25/05/2020
Arthritis is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, sexes and races can and do have arthritis, and it is one of the leading causes of disability. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.
Common arthritis joint symptoms include:
•Swelling, pain
•Stiffness
•Decreased range of motion.
Symptoms may come and go. They can be mild, moderate or severe. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints. There are different types of arthritis:
Degenerative Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the cartilage — the cushioning surface on the ends of bones — wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Over time, joints can lose strength and pain may become chronic.
Risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury (an anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear, for example).
When the joint symptoms of osteoarthritis are mild or moderate, they can be managed by:
•Balancing activity with rest
•Using hot and cold therapies
•Regular physical activity
•Maintaining a healthy weight
•Strengthening the muscles around the joint for added support
•Using assistive devices
•Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines
•Avoiding excessive repetitive movements.
If joint symptoms are severe, causing limited mobility and affecting quality of life, some of the above management strategies may be helpful, but joint replacement may be necessary.call 09076477155