We often come across elderly trudging along with difficulty. This may be
due to a disease called arthritis.
Arthritis is associated with joint pain and stiffness. It can cause
severe pain in the long run. Women develop more arthritis than men. There are
more than 100 types of arthritis. It has far-reaching effects, sometimes
affecting the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, etc.
Types and causes
“Arthritis is a generic term for conditions that affect the joints
and surrounding tissues. Some specific types of arthritis include
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and
gout. Each type has its own unique symptoms and causes.”
Inflammation of one or more joints leads to arthritis. Age plays a
crucial role in the disease. Injury, muscle weakness, genetic issues, obesity,
and muscle wear and tear also contribute to arthritis.
The cartilage tissue is the most affected, leading to infection and
tissue breakdown. The tissue is sensitive, and regular wear and tear causes
mobility issues.
The body’s tissues are compromised in auto-immune disorder, resulting in
joint inflammation.
Symptoms
Hands, wrists, ankles, hips, shoulders, and lower back experience pain
due to arthritis. Patients experience joint pains with swelling skin
discoloration and a feeling of warmth in joint areas. Patients experience pain
while opening and closing their fingers, numbness, etc.
Therapy and medications
Physiotherapy is an excellent option to keep arthritis under control.
Improving joint functions will lead to a faster recovery. Exercise with
mobility assistance devices will bring relief. A physiotherapist will suggest
exercises that are ideal for relieving pain. Daily exercise is the key to
preventing arthritis from spreading.
Painkillers give fast relief, but too much intake will lead to side
effects. Doctors may prescribe steroids if the pain is excruciating.
Immunosuppressants and analgesics are also prescribed.
However, proper nutrient intake is also required. Most elderly people
avoid a proper diet, leading to arthritis.
Surgeries along the hips and knees may bring much-needed relief.
Lifestyle changes
One of the major factors in disease progression is lifestyle. Specific
lifestyle changes may cause arthritis in young people. Fried and processed
food, as well as high meat intake, can cause inflammation. A gluten-free diet
and a diet high in antioxidants help prevent inflammation. Regular Yoga can
bring much-needed relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
Precaution
Arthritis takes time to set in and worsens with time. Medical
intervention at the right time can keep arthritis at bay.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, and ultrasound can detect bone
damage caused by arthritis.
Outlook
The progression of
arthritis depends on how people are aware of the disease. Low awareness in
rural areas and the non-availability of good healthcare services pose a
considerable challenge. In cities, cost affordability could be better. In this
scenario, more awareness and early detection hold the key. Also, setting up
affordable physiotherapy centers can defeat arthritis.
