Arthritis is one of the challenges faced by all ages and could worsen over time if not given due attention hence the need for us to have a good knowledge of what arthritis is all about and how best to address it. In this article, I will make known the meaning, types, symptoms, causes, and treatments of arthritis.
Meaning Of Arthritis
Arthritis can be
defined as the tenderness and swelling of the joints. It can also be said to
mean an informal way of describing a joint disease or joint pain.
Over the years,
arthritis has remained the main cause of disabilities, especially in America.
This disease can occur at any age whether children or adults though it is more
rampant in older people especially the female folks.
Symptoms
associated with arthritis can be mild or moderate and could be severe in some
other cases. These symptoms may come and go but sometimes remain for a couple
of years and may even worsen.
There are different
types of arthritis; some cause a permanent change in the joint while some other
types damage the eyes, heart, skin, lungs, and kidneys.
Types Of Arthritis
This is an important body to be dwelt on when discussing the meaning, types, symptoms causes and treatment of arthritis. There are quite several arthritis, but I will be focusing on the commonest types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis
This condition of arthritis is common to people than the
other forms of arthritis. This condition is experienced when the joints
are overused. It occurs as a result of injuries, age or obesity which puts more
stress on the joints.
Joints like spine, knees, feet, and hips
bear more weight and are more prone to be affected. This condition gradually
builds up over the years causing the affected part to hurt.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a condition known
as autoimmune disease, meaning that the joints have been attacked by the
immune system which results in inflammation and can cause severe damage to the joint.
About 2 of every 10 persons who are
victims of rheumatoid arthritis usually have lumps on their skin known as
rheumatoid nodules if the condition is not treated.
Psoriatic
Arthritis
This condition of arthritis usually
associated with psoriasis (inflammation of the skin). Inflammation the skin
occurs where the immune system attacks cells in the body.
This type of arthritis affects the skin
around the anus or genital area, scalp, navel and also tips of knees and
elbows.
Gout
This condition can arise as a result of
any of the following;
1. Where the body produces excess uric
acid
2. Where the kidneys are unable to process
the uric acid produced by the body perhaps due to kidney disease.
3. Where you consume more of foods that
are capable of raising the uric acid in your body.
Where a joint contains a buildup of uric
acid crystals, your big toe or any other part of your foot will be affected.
The kidneys and joints can be affected where gout goes untreated for a long
period.
Lupus
Lupus is also known as systemic lupus
erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can affect many organs in the body.
Reports showed that the cause of Lupus is
yet to be known but it was discovered by doctors that the immune system usually
becomes ineffective in this condition instead of fighting the invaders of the
body.
Symptoms Of Arthritis
This is another aspect we ought to take
note of when discussing the meaning, types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of
arthritis.
The symptoms of arthritis are usually
determined by the type of arthritis involved but here are the commonest
1. Stiffness of the joint
1. Stiffness of the joint
Among the many symptoms of arthritis, stiffness of the joint appears to be the commonest. The victim may require more effort to make regular movements and joints may become stiffer where there has been a long period of inactivity such as resting and sitting.
2. Swelling of the joint
Where there is a buildup of
fluids in the soft tissue that surrounds the joint, it can cause the joints to
swell.
3.
Pains of the joint
Pains are one of the body
signals indicating something is not right with the body. The body pains arising
from arthritis can be either mild or severe. With the aid of medical
evaluation, the type of arthritis can be discovered.
4. Deep
aching
5. Trouble squatting,
combing of your hair, dressing up, gripping things or climbing stairs,
6. Morning
stiffness that typically lasts less than 30 minutes
7. Experience
pains when walking
8. There
may be stiffness after resting
9. Your
joint will be warm to touch.
Other Symptoms
May Include;
1. Swollen and
painful joints
2. Fatigue
3.
Headache
4.
Swelling around the eyes or in the hands, legs, feet,
and legs
5.
Rashes
6. Sores in the mouth
7.
Sun sensitivity
8. Loss of hair.
9.
White or blue toes and fingers when exposed to cold
10. Blood
disorders, such as anemia
11. Chest pain, as a result of the inflammation of the lining of the lungs or heart.
Causes Of Arthritis
1. Overuse
of the joints: This is a major cause of arthritis which can be a result of
obesity where the joints are bearing overweight. It can also be due to age
because as a person grows older, the joints tend to grow weaker unable to bear
the usual weight it has always borne.
2 Autoimmune
system: Here the joints are being attacked by the immune system as it perceives
it to be an invader in the body.
5 Where the kidneys are not able to process
the uric acid produced by the body.
6. Where more of the foods that trigger the
production of uric acid are consumed, these foods include; dietary foods such
as meat fish, foods that contain very little energy, alcohol
Treatment Of Arthritis
1.
Work on reducing your weight if you are obese
2. Consume a lot of water often at least six glasses during the
daytime while a glass of water before bedtime.
3.
Consume very little or no alcohol.
4.
Avoid consuming foods that contain lots of fats.
5.
Reduce the consumption of caffeine.
6.
Visit your medical expert.
Conclusion
Do not dare to joke or
take any symptom for granted because it can go out of control if not put under check.
With this article, I have been able to provide useful information on the
meaning, types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of arthritis.
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