Smoking, obesity and others increase the risk of arthritis – Expert – Punch Newspaper

Dr. Olasode Akinmokun is a Trauma and Orthopedic Surgeon in the Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Lagos University School of Medicine. Akinmokun, an Orthopedic Surgeon Honorary Consultant in Orthopedic Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, told ALEXANDER OKERE about the causes and management of arthritis.

how Do you define arthritis?

Arthritis is a swelling of one or more joints in the body. The main complaints are joint pain, swelling and stiffness. This stiffness usually occurs in the morning or after prolonged inactivity. The ultimate result of arthritis is damage to the cartilage of the joints.

What is the type of arthritis?

There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How are they different from each other?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs after wear or damage to the articular cartilage. Cartilage is a whitish coating / cap at the ends of the bones that form the joints. Cartilage relaxes the ends of bones and allows for almost frictionless movement of joints. When cartilage is sufficiently damaged (from wear due to aging, family history, joint injuries, infections, etc.), it will grind another bone directly, causing pain and restricted movement.

The second type is rheumatoid arthritis. Here, part of the body’s immune system attacks the inner layer of the joint capsule. The joint capsule is a tough membrane that surrounds and wraps all the structures that make up a joint. The lining that is attacked is called the synovium. When the immune system attacks the lining, the lining becomes swollen, painful, and stiff. The process of the disease eventually destroys the cartilage and bone around the joints.

Is it true that arthritis can be infectious?

Arthritis is not infectious and is not an infectious disease. However, there is a form of arthritis called septic arthritis. It is caused by a joint infection.

What are the symptoms of different types of arthritis?

In most types of arthritis, symptoms are usually found in the joints and include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Other symptoms depend on the type of arthritis.

Which of them is common among men and women?

Arthritis is generally more common in women than in men. It is not possible to explain exactly why women are at increased risk of developing most types of arthritis.

What are the other risk factors for arthritis?

Risk factors for arthritis have a family history. Some types of arthritis occur in the family. This means that individuals in the family are more likely to develop such arthritis, especially if their parents, siblings, or relatives have the disease. In some people, the acquired gene may be more sensitive to factors that can cause arthritis. The risk of developing arthritis increases with age. Previous Joint Injury – A person with an injured joint can develop arthritis in that joint.

Also, obese people are at increased risk of developing arthritis, especially in the joints. The most common joints are the knees, hips, or spine. Individual lifestyle choices affect all aspects of physical well-being, as well as joints. Obese patients are at risk of developing arthritis. Losing weight helps reduce that risk. Smoking is associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis, especially those with a long history of smoking for more than 20 years. Therefore, it is important to take a critical look at your lifestyle and make changes as needed.

Is the working class susceptible to arthritis?

Being in the working class category is not a risk factor for developing arthritis.

How can I diagnose arthritis?

Arthritis can be suspected from complaints made by patients. As mentioned earlier, most patients present with one or more symptoms. Risk factors are also reviewed by the doctor during the examination. Depending on the type of arthritis, the patient will be examined and various tests (blood, tissue, radiographs) will be requested. However, the most common test required to be performed by most patients with arthritis is a plain x-ray (x-ray) of the affected joint. Through these processes, arthritis can be diagnosed.

Will arthritis be cured?

Arthritis begins with the destruction of cartilage in the joints. The only treatment is when surgery is performed in the form of joint replacement, which replaces all components whose joints have been destroyed. However, this procedure is reserved for patients with the worst forms of arthritis. In other words, it’s very serious. Patients with mild to moderate arthritis have no cure, but they can be managed very well. The most important thing is to prevent arthritis. The next and most important thing is for people with joint pain to visit the hospital for proper tests and tests. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more likely it is that the rate of degeneration to severe arthritis will slow down.

What are the different treatment options? How is it applied?

For mild to moderate arthritis, medications are given to relieve pain and inflammation. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are given disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Occasionally, the drug may be injected into the joint. Physical therapy, especially physical therapy, is also very important. Surgery may be required if the above methods do not help or if you have a severe type of arthritis

How can exercise help?

Exercise results in weight loss and helps prevent arthritis.

Is it wise for arthritis patients to limit themselves to certain types of diets?

People with gouty arthritis should avoid lean and visceral meat, seafood (eg shrimp and lobster) and alcohol. There are no dietary restrictions on other types of arthritis. Avoid foods that cause weight gain.

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