Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are diseases related to joint pain and many other symptoms. Read everything you need to know here!
Most people experience some degree of joint pain during their lifetime. So how do we know if we have arthritis?
Some common symptoms include mild or severe swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms can be constant or may appear and disappear. Sometimes arthritis causes permanent changes in the joints, such as a knobbly finger, but most often arthritis is only visible on an X-ray.
Arthritis is a general term for describing more than 100 different types of joint pains or diseases. The Arthritis Foundation reports that arthritis affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States alone, making it one of the leading causes of disability. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are one of the arthritis types.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
More than 50% of people over 65 develop osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, in which the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones wears off. When this happens, the bone is rubbed against the bone. This feeling can be extremely painful and can cause swelling and stiffness. Osteoarthritis usually occurs on the fingers, wrists, knees, ankles and hips. It also affects the lower back.
For rheumatoid arthritis, read here: Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment With 5 Natural Remedies
Joint stiffness, abnormal sensations, and loss of flexibility are some of the most common early symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Stiffness first thing in the morning is a usual symptom, as well as stiffness or tingling feeling after sitting a long period of time. Instead of succumbing to the temptation to go back to bed, it is important to perform gentle stretches to get your joints to set in motion.
Cartilage wear and bone-to-bone sensation is a rather unusual feeling. If you notice any strange sensation in your joints or feel or hear in your joints as a “click” when you move, you may be experiencing the first signs of osteoarthritis.
Loss of flexibility and range of motion is another common symptom. Difficulty in bending elbows, wrists, knees, or ankles are warning signs.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis tend to appear at certain times of the day. This varies from person to person, but is often in the morning, afternoon, or after certain activities. You have to pay attention to your body and the moment. Make note of the time you experience pain and stiffness. Doing so can help control pain as you will be able to take preventative measures to stretch, move or exercise at your most arthritic moments.
Risk factors
The risk factors for osteoarthritis are obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and injuries to previous joints. Therefore, the best way to prevent osteoarthritis is to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and treat the injuries properly.
When it comes to nutrition, it is essential to eat a diet rich in omega-3, vitamin C and vitamin D. Fish, olive oil and flaxseed are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. There is vitamin C in citrus, green pepper, broccoli, tomato, melon and potatoes. The body gets most of its vitamin D content from the sun, so it is important to exercise outdoors. Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and herring.
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