Life itself is full of suprises and lots of challenges too. Sometimes, the worst hits you when you least expect it. Few days back, I got a call from home. My sister called to inform me that mother was seriously sick and she was being rushed to a nearby hospital. A test was carried out and in no time, the results were out. Nothing was discovered, she seemed to be perfectly fine except for the fact that she was having a fever. Mother couldn't stand, her legs and feet were aching.
The doctor suggested we buy over-the-counter drugs to ease the pain and fever. The next day, the fever was gone but her legs were still aching. I booked an appointment with the doctor and an X-ray was done. He confirmed that she was suffering from Arthritis. Mother and I was shocked and surprised to hear this. She said "But Doctor, I haven't aged at all, how did I get it?"
The doctor calmed her down and explained that Arthritis could happen to anybody. I didn't seem to understand most of the things he said, so I went home and did a thorough research.
Here's what I learnt.
Arthritis is also know as Joint inflammation. It occurs when there is an inflammation of one or more Joints, causing pain and stiffness. It occurs in different types depending on the individuals age. To break this down in simpler terms, during your high school days, you probably may have learnt that one of the disadvantage of friction is that it causes wear and tear in machines. Similarly, friction between joints can be likened to Arthritis ( Osteoarthritis)
Arthritis develops over time, but may also appear suddenly. People within the ages of 30 and above can be affected. Children, teens and younger adults are not left out too. Women are at a greater risk, as well as people who are obese.
Symptoms of Arthritis.
The major symptoms are:
1. Joint pain and inflammation
2. Swelling and Stiffness
3. Redness or sore around the Joint may occur
4. Tiredness or loss of appetite
Most people with Arthritis usually experience their symptoms in the morning. For people with severe cases of Arthritis;
5. They could become Anemic ( Reduction of Red blood cells)
6. Slight fever or Joint deformity.
Types
The most common type of Arthritis are
1. Osteoarthritis
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
1. Osteoarthritis: is the most common form of joint inflammation (arthritis). It occurs as a result of wearing and tearing of the articular cartilage ( thin layer of hyaline cartilage which Coates the ends of bones, to minimize Joint friction and absorb shock).
The changes which occur here are irreversible and degenerative . And as a result of this degeneration and repeated friction, Joint pain, stiffness and discomfort can arise. Common places affected includes hips, knees etc.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: Here, the body's immune system attacks the articular/Joint capsule and it's lining. Joint Capsules are tough membrane enclosing all Joint parts. In rheumatoid arthritis, the lining becomes inflamed swollen. This process destroys cartilage and bones within the Joint.
Risks Factors.
1. Age: As we age, our bones and cartilage weakens. They're not as strong as they used to, in our youthful days. People of ages, 30 years and above have hight chances of developing arthritis.
2. Sex: women are at a greater risk then men. They're more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Family history: some type of Arthritis runs in the family, so if you have a family history of Arthritis, you could be susceptible to factors triggering arthritis.
4. Obesity: An extra pound on your body weight, can put more pressure on your joints, causing athritis.
5. Previous Joint injury: if you've had an injury to a particular joint of your body, arthritis may likely occur in that joint.
To reduce joint inflammation, such foods should be avoided - sugar( dessert, fruit juice, chocolates), refined carbohydrates, Saturated and Trans fat etc
Treatments
Arthritis has no permanent cure, but some forms of treatment could help manage the disease.
1. Surgery: Joint, Knee, Hip replacement surgery.
2. Therapies such as accupuncture, massage, stretching could be performed on the individual.
3. Medications: over-the-counter drugs (ibuprofen, motrin, Advil etc), steroids, analgesic and narcotics etc can be administered.
4. Self care: this form of treatment is carried out by the individual, and it includes, physical exercise, weight loss, Yoga, cold compress, ice packs and even weight loss.
