Arthritis comes in many different forms, symptoms, and conditions. The older you get the more troublesome arthritis gets. It can manifest itself any were at anytime. Arthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions affecting mostly people over the age of 55. It doesn’t only affect that specific age group, but also a percentage of young adults. It’s not just a simple disease but a group of conditions that may cause damage not only to your bones but also to other organs in the body.
Different Forms Of Arthritis Manifest Different Symptoms
Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain; tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by movement; inflammation indicated by joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth; pain and stiffness in the body, especially around the joints; joint deformity; loss of range of motion or flexibility in a joint; unexplained weight loss; non-specific fever; and crepitus (weird crackling sound in the joints.)
There are over 100 different types of arthritis affect approximately 46 million Americans today. The three most common types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Osteoarthritis is more commonly called as degenerative arthritis. This develops from a simple breakdown to an eventual loss of cartilages of one or joints. Cartilages are protein-based mass that serve as cushions in between joints. This type of arthritis usually attacks weight-bearing joints such as the hands, feet, and spine. It is mostly related to aging and it progresses further as the years pass. It usually occurs at the age range of 45-60. Men are at higher risk for osteoarthritis before age 45. Women, however, are more prone to it around age 55 specifically around the hand, foot and knee joints. Severe cases of degenerative arthritis require total joint replacement, mostly of the hip and knee joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect different joints, and as previously mentioned, it may affect some body organs and even our blood. It mainly affects the synovial lining of the joint. The synovium is a soft tissue that lines the non-cartilaginous surfaces within joints. This issue comes as a secondary effect of infections. In this case, the body’s autoimmune system malfunctions and attacks healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and joint damage. Although it is not as degenerative as osteoarthritis, it may cause joint deformity in a mild level.
Gout is caused by displacement of uric acid crystal to the joints. Also known as hyperuricemia, which literally translates high uric acid content in the blood, it is a metabolic ailment wherein uric acid builds up in the blood and crystallize in the joints of other parts of the body. Chronic gout attacks may lead to hard lumps of uric acid deposits around the joints, and in the process decrease kidney functions and form kidney stones.
There are different kinds of treatment for the different forms of arthritis. There are medications available that aid in arthritis pain relief. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as relieve pain and decrease inflammation on affected areas. It has to be paired with constant visits to a physical or occupational therapist to ensure that mobility and range of motion is maintained.
Arthritis isn’t just a simple joint pain that we can disregard. The pain alone is difficult to ignore, let alone the complications it will bring if it remains untreated. Nobody is safe from getting arthritis as there are forms that have causes yet to be defined. Bottom line is, take care of your body – be mindful of your diet and exercise constantly. You’ll never know when this sneaky disease will catch up with you.
Arthritis Is Not Just A Simple Joint Pain – Do Not Try To Disregard It
Pain and stiffness in the joints may mean one thing—arthritis. This disease may cause painful swelling and inflammation of the joints and are experienced my millions of people around the world. In the United States alone, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be nearly 70 million affected by this disease. This health ailment may be caused by pain and swelling in the joints. Cases of arthritis may be mild or severe, short-term or permanent. Medical researches suggest that there are more than 100 forms of arthritis but the most familiar form is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis takes place when the cartilage that supports the joints ear out, a process that occurs over a long period. Individuals who workout too much or over-train have increased risk of developing this ailment.
Other types of this joint ailment may include the following:
Rheumatoid—The body’s immune system does not work properly. This condition affects the joints, bones, and various organs of the body. Individuals who suffer from this ailment may feel tired and have fever.
Gout—This is caused by build-up of needle-like uric acid crystals in the joints. The big toe is often affected by this ailment.
Systematic lupus erythematosus or lupus—This is caused by an overly aggressive immune system. This disease is about nine times more common in men than in women.
Ankylosing spondylitis—This condition affects the joints in the spine. In severe cases, the one infected may experience stooped posture.
Bursitis—The major joints of the body are protected by small cushions called bursae. Bursitis takes place when these cushions are overused, they become sore and swollen.
Tendonitis—The tendons that connect the muscle becomes inflamed. This kind of arthritis is common on individuals who spend too much on computers.
Septic arthritis—This ailment is caused by bacterial infection that leads to pain and swelling.
Inflamed joints that tend to hurt when in motion are some of the familiar signs and symptoms of arthritis. These joints may be stiff and can be aggravated by movements or activities like walking, writing, typing, and many more. Stiffness is most noticeable after extended periods of rest or after waking up in the morning. In addition to these symptoms, individuals with arthritis encounter extreme fatigue, lack of energy, or weakness.
Presently, there is no cure for arthritis. There are only different medication out in the market that are designed to give relief from the pain this condition brings. Individuals with arthritis usually consume large doses of over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Some prescription drugs like celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib are shown to give effective pain relief. However, these drugs may bring minimal or serious side effects to individuals who use them. Cardiovascular bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and skin reactions are some of the usual side effects that might be encountered in using pain relievers. Recent medical studies show that consumption of food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a group of polyunsaturated fat, is essential in alleviating joint pains caused by arthritis. The best sources of these fats are fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Engaging in healthy diets may prevent the development of arthritis or give arthritic pain relief. With daily consumptions of essential vitamins and minerals, individuals who experience arthritis are supplying the body the components it needs to fight the pain and swelling that causes joint pain. Maintaining healthy food consumptions and having a physically active lifestyle is essential not only in the prevention of arthritis but also improvements in one’s overall health.