Everything You Need to Know about Arthritis
Arthritis is an all-consuming disease that can cause significant distress in your life. A lot of people living with arthritis explain their life as daunting. Due to constant pain and body stiffness, things as little as walking around in the house are difficult. Every day is a new struggle.
In this article today, we’re going to talk about arthritis in detail, its symptoms, types, causes, and treatment options. In case you or any of your loved ones happen to have arthritis, knowing all the details will benefit you.
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis, unlike other physical ailments, is a little complicated as it comes with several types. Although their symptoms are somewhat similar, each brings along a different struggle.
Here are three of the most common types of arthritis along with their prevalence:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common joint disease in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 32 million people in the United States are living with osteoarthritis.
It’s a disease in which the cartilage in your joints breaks down. It can affect one or more joints in your body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
As mentioned by the Arthritis Foundation, around 1.5 million people in the US have rheumatoid arthritis. It is also said that women are twice or thrice more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis compared to men.
It is an autoimmune disease in which your joint tissues are attacked by your own body, causing severe pain, discomfort, and joint edema. Thankfully, medical interventions like a cortisone injection, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and physical therapy can help manage the pain and inflammation effectively.
Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis is the most prevalent kind of arthritis in younger adults and kids. As per the National Library of Medicine, approximately 294,000 children in the US have juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
It is an umbrella term used to refer to different types of arthritis in teens and kids. Apart from the usual symptoms of arthritis, juvenile arthritis can also cause fatigue and recurrent fevers.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Whether it’s osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms of the disease are more or less similar. Even though the symptoms vary from person to person, a few remain constant for everyone. The following are the frequently experiences symptoms of the disease:
- Joint stiffness or discomfort
- Radiating pain in the body
- Joint edema and skin rashes
- Fatigue and hyperventilation
- Decreased range of motion
All these symptoms can indicate the presence of arthritis, but you’d still need to consult a physician for a proper diagnosis. They may recommend a few x-rays or scans before giving the final diagnosis.
Causes of Arthritis
The cause of arthritis depends on its type. There are multiple causes of osteoarthritis. An infection in the joint or a joint injury that damages the cartilage can cause osteoarthritis. Exercises that cause a little wear and tear to the cartilage can also contribute to osteoarthritis.
On the other hand, the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. It’s an autoimmune disease and researchers fail to understand the reason behind it. However, certain genetic markers can increase the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Besides that, it is stated that excessive emotional or physical stress can also lead to arthritis. It is something that weakens your immune system, making you more prone to catching different diseases.
Treatment of Arthritis
Now that we know about the causes, symptoms, and kinds of the disease, let’s see what we can do for its successful treatment. First and foremost, you need to reach out to a physician and get yourself examined.
Once you have your diagnosis, you’ll come towards disease management. There are two primary symptoms when it comes to managing arthritis, body aches and reduced range of motion, and you might find that something as simple as THC, similar to that available at https://perfectplantmarket.
Below are a few effective treatment options that can help curb such symptoms of arthritis effortlessly:
Organic Medicines
Your physician is simply going to prescribe you a couple of painkillers for pain management. Yes, the painkillers do work, but for how long are you going to take them? Arthritis is a chronic disease that isn’t going to disappear in a week or so.
Needless to say, long-term use of allopathic painkillers can be harmful to your liver and digestive system. Therefore, you must go for organic remedies. There are various herbs and plants that can successfully help you manage the pain, including:
- Indian frankincense
- Medical marijuana
- Turmeric
- Zingiber officinale
There are various online dispensaries in Canada and America that offer high-quality herbs and plants. You must give them a try.
Weight Management
Speaking of managing a joint disease, you must shed those extra pounds. It goes without saying that your body weight can have a significant effect on your joints. Excessive body weight puts extra pressure on the joints, especially on your hips, legs, knees, and feet. It is primarily why most physicians suggest losing weight when treating arthritis. It may surprise you, but the symptoms of arthritis are worse in the case of pre-existing obesity.
Here’s what you need to do, weigh yourself and check your BMI. In case you’re overweight or obese, set a goal to get rid of those extra pounds. Less weight means less pressure on the joints; hence, reduced pain and increased mobility. It will also protect your joints from further damage.
Exercise
Another thing that can help decrease pain and enhance mobility is exercise. Regular exercise can help increase your body’s range of motion while making you flexible in the meantime. It’s a lifestyle rehabilitation trick that is highly recommended in the treatment of arthritis.
Other than enhancing the range of motion, exercise can also help you with pain management and reducing joint edema. How? It can eliminate joint inflammation and increase blood circulation in the affected area.
The best part being, there’s no particular exercise for the treatment of arthritis. You can do whatever you’re comfortable with. For example, you can go for a morning walk or perform a few body stretches before bedtime. Yoga and aerobics are two other great options.
Following the tips shared above, you can easily manage the symptoms of arthritis. If anything, it will improve the quality of your everyday life. I wish you good luck, my friends!
