Beat Arthritis
Symptoms, Suggestions & Information
Arthritis
Symptoms- What To Look For
Typical
warning signs of possible arthritis:
Pain in The
Joints:
These can take the form of an intermittent and/or a continuing
pain. It can occur when either moving about or when immobile i.e. sitting or laying
down.
Inflexible
Joint: While an inflexible or stiff joint can be the result
of a muscular problem where one starts to experience movement
difficulties and a limited function with a particular joint or joints it can well be an
good indication of arthritis. If a joint is painful to touch and/or the
surrounding skin slightly red, swollen and warm that is an indication of
inflammation around the joint so you will be wise to consult your health
professional as soon as possible.
With some forms of arthritis such
symptoms as weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite can be experienced.
Age
Groups: There
is often a general misconception that arthritis is something that
only old people suffer from. Nothing
could be further from the truth! children from as young as six months of age can develop arthritis.
When children are affected,
they can develop lifelong disabilities. Most
people however are likely to develop arthritis between age 15 and 65.
Arthritis can also effect young women after pregnancy and
childbirth. The recipient can suffer considerable pain that in turn can
have an adverse effect on the flow of their family life.
Effect On
Quality Of Life:
Arthritis is a condition that can
impose a major negative impact upon one's quality of life causing varying degrees of discomfort and
pain that can make even the most simplest of tasks extremely painful and arduous.
There are over 100 different diseases associated with joint
inflammation. The most common examples include Gout, Osteoarthritis and
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: is the most common type of
arthritis often referred to as "Degenerative Joint Disease"
because it effects primarily the weight-bearing joints in the body. The
protective Cartilage of the joint/joints bone is attacked and worn down
allowing bone to rub together wear and, over time become damaged.
Generally, this form of arthritis is diagnosed in people of age over 40
and most in the 70 plus range will probably develop some joint or joints
problem.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis described
below, Osteoarthritis only affects the joints and not other internal
organs in the body.
Rheumatoid
Arthritis: This form of arthritis is not caused from
excessive use of the joints. The disease causes an inflammation of the
lining of the joints that can result in long term joint damage, joint
function loss, disability and extreme pain It can affect the
entire body and be the cause of symptoms other than joint pain.
It is most commonly diagnosed
in the 25 to 50, age group, however, it can attack people of all ages,
children included.
Rheumatoid arthritis
is a chronic disease that it can affect other organs in the body.
Professional treatment as early as possible is advised.
Some Causes of
Arthritis:
Joint Overuse:
Sports folk such as Footballers, Tennis Players, Dancers etc. Any
sporting activity involving higher than average usage of the body joints
over time can increase the chances for Osteoarthritis
development in later years.
Injury: Any
form of joint injury be it domestic, sports accident or otherwise can
set the conditions for later arthritis development.
Hereditary: Researchers
have identified that a genetic marker HLA-DR4 is linked to
Rheumatoid Arthritis. The genetic marker can be passed on from the
parent to their siblings. Where the parent suffers from rheumatoid
arthritis however, it does not necessarily follow that siblings will as
well.
Age: Age
is a factor especially in relation to Osteoarthritis.
As you get older and, certainly dependent upon you degree of historical
active lifestyle, the work on your bones and joints takes it's
toll. The older you get, the higher your chances to develop
Osteoarthritis.
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