World Arthritis Day 2020: Are you at risk of developing arthritis?

Inflammation of arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and surrounding tissues, which usually worsens with age. (Source: Getty / Sinkstock)

To stay healthy, we do a lot from managing our diet to eating and sleeping on time and exercising regularly. But sometimes we are at risk of developing a painful condition, which can turn into a lifelong struggle. On the occasion of World Arthritis Day today, Dr. Ashok Raigopal, Group Chairman of the Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopedic Institute of Medanta, said how arthritis develops and how we are at risk. Please share some valuable insights about.

Find everything you need to know.

what is that?

Inflammation of one or more joints is called arthritis. Inflammation of arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and surrounding tissues, which usually worsens with age. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Arthritis seems to be an inevitable part of aging for the majority of people, and as they get older, they accept their lifestyle restrictions as irreversible, but the imperfections caused by arthritis. There are many ways to overcome pleasure and disability, “said Dr. Rajgopal, who says that osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear, but rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.Other types of arthritis can be caused by infections, uric acid crystals, and underlying disorders such as: psoriasis Or Lupus..

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Understanding osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis especially affects the elderly. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and swelling due to the progressive loss of cartilage in the joints. The protective cartilage that protects the ends of the bones in the joints gradually wears out. Therefore, it is also called “wear” arthritis. The inner surfaces of the bones are exposed and rubbed against each other, sometimes spurring the ends of the joints, causing pain, deformity, and difficulty moving. Osteoarthritis can affect almost all joints in the body, but it generally occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. It can also affect fingers and joints with previous damage from trauma, infection, or inflammation, doctors explain.

“The mechanism behind osteoarthritis is unknown, but some people may have a genetic predisposition to degenerative joint disorders, which is especially relevant to those who develop it at an early age. Other causes of osteoarthritis include misuse of anabolic steroids (used by some athletes), trauma to the joint surface, and overweight, especially knee joint problems early and quickly. It may progress.

“The onset of osteoarthritis is gradual and can change the shape and appearance of the joint, but for many people it does not have a serious debilitating effect at first. It is called a spar or knotty joint. Bone growth can cause painful symptoms, along with significant changes in posture and mobility, “he says.

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Understanding rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but most often it occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. The prevalence is 2-3 times higher in women than in men. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation, swelling, and pain in the hands, especially the knuckles and the next closest knuckles, as well as the wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and feet. This can be fatigued as well.

Another form of rheumatoid arthritis is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which, as the name implies, affects the young population — usually between the ages of 12-18 and warns Dr. Rajgopal.

How can I prevent them?

It is advisable to follow simple measures to prevent the progression of the disease and disrupting our lives. Arthritis is associated with several risk factors that can and cannot be corrected. “You can’t control the latter, but you can control modifiable risk factors to prevent illness. Eat wisely, manage your weight, and exercise regularly. All of these , A mantra to keep knee problems away. “

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What are the risk factors?

* Obesity is clearly a risk factor for developing arthritis. Data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States showed that obese women are almost four times more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis. Regular Exercise — Advise your doctor that exercise with the least weight on your joints, such as cycling, swimming, and hydroaerobics, is the safest.

* Dietary factors also play a role. No specific diet has been shown to prevent osteoarthritis, but certain nutrients are associated with a reduced risk of osteoarthritis. These include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Fatty acids are known to reduce joint inflammation and are found in certain vegetable and nut oils such as walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed and olive oil. Vitamin D supplements help reduce knee pain in osteoarthritis. The body responds to sunlight and makes the most of what it needs, which can be supplemented with fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and eggs.

* Injuries also act as risk factors. Dr. Rajgopal advises you to avoid injuries and seek medical attention immediately if you do. “A long-term study at John’s Hopkins Medical College found that people with knee injuries in adolescence or young adulthood were three times more likely to develop osteoarthritis in their knees than those who were not injured. It turned out to be expensive, “he says.

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“Arthritis can be treated with occupational or physiotherapy, exercise, and over-the-counter pain-relieving medications. Alternative medicine such as Ayurveda, medicated oil massage, homeopathy is also part of the early stages of arthritis. Provide relief to people.

“Surgical options for the treatment of arthritis include arthroscopy, synovectomy, osteotomy, and total joint replacement. The first three relieve pain but cure symptoms. You can’t. The only cure for arthritis is synovectomy, “concludes Dr. Rajgopal.

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