May is the
Arthritis Awareness Month! It’s not just a month to remember and take care of
yourself but a reminder to look after yourself and improve your overall quality
of life. Arthritis is the most common condition among people in the US. 1 in 4
US adults (23.7%), or about 58.5 million people, have been diagnosed with
arthritis. It is more common in women compared to men. In this condition,
cartilage, a slippery material that covers the ends of bones, acts as a cushion
to bones and starts breaking down. There are 100 types of arthritis, and the
condition worsens with age. It may also happen due to extra stress or weight on
joints (obesity). Joints like hips, feet, spine, and knees bear the body weight
and are the most common places for arthritis. Most types of arthritis cause
pain and stiffness in and around the affected joint or joints. But some can
affect the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis and other body organs.
Remember,
the condition can significantly impact individuals by limiting their activities.
The symptoms depend on which joint is affected, such as stiffness or deep pain,
bending, squatting, climbing stairs, gripping things such as holding mugs,
handles, combing hair, etc. Even morning stiffness, pain while walking or any
other activity, and body stiffness after rest. If you experience such signs and
feel your movement is restricted and have swollen joints with warm joints, you
may be having arthritis. But an accurate diagnosis is quite essential in the
recovery process. However, the first steps in working toward arthritis are
learning facts, understanding your condition, and knowing that help is by your
side.
Types of
Arthritis
It is hard
to live with a chronic condition, and we understand any condition can pull
people down. Still, difficult times like these assess your strength and
willingness to overcome any situation. Remember, there are 100 types of
arthritis, but the most common are the following:
·
Osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis, happens
when the joint cartilage breaks down from repeated stress. Don’t forget it is
the most common form of arthritis.
·
Ankylosing spondylitis, or arthritis, is arthritis of
the spine (usually your lower back).
·
Juvenile arthritis (JA), a disorder where the immune
system attacks the tissue around joints. The condition typically affects
children at the age of 16 or younger.
·
Gout, a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is
very painful. It affects one joint at a time. If the body produces extra uric
acid, sharp crystals may form in joints.
·
Psoriatic arthritis, is a joint inflammation that
develops in people with psoriasis (autoimmune disorder that causes skin
irritation).
·
Rheumatoid arthritis, is an inflammatory and
autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the thin membrane
that lines the joints.
Changing
your routine can make your life easier with arthritis. Try to adjust your
activities and lessen them to relieve stress on your joints. Remember, proper
healthcare throughout the seasons can help your condition. So, don’t wait for
anything and start your healing process with the diagnosis!
