by The term arthritis is often used to refer to joint stiffness, swelling, and pain. It is not a single condition, but a group of conditions that can affect anyone at any age, although some types are more common in the elderly. Arthritis can occur for many reasons and can be genetic.
There are different types of arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis being the most common type of arthritis. It is commonly seen in women and people over 45 years of age. Knee, back, hip and arm are the most affected parts. If anyone is overweight, then, they are more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis.
- Gout: Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that occurs due to excess accumulation of uric acid (hyperuricemia) in the body. Excess uric acid forms crystals in and around the joints, causing painful swelling and redness in the affected joints, as well as itching and loss of skin on the joint. Gout usually affects the thumb, but may affect other joints. Pseudogout is a condition that occurs due to the deposition of calcium crystals in the joints.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that occurs when the immune system begins to attack and damage the joints. Generally, the immune system fights infectious germs and protects the body from the disease. However, in an autoimmune state, your immune system starts attacking the healthy tissues of the body. This leads to inflammation and wear. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women and usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis causes swelling and pain in the joints of the spine. It is more common in men and usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 30.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is yet another autoimmune condition seen in people with psoriasis. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): If you were diagnosed with arthritis before the age of 16, it is known as IIA. This condition is of various types and has an autoimmune nature.
There are some healthy habits precautions to avoid Arthritis.
There are some healthy habits that anyone can practice to reduce the risk of developing painful joints as age increases. Many of these practices – such as exercising and eating a healthy diet – prevent other diseases, etc;
- Eating Fish
Eating fish can have many health benefits as it contains polyunsaturated fats in form of omega-3 fatty acids. It can reduce the inflammation of the body.
- By controlling weight
Being overweight than a normal BMI can excerpt more pressure on knee joints. According to a study, one overweight woman can get four times more osteoarthritis than a normal body weight woman. So it is very important to control body weight to avoid osteoarthritis but from other diseases also which arises from the overweight.
- Exercise
Daily exercise for short time every day, can make the body the body more flexible. It strengthens muscles around the joints and also takes away the stress from joints.
- By Avoiding Injury
By practicing the correct exercise technique one can avoid injury to the joints. While playing sports always use safety equipment.
- Visit Doctor
If you are experiencing the joint paint and it is unbearable then you must visit a practicing doctor.
Your doctor may be able to suggest treatments or lifestyle interventions that may slow your progression to arthritis and maintain your mobility.
