11 Feb 2021
Arthritis is a very common but misunderstood disease. “Arthritis” is not a single disease; it is an umbrella term referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis and similar conditions. People of all ages, genders, and races can have arthritis. It is most prevalent among women and occurs more often as people get older.
Common arthritis joint symptoms include inflammation, pain, stiffness, and lower range of motion. Symptoms may change and be irregular. They can be light, moderate, or severe. They may stay on the same for years but can improve or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in prolonged pain, impotence to do daily activities, and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs.
Arthritis can cause lasting joint changes. These changes may be noticeable, such as bent finger joints, but usually, the damage can only be seen on an X-ray.
Osteoarthritis
What is it? This is the most common type of arthritis. It’s the “wear and tear” that occurs when your joints are overused. It usually occurs with age, but it can also happen from joint injuries or obesity, which puts extra pressure on your joints.
Joints that carry weight — like your knees, hips, feet, and spine — are the most obvious places it affects. It makes the damaged joint hurt. But you don’t feel weak or have the tiredness that comes with some other types of arthritis.
Symptoms depend on which joint or joints are concerned. You may have:
- Long, aching pain
- Difficulty dressing, brushing your hair, gripping objects, bending over, sitting, or climbing stairs, depending on which joints are affected
- Morning stiffness that typically persists less than 30 minutes
- Discomfort when walking
- Stiffness after sitting
Treatments of Osteoarthritis depends on the severity of the symptoms and location. Usually, lifestyle modifications, temporary and supporting medication, and home remedies would be enough to provide you with relief from pain, stiffness, and swelling. Home remedies like stretching exercises, weight loss, sleeping adequately, and experimenting with heat and cold therapy can help soothe the pain and swelling. Along with home remedies, medications provided by your Arthritis specialist, and therapies like acupuncture and massage therapy can help in relieving the pain and stiffness.