Arthritis is the result of inflammation in the joints and it's the most common disability in the United States. In fact, studies have shown that over 350 million people worldwide struggle with it. It's a condition that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds and can make even the simplest tasks difficult. In most cases arthritis is degenerative, meaning that it stems from everyday "wear and tear" on the body. However, there are cases in which it can be triggered by an autoimmune disease, infections, or diet.
The good news is, even though arthritis is common in society, that doesn't mean that it has to destroy an individual's life. The key is to be armed with as much information as possible. This article addresses the different types of arthritis, the most common symptoms, and treatment options.
Osteoarthritis is degenerative and is the most common form of arthritis. It typically affects the knees, hips, and hands. Those who suffer from osteoarthritis experience aching, a decreased range of motion, stiffness, and swelling.
Fibromyalgia is the result of emotional distress or sleep issues. This form of arthritis causes pain throughout the entire body. In fact, those who suffer from fibromyalgia perceive pain differently--specifically, they are hypersensitive to the pain.
Gout is caused by a diet that is rich in alcohol or meat. This condition usually affects one joint. In most cases, Gout is initially experienced in the toe.
Psoriatic arthritis is the result of an overactive immune system. It causes stiffness, swelling, and pain around the tissues and joints. It also leads to fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of an autoimmune disease that starts in the lining of the joints. This leads to a buildup of fluid in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, pain throughout the entire body. When experienced in juveniles, it's referred to as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
There are many symptoms which one might expect to experience when they have arthritis. Fatigue is a common symptom of arthritis. In fact, it's often one of the first symptoms. Patients report feeling tired for weeks or even months before they experience any other issues. Patients may experience morning stiffness. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Morning stiffness typically occurs when the arthritis is inflammatory. Joint stiffness may build throughout the day. It usually begins in the hands. However, with time, the feeling spreads to several joints over the course of a few days.
Patients may experience joint pain and tenderness during movement or even while at rest. In most instances, this tenderness affects the wrists and fingers. Pain may also be present in the feet, knees, shoulders, or ankles. Another common symptom of arthritis is swelling in the joints. Inflammation can cause the joints to appear larger than normal. This swelling can last for a few weeks. Those who struggle with arthritis can also experience tingling and numbness. This is commonly referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. Inflammation puts pressure on the nerves.
Weight loss can be an excellent treatment for arthritis. The less weight people carry, the less pressure people experience on their joints. This is especially the case when it comes to the feet, hips, and knees. Exercise is also a great arthritis treatment because it helps people to remain flexible. The best exercises are those that aren't weight-bearing. For example, low-impact such as swimming and water aerobics can help individuals to flex their joints without putting too much stress on them.
Hot and cold therapy can help to ease joint stiffness. Use heat to loosen the joints. Take long, warm baths or use a heating pad or electric blanket. Use coolness to relieve joint pain, inflammation, and swelling. Apply an ice pack to problem areas. Massage therapy can improve range of motion and relieve the pain. Physical therapists often teach self-massage. Patients may also schedule regular massage appointments. Arthritis can also be treated with the right fatty acids. Try to include omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Omega-3 can be found in fish oil supplements.
