What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joint that can result in pain, swelling of the region and limited movement. Arthritis is a general term that describes more than 100 diseases affecting the joints and connective tissues. It is avery common disease that have verying effects on individuals.
Forms of Arthritis
There are many forms of Arthritis but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage deteriorates allowing the bones to rub against each other. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape and bone spurs may grow on the edges of the joint. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the synovial membrane becomes inflamed causing pain & swelling and may end to joint erosion.
What are the Symptoms?
If you have arthritis, you may experience the following – joint pain, swelling, stiffness, especially in the morning, warm felling/ redness of skin around joint and reduced ability to move join.
How is it diagnosed?
No single test can diagnose arthritis and it is established based on physical examination to check for tenderness, redness, warmth, stiffness, or fluid in a joint along with personal and family medical history.
What are the Common Causes & Risk Factors/
Common Causes: Injury to the joint, infection, general wear and tear due to aging and repetitive usage, and autoimmune diseases. Common Risk Factors are obesity that increase risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands, and repetitive use of joint.
How to prevent/Manage Arthritis?
Prevention- Exercise for arthritis is necessary to maintain healthy joints, relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength.
Management- Splints are required to align joints and reduce pain and increase mobility and healing. Hot and Cold therapy helps manage pain. Sleep and rest helps recover from inflammations due to activity. You should also:
- Avoid positions or movements that place extra stress on your affecting joints.
- Avoid holding one position for too long
- Reduce stress, which can aggravate your symptoms.
- Try meditation,