Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention

So here you are doing your research on Arthritis. What do you know about this condition? You thought only old people got affected by this condition? You thought only certain factors could cause the condition? Or did you think it was a curable condition? Well, you aren’t right – these are merely myths with no logical evidence. 

To answer your questions – age has nothing to do with the condition, and people of different ages can easily get hold of the condition. Moreover, there could be several causes behind getting affected by arthritis. And lastly, it’s not curable – you can keep the symptoms under check. Scroll down to read all about curing your Arthritis. 

Living With Arthritis: Symptoms And Causes

Living With Arthritis Symptoms and Causes

Arthritis can be best described as the inflammation of your joints. Sometimes, it can affect one joint, and at other times, it can affect multiple joints. In fact, there are multiple types of this condition – more than 100, if you are wondering. And all of these types come with their own set of causes as well as treatment methods. 

In the United States, OA or Osteoarthritis happens to be the most common type of this condition. The other common types of Arthritis are as follows,

  1. RA or Rheumatoid Arthritis,
  2. PA or Psoriatic Arthritis, and 
  3. Gout. 

The different Arthritis symptoms actually take time to develop, but sometimes, these can also suddenly appear. For instance, the most common age to get affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis are people in the age groups of 30 to 50, but that doesn’t mean the condition can’t affect teens, younger adults, or even children. 

Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, generally develops in people who are 50 or above, but that doesn’t mean there’s no evidence of younger people getting affected by the same. For example, there’s radiographic evidence that the condition has affected women in their forties. Also, it can happen to people who are a little on the obese side. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis?

What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis

Some of the most common Arthritis symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and pain in your joints. In fact, your symptoms might feel even worse when you stand up after resting for some time or in the morning when you step out of your bed. 

Other common osteoarthritis symptoms are as follows,

  • Decreasing motion range, which might go away sometimes after movement.
  • Popping or clicking with bending.
  • Muscle weakness in and around your joints.
  • Buckling or instability in the joints.
  • Bony growth in your fingers.
  • Scraping or grating feeling in the knees. 

Then the common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are as follows,

  • morning stiffness lasting for about 30 minutes.
  • Multiple affected joints.
  • Fatigue.
  • Low-grade fever. 
  • Inflammation of your mouth and eyes.
  • Inflammation of blood vessels and heart muscles.
  • Same affected joints on both sides of your body.
  • Low count of red blood cells.
  • Onset in relatively smaller joints such as your hands and feet. 

What Causes Arthritis? 

What Causes Arthritis

Arthritis might be caused by,

  • Obesity.
  • Injuries. 
  • Autoimmune disorders.
  • Family history or genes. 
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Age (Osteoarthritis is common in adults older than 50+).
  • Wear-Tear of joints from overuse. 

Diagnosing Arthritis: How To Treat And Prevent Arthritis?

The first thing that you have to do is visit your physician, especially if you are not sure whether you have Arthritis. Your doctor will perform the required tests to find out whether there’s fluid near your joints or whether your joints are red and warm while documenting the motion range in the area.

If needed, your doctor will then refer a specialist for you. In case you are undergoing severe symptoms, then you can directly meet a rheumatologist for faster treatment. 

But how can you treat Arthritis or even prevent it? Scroll down to find out! 

Treating Arthritis: How To Treat Arthritis?

Treating Arthritis How To Treat Arthritis

The main purpose of treating Arthritis is basically for decreasing your pain and preventing your joints from getting any additional damage. 

Generally, treating Arthritis involves,

  • Physical therapy,
  • Medications,
  • Supplements,
  • Nutrient-rich diet,
  • Occupational therapy,
  • Regular exercises,
  • Loss of weight,
  • Cold and heat compress,
  • Devices like walkers or walkers for mobility assistance.

Preventing Arthritis: How To Prevent Arthritis?

Preventing Arthritis How To Prevent Arthritis

You have to maintain a moderate weight and lose any additional weight in order to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis – it will also help in reducing symptoms in case you have already developed the condition. In addition, you have to plan on eating a diet that is rich in nutrients and a high percentage of antioxidants – eat a lot of fresh veggies, fruits, and even herbs.  

The food items that you must avoid if you want to prevent yourself from this condition are as follows,

  • Processed foods,
  • Fried foods, 
  • Dairy products, and
  • High meat intake.

You can also try out exercising regularly in order to keep those joints flexible. Swimming is usually a good exercise since it doesn’t pressurize your joints like walking or running will do – most importantly, focus on being active and listening to your body’s call for rest. 

For your home exercise routines, you can try out things like,

  • Head tilts,
  • Neck rotations,
  • Thumb bends,
  • Finger bends,
  • Leg raises, and
  • Hamstring stretches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Check out the most frequently asked questions about arthritis mentioned below. 

1. What Are 5 Treatments For Arthritis?

Ans: The 5 treatments for Arthritis are as follows,

  • Acupuncture,
  • Glucosamine,
  • Chondroitin,
  • Fish Oil, and
  • Yoga. 

2. What Are The Most Common Treatments For Arthritis?

Ans: The most common treatments for Arthritis are as follows,

  • Medications,
  • Joint immobilization,
  • Cold and heat,
  • Acupuncture, and
  • Massage.

3. What Are The 5 Symptoms Of Arthritis?

Ans: The 5 symptoms of Arthritis are as follows,

  • Pain,
  • Swelling,
  • Stiffness,
  • Decreasing Range of Motion, and
  • Redness.

4. What Foods Can Reduce Arthritis?

Ans: The food items that can reduce Arthritis are as follows,

  • Fatty fish,
  • Leafy greens,
  • Berries,
  • Nuts, and
  • Olive oil.

And It’s A Wrap!

While there is still no permanent cure for Arthritis, with the right kind of treatment, your symptoms can be reduced greatly. So follow what your doctor says, and additionally, you can also try making different lifestyle changes that will help you to take care of your arthritis. 

So tell us what you think about this condition, and in case you have experiences with the same, tell us in the comments below.

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