It’s a myth that arthritis can only happen to aged people. Actually, your lifestyle and diet play an important role in it. To know the overview, its symptoms and prevention read this article.
Overview
It is very common but is not well understood. Actually, it 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, genders, and races can have arthritis. Arthritis pain and stiffness set in when the cartilage — the rubbery cushion in the joints that absorbs shock for the bones and allows them to glide smoothly when we move — wears away. When there isn’t enough cartilage left in the joint to protect the bones from damaging each other then it may result in Arthritis. It can affect any joint in the body, including the knees, hips, fingers, wrists, ankles, feet, back, and neck.
Symptoms of Arthritis
We all go through this agony of joint, muscle torment or bone torment in some way or the other however, it’s important to distinguish whether you are actually going through Arthritis or it’s just a Spasm. Some of the symptoms are listed below:
- Joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness
- Restricted movement of the joints
- Warm, red skin over your joint
- Weakness and muscle wasting
- Gland swelling
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
In some cases, symptoms like abnormality of organs such as heart, lung or kidney. If you are having joint symptoms and are asking, “Do I Have Arthritis?” You owe it to your joints and your overall health to find out. An experienced, well-trained doctor is the place to start. Because there are so many types of arthritis and conditions that affect the joints. I will suggest you consult an orthopedic specialist to get the right treatment and consultation done.
Prevent Arthritis
Yes, its true arthritis can be prevented at an early stage or can be avoided too. Good lifestyle and diet play an important role in this. Some of the preventive measures are listed below:
- Body Weight – The more weight you put on your joints faster they wear out. “Each additional pound of weight you have on is 4 pounds of weight on the weight-bearing joints, similar to your knees and hips.” Excess body weight is the best-known risk factor
- Healthy Diet – Diet with low sugar, alcohol, and poultry such as pork, red meat can help you in preventing Arthritis
- Omega 3 – Eat omega 3 rich diets to prevent arthritis as fatty acids present in it will reduce the inflammation in the body. Sources of omega 3 include walnuts, salmon, canola oil, chia seeds
- Vitamin D – In recent studies, it has been proven that people with an adequate level of vitamin D in the body have less progression of it
- Stay Hydrated – The cartilage in our joints is made up mostly of water, which is what makes it such a great cushion for the joints. When we’re dehydrated, water gets sucked out of the cartilage and it’s more easily damaged by wear and tear. To avoid this keep yourself hydrated by drinking as much as water possible(Recommended 2-3 liters of water)
- Exercise – It helps in developing muscles around the joints for protection. Any sort of physical exertion such as walking, swimming, workout in the gym, stretching for flexibility should be done
- Avoid Injuries – Avoiding injury will safeguard you from arthritis in the later stage of life
- Managing Body Mechanism – When lifting or moving objects be cautious as it matters a lot. If you don’t want to predisposed yourself to develop arthritis avoid this factor
- Vitamin C – Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C to prevent it and stay away from any complications in the later stage of life. The diet such as oranges, broccoli, spinach, tomato juice, bell peppers are the rich source of Vitamin C
- Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol – Reduce the intake of alcohol and tobacco to prevent arthritis as it may risk your bone mass, bone strength and body weight
Disclaimer: These are home-based remedies for some immediate relief but please consult the doctor for proper diagnosis.