What is arthritis? This is a common question asked by a lot of people and yet few know what arthritis really is and how to manage it. Because of this, a lot of people tend to commit mistakes when addressing this health condition. A musculo-skeletal problem, arthritis is associated with painful, swollen and stiff joints. This is commonly noted in older people, but it can also occur and affect anybody, at any age.
There are many of types of arthritis, hundreds of them, in fact. However, the most commonly diagnosed are only 3 types. These types include osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is common among people from age fifty and above, and is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage in the weight- bearing joints.
Gouty arthritis is more common among people in the age group of 30 to 50 years old and is common among men. Gouty arthritis is caused by an accumulation of the uric acid in the cavities of the joint. Lastly, rheumatoid arthritis is common among women ages 40 years and above. Rheumatoid arthritis involves the inflammation of the joint due to drying up in the synovial membrane.
* What is arthritis and its symptoms?
The symptoms of each type of arthritis vary, but the most common among them is pain and inflammation. In osteoarthritis there might be stiffness on different parts of the body especially the fingers, feet, hips and knees while for gouty arthritis, and there is inflammation and an onset of sudden burning pain in the big toe and the wrist. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling of the different joints of the body.
The following information presented above are just some facts which may be helpful in answering the question, what is arthritis?î There are more facts you should know in order for you to better understand this health problem, especially how arthritis is treated and how to manage yourself or your loved ones when you have arthritis
Prevention is always better than cure, which is why; prevention is the top priority when it comes to managing arthritis. Healthy lifestyle is very important even at an early age so that conditions like arthritis will not be triggered. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle should be taken into consideration too. In fact, even for arthritis sufferers, many doctors still encourage them to move, to walk, to do low impact exercises because the alternative of being sedentary will just make matters worse.
Also, avoiding high fatty foods and foods rich in uric acid is also given importance as this could trigger inflammation and an attack of gouty arthritis. To prevent osteoarthritis, one should exercise regularly, do low impact exercises and avoid weight bearing exercises. On the other hand, joint exercises and taking supplements that will support hormonal changes are ways to prevent rheumatoid arthritis in most women.
Above all, it is essential to go to your doctor for consultation. Proper management will be provided by your doctor including pain medications that you may need. You can ask your doctor for manuals and other related videos on the care of arthritis. A lot of studies have been done and there are a lot of free materials that you can take advantage of.
So, the next time the question, “what is arthritis?” comes up, you now know what it is, can identify the symptoms and more importantly, know how to manage and prevent its occurrence.