Arthritis – Not Just For The Senior Citizens
There’s a general misconception that arthritis is an age-related health problem that troubles only the senior citizens or the elderly. It could be true with osteoarthritis, the most common type of joint disorder that usually is affecting adults of both sexes in their middle age. But what the majority don’t get is that there are more types or causes of arthritis. There are many considerations when seeking arthritis remedies.
Arthritis, a. K. A joint soreness, is defined as an inflammation of one or more joints and involves the breakdown of cartilage leading to discomfort, swelling, and limited movement.
Cartilage is responsible for defending the joints and serves as a surprise absorber when pressure is placed on the joint during walking or running. It allows for the smooth movement of our limbs. Without cartilage, the bones will rub together and may cause pain, swelling ( inflammation ), and rigidity. Doctors generally prescribe arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs to help lessen the agony.
Arthritis, or joint swelling, can be due to the following causes:
broken Bones;
Infections that are sometimes caused by bacteria or viruses;
An autoimmune disease ( the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign ) ; and
General ‘wear and tear’ on joints.
Generally, as fast as the injury heals, the swelling disappears. The infection is treated and the illness is cured. However, there are some wounds or injuries wherein the inflammation remains stubbornly and steadily causing pain that may light the way to bigger problems. This condition is known as persistent arthritis.
People suffering from arthritis will experience the following symptoms:
Joint pain
Joint swelling
rigidity, particularly in the morning
heat around a joint
Redness of the skin around a joint
Reduced capability to move the joint
Arthritis is a condition that may occur in men and women of every age. Other kinds of arthritis include:
Rheumatoid arthritis ( in adults )
Osteoarthritis ( middle age and above )
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis ( in children )
Systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE )
Gout
Scleroderma
Psoriatic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Reiter’s syndrome ( reactive arthritis )
Adult Still’s disease
Viral arthritis
Gonococcal arthritis
Other bacterial infections ( non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis )
Tertiary Lyme disease ( the late stage )
Tuberculouus arthritis
Fungal infections such as blastomycosis
Osteoarthritis, being the most common type, is a chronic illness which causes the cartilage between the bone joints to get worse and may cause painful sensation and/or stiffness. New pieces of bones, called bone spurs, may grow round the joints as a consequence of osteoarthritis. Until now, there’s no known reason yet as to the root of osteoarthritis but it is in general being associated with aging. However, factors like metabolism and genes can play a part in its development.
There are many factors to consider before your physician can prescribe arthritis pain relief treatment plan such as the particular cause of arthritis, affected joints, severity of arthritis, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Age and occupation will also be considered.
Eliminating the underlying cause of the arthritis is one of the goals for treating arthritis. However, not all cause are treatable like in the cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reducing pain and discomfort as well as prevention from further damage becomes the focus.
Lifestyle changes and exercise can significantly help in improving the condition of those afflicted with arthritis. Medications like arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken in addition to exercise and lifestyle changes.
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