Arthritis: you can make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk

Arthritis is a general term for joint pain or inflammation.  There are over 100 types of arthritis.  It is the leading cause of disability in many countries, including the USA and can lead to chronic pain.  It can affect anyone, of any gender, age or race but it is more common in woman and the risk increases as we age and if you have a family history. Some types can also affect organs such as the heart.

Common symptoms are swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.  Symptoms may come and go and be mild, moderate or severe but can lead to permanent joint problems.  It can result in chronic pain and cause the total inability to do normal daily activities.  Diagnosis is tricky as there are so many forms but if you are worried, go to your doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist as some treatments are more effective if started early.

Arthritis can be helped by being active, keeping a health weight and not smoking.

The main three types of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis – this is the most common form of arthritis.  It is the wear and tear that happens when your joints are overused.  Risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury (e.g. an anterior cruciate ligament). Any joints that bear weight can be affected, such as knees and hips – it is caused as the cartilage breaks down. It causes aching pain, problems walking, stiffness when rested.   It is not associated with fatigue which are linked with some other forms of arthritis.  Treatment has been limited to pain relief but there are a number of drugs that are being trialled.

Rheumatoid arthritis – is an autoimmune disease.  The immune system attacks the joints which causes inflammation and damage, causing pain and swellings.  This can result in rheumatoid nodules – lumps on the joints.  The disease is usually symmetrical – so both sides will be affected at the same time.  The swelling and pain does not go away and may affect walking, driving, etc.  The pain usually starts in the morning.  It can cause loss of weight and can affect the heart, lung and eyes.  Diagnosis is made by testing for antibodies to rheumatoid factor or cyclic citrullinated proteins (anti-CCP).  If treated in the first two years with antirheumatic drugs it can be halted.  There is new evidence published in March 2016 in Current Opinion in Rheumatology, from the University of Glasgow in the UK which reported that interventions targeting gut microbiota may become therapeutically viable for some types of inflammatory arthritis.  But no one knows which gut bacteria will help ease joints – trials are underway.

Psoriatic Arthritis – is inflammation of the skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis).  Psoriasis causes patchy, raised, red, and white areas of inflamed skin with scales.  10-30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.  It usually starts between ages 30-50 and is equally common in men and women.  It can show as swelling of the fingers and toes and can affect just one joint and results in fatigue and can be very painful.

If you think you have any form of arthritis – see your doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist.

Read More:

http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/index.htm

http://www.arthritis.org/

Image credit:  www.webmd.com