in a while also preventing further joint damage. You'll figure out what works best for you in terms of pain management. Heating pads and ice packs are calming to some people. Others use mobility aids such as canes or walkers to relieve pressure on their sore joints.
What changes in one's lifestyle will help people with arthritis?
Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk of developing OA and can help you manage your symptoms if you already have it.
It is critical to follow a healthy diet when trying to lose weight. Inflammation can be reduced by eating a diet rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Fish is another food that helps to reduce inflammation.
Fried foods, processed foods, dairy products, and high meat intakes are foods to limit or prevent if you have arthritis. Your joints will remain flexible if you exercise regularly. Swimming is a good exercise for people with arthritis because it does not put as much strain on the joints as running or walking does. It's important to stay active, but you should also take time to rest.
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