Arthritis, often known as joint disease, causes swollen, stiff, and painful joints. Over 100 different forms of arthritis and related disorders can affect connective organs and tissues, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and skin. Here is a guide to preventing arthritis for yourself and your loved ones over 50.
Common Types of Arthritis and Risk Factors
Arthritis symptoms can appear and go, with varying levels of pain. The following are some of the most common types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: It’s the most prevalent and begins when the cartilage, the protective connective tissue at the end of bones, deteriorates and thins, increasing friction in joint movement.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that affects the joints. It’s an autoimmune condition that begins when a person’s immune system attacks the healthy tissues in the body, destroying the synovium (the joint lining) and causing painful inflammation.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis causes the skin to inflame and is often linked to psoriasis, a skin condition defined by a red, scaly rash. Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, and knees is common in people with psoriatic arthritis, with fingers and toes sometimes forming a sausage shape.
While many varieties of arthritis have unclear causes, there are a variety of risk factors that enhance the chances of developing arthritis. Age is one factor – the older we get, the more our joints will undergo wear and tear. Individuals with chronic health issues such as diabetes or obesity are also at a higher risk of developing arthritis. Certain kinds of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are also influenced by family genetics.
How to Prevent Arthritis
While some types of arthritis are unavoidable, many others can be reduced or slowed by modifying one’s lifestyle. The following are some of the greatest techniques to maintain healthy joints and prevent degenerative arthritis:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts additional strain on joints – the hips, and knees in particular. Osteoarthritis in the body’s most active joints might worsen by being overweight or obese.
- Avoid Injuries to Ligaments, Joints, and Cartilage: Athletes who participate in high-impact sports like running and basketball are more likely to sustain injuries to their knees, ankles, and hands, which can lead to osteoarthritis.
- Reduce the Number of Repetitive Movements: Some activities that have repetitive movements such as running, bending, or kneeling can wear down the cartilage that protects the joints in our body. Osteoarthritis symptoms can be alleviated by limiting continuous repetitive activities.
Care Tips
You should do a thorough evaluation and on-target treatment by a rheumatologist to assist in reducing chronic pain and joint changes. One of the most important goals in managing arthritis is to lessen symptoms and enhance a person’s mobility and function. Some tips include:
- Applying cold and heat therapies to ease pain
- Keeping active and getting adequate rest
- Allow the joints to rest to protect them from strains
- Eat a nutritious diet
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