Arthritis
This article does not constitute as medical advice.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Arthritis, contact your doctor or make an appointment.
What is Arthritis?
This is a prevalent condition spanning into different age groups, races, and genders. Although according to the Arthritis Foundation, it occurs in over 50 million adults and 300,000 children, it is one of America’s leading causes of disability. The cartilage in the joints is affected, and it no longer cushions the bones, causing them to rub against each other. This results in swelling, pain, and fluid accumulation in joints such as the hips, knees, elbows, knuckles, ankles, and feet. The affected joints hinder normal movement, mobility, and confidence in conducting daily activities. In addition, the pain, swelling, and immobility increase with the disease’s progression, making it a debilitating and crippling condition. There are over a hundred types of arthritis, but some of the most common forms are: juvenile, infectious, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis (autoimmune), and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is most common in an average aging population. Arthritis is common in aging patients due to years of wear and tear on the joints.
Causes of Arthritis
- Hereditary: Your genes may make you more sensitive to the environmental factors that provoke joint pain.
- Aging: The wear and tear of joints can cause different types of arthritis.
- Obesity: Overweight individuals are more prone to osteoarthritis, as the extra weight puts increased pressure on the joints and the cartilage.
- Prior Injury: Those who have damaged a joint in the past and continued to put pressure on it are more prone to this disease. Many who have played sports or have had jobs that put a recurring strain on the body tend to develop this condition with age.
- Smoking: Those who smoke tobacco, especially those who have smoked for more than 20 years, are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis because smoking boosts inflammation. Those who smoke are less likely to exercise, and exercise helps to prevent rheumatoid arthritis
- Vitamin Deficiency: Lack of Vitamin D can lead to joint pain and swelling.
- Hypothermia: Cold weather can slow blood flow to the joints and cause them to stiffen
Symptoms of Arthritis
- Stiffness in the joints in the morning that dissipates as the day goes on
- Swelling or pain in the joints
- Fluid accumulation in the joints
- Throbbing joint pain and muscle weakness
- Deteriorating joint mobility and movement
Treating Arthritis
- Early diagnosis of arthritis can help with the effective management of the disease.
- Exercises such as ROM (Range-of-Motion) and strengthening exercises
- Physiotherapy
- Biological medications
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Bracing devices for support
- Patients who experience pain in the lower half of the body should wear Orthotic inserts in shoes for better foot support, such as PowerStep arch supports.
- Call our office to help manage this condition.
