Introduction
Joint pain is a common problem that affects millions of people all over the globe. Joint pain is a common telltale sign of arthritis, a disorder which is often associated with pains or signs of aging. However, the condition of arthritis is far more multifaceted than joint pain. Arthritis is a term that encompasses more than 100 diseases that cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.
The disease is often associated with older adults, but it can affect individuals of all ages, including children. It causes considerable adverse impacts on the quality of life of the individuals and needs the attention of an Arthritis specialist for symptom management and proper treatment. While the basics of arthritis might be known to people, there are various facts about the condition that might come as a surprise. Park Hospital, as a renowned healthcare services provider in the country, educates people about the condition and its management and provides advanced treatments for the same as well.
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis includes a variety of conditions that cause inflammation of the joints, joint pain, swelling, stiffness and a decreased range of motion. The main cause of the condition is still unknown, but it can be managed by the expertise of specialist doctors. One of the lesser-known facts about arthritis is that it is not one disease but a wide term that encompasses more than 100 different joint-related conditions. Some common types of arthritis are as follows:
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): According to an Arthritis specialist, it is a kind of autoimmune disorder where the immune system of the body mistakenly affects the joints, causing significant levels of inflammation and damage in the joints.
2. Osteoarthritis (OA): It is the most common type of arthritis which is a degenerative joint disease that affects a large number of older adults. The disease occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): It is a kind of arthritis that usually affects people who have psoriasis, a skin condition which is characterized by red, scaly patches. It affects the quality of life of the people by causing substantial levels of joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
4. Gout: According to the Arthritis specialist at Park Hospital, it is a common form of arthritis which typically occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It usually occurs in the big toe but can affect other joints as well and can be extremely painful for people.
5 Surprising Facts About Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people all over the world, but the disease remains a mystery in various aspects. Thus, here we share a few unknown yet surprising facts about arthritis that you probably didn’t know about:
1. Arthritis Isn't Just for the Elderly: The medical condition of arthritis is often associated with older people; however, the condition can affect people of all ages, including children as well. The condition can develop in young adults due to joint injuries or rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, certain forms of arthritis, such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, can affect children even as young as 6 months old and may be diagnosed up to age 16.
2. Weather Can Impact Arthritis Symptoms: According to the Top arthritis doctor in India, the symptoms associated with arthritis can worsen due to changes in weather, particularly changes like cold temperatures, drops in barometric pressure, and damp conditions. The exact mechanism of arthritis and the triggers of joint pain are still not fully understood, but the changes in the pressure can affect the joints.
3. Arthritis Affects More Women Than Men: According to researchers, the medical conditions of arthritis affect more women than men. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women as compared to men. Women have a higher risk of developing different types of arthritis as compared to men.
4. Many Arthritis Risk Factors Are Controllable: According to the Top arthritis doctor in India, Park Hospital, there are various factors that can increase the risk of developing arthritis in people. This includes being obese or overweight, smoking excessively, having certain bacterial or viral infections of the joints and excessive repetitive stress on the joints. People can significantly reduce their risks by managing these risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
5. Diet and Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Big Difference: Arthritis is a chronic condition which has no proper cure but there are a variety of lifestyle and dietary modifications that can significantly help to manage symptoms and improve joint function. Incorporating numerous anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. You should try to avoid processed foods or sugar that can be potential triggers of pain or discomfort. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by practicing regular exercise, proper weight management, and physical therapy can help to manage symptoms and the condition as well.
Park Hospital: Assisting Patients In Proper Management of Arthritis
Arthritis is a complex and multifaceted medical condition which can significantly affect the quality of life of the patients. People need to understand the condition and its various forms and adopt various strategies for the proper management of the condition to lead a fulfilled life. Park Hospital, as the Top arthritis doctor in India, educates and guides people about the condition and ensures exceptional care with the dedicated efforts of expert orthopedics specialists to improve the outcomes of the medical condition.