We often think that arthritis is a single disease that affects our joints. But this is not the case. It is not a single condition. There are hundreds of types of arthritis. The most common of them are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Other include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children, anterior knee pain in children, fibromyalgia, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in children, gout, and many others.
The signs and symptoms of arthritis include swollen joints, redness around joints, tenderness, morning stiffness, numbness, tingling, and fever. Here we have gathered some facts you must know about arthritis.
Your immune system can act against you
A form of arthritis, known as rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition. In this kind of arthritis, your immune system perceives your joints as a foreign body and starts acting against it, also known as an autoimmune disorder. It affects your joints, tissues around bones, and bones. Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can affect your lungs, eyes, blood vessels, mouth, and skin. Rheumatoid arthritis should be treated aggressively. Otherwise, it can become difficult to treat.
Symptoms of arthritis can vary
Not everyone suffering from arthritis face the same symptoms. Their intensity varies according to the stage and type of arthritis, as well as the individual's body physiology. For everyone, the frequency and intensity of arthritis can be different. In the beginning, the patient may feel pain in joints and tenderness. At advanced stages, it may become difficult for them to move or do a workout, ride a bicycle, or any other physical activity.
Physical therapy may help in arthritis
Your healthcare provider will focus to improve your quality of life. Along with medications, they would ask you to go for physical therapy. Exercise will help with strengthening muscles that become weak due to arthritis. Moreover, it will help you in moving, reducing the chances of disability due to arthritis.
Along with exercise, you will have to take medications on time like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroids, and antiinflammatory drugs. If medicines and exercise do not work for you, your doctor may recommend surgery.
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Self-care tips can also help
Self-care tips can help in the management of flare-ups. You must know the factors that trigger your arthritis. Keep a record of your activity and how you feel. It will help you in finding out the triggers. Try to keep yourself mobile, even in pain. It will help you in keeping yourself active and functional. Also, try using a hot pad or cold pad therapy after exercise. They may also help in getting rid of swelling and pain due to arthritis.
You can lower the chances of developing arthritis
According to experts, you can lower the chances of developing arthritis by following a healthy lifestyle. Eat a diet low in sugar, quit smoking, and do not drink alcohol. Moreover, regular exercise can help your joints and bones in keeping healthy. Make sure during the physical activity you do not overdo it, as it can lead to injuries.
Book your appointment with InstaCare
Arthritis is a painful condition that needs management. Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D that keeps your bones and joints healthy. Moreover, incorporate workout in your routine for at least thirty minutes a day. It will help you in keeping yourself active with various other benefits.
For the management of arthritis, you need to visit a physician frequently. You can also do that through InstaCare. Also, you consult with your doctor online from the comfort of your home and get your vitamin D and calcium levels checked frequently. For that, you need to download the InstaCare Application.
