Arthritis is a group of disorders that root from the swelling of joints. Joints are the body parts where bones connect. Someone with arthritis feels pain and stiffness in their joints. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, but it usually develops among older people. One in every five adults has this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis occur more often than the other types of arthritis. These different types include psoriatic arthritis, gout, and septic arthritis.
Indications of arthritis comprise of swelling, redness, and limited joint movement. Treatments for joint inflammation are varied according to the type. Treatments are focused on minimizing the symptoms and enhancing people’s everyday life.
This article explores the common facts about arthritis.
1. Osteoarthritis occurs in most arthritis patients
Osteoarthritis refers to a joint inflammation that happens naturally due to the everyday usage of the joints. In this disorder, the joint’s cartilage is impaired. Cartilage is the rubber-like tissue that guards the tips of long bones where a joint emerges. Cartilage smoothens the tips of the bones so that movements will not cause friction. Impaired cartilage leads to diminished smoothness with the grinding of bones that brings about aching and limited movement. The cartilage damage can continue over some time. A joint infection or injury can speed up this cartilage damage. Osteoarthritis targets the whole joint. It debilitates connective tissues, which connects the bone to muscle.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis strikes the synovial lining
Another commonly-occurring type of arthritis is Rheumatoid arthritis. This disorder is marked by the swelling of the joint capsule lining known as the synovial membrane. Your body’s immune system beats up this strong lining until it swells. Deterioration occurs to the bone and cartilage inside the joint.
3. Arthritis is passed down from family members
A person’s family history affects their chance of acquiring arthritis. One’s genetic makeup sets them up to be prone to elements that provoke the disease. Some types of illnesses like arthritis run in families, allowing them to develop the condition. If one’s parents had arthritis, they could likely acquire the disorder. Other illnesses linked with specific genes include ankylosing spondylitis and lupus.
4. Sex and age are common risk factors
Your body gets tired and worn off as you age, allowing many diseases to develop as you get older. The possibility of developing certain types of arthritis raises with age as the joint starts to deteriorate. Sex also plays a risk of acquiring arthritis. More kinds of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis are typical for women, while gout occurs more frequently in men.
5. Previous injuries and infection can prompt arthritis
Arthritis is likely to occur on joints that are previously damaged. For instance, an individual who impaired a joint while playing sport has the possibility of getting arthritis in the same joint. Infections from bacteria or viruses may provoke joint inflammation as well.
6. Extra weight increases the chance of arthritis
Joints are in severe burden when someone has extra weight. It is especially true for specific body areas like the knees and spine. The possibility of acquiring arthritis is maximized in individuals with obesity. Arthritis may begin soon, and the effect is worse when someone is overweight.
7. One’s nature of work is a risk factor
Work involving putting stress on the knees like bending and squatting or lifting heavy objects will likely cause osteoarthritis.
8. Arthritis can cause serious complications
Arthritis should not be left untreated because it can affect one’s functioning. Arthritis involves crucial body parts like the hands and knees. Bearing severe damages to these areas will keep someone from their daily duties. Even sitting or walking can be difficult if arthritis is not treated.
9. Most types of arthritis have no definite cure
Psoriatic arthritis occurs to individuals with psoriasis. Psoriasis refers to a skin condition marked with red patches and shiny white scales. The majority of people with psoriatic arthritis are identified with psoriasis first, and then the arthritis identification follows later on. Just like the other arthritis types, psoriatic arthritis characterizes through pain and inflexibility. Indications can be mild or extreme.
Psoriatic arthritis can impact any areas of the body like the spine and fingers. Psoriatic arthritis currently has no cure. Management of its symptoms is the main focus of treatment. Mismanaged psoriatic arthritis can result in disability.