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The Spotlight series is a series of articles looking at common, and preventable, diseases.

I explain the science behind the condition, how to spot early signs and what you can do to prevent it.

The Science

Arthritis refers to a multitude of conditions that cause inflammation and pain in the joints. Arthritis can be split into osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

One in five Canadians live with arthritis; it is common in older age, although young people can also suffer from it.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and also the most preventable. It is caused by joint damage that occurs over time with aging, or due to injury.

Osteoarthritis causes a loss of cartilage, which is the material that covers and protects the bones.

Without cartilage, the bones grind against one another, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the knees, hips, hands and spine.

Inflammatory arthritis is a collective term for all the other types of arthritis.

Common examples are:

Inflammatory arthritis not only affects the joints, but also other systems in the body. They are caused by autoimmune disorders, where the bodys immune system attacks the tissue in and around the joint.

This causes pain, stiffness and swelling, as well as systemic symptoms like fevers, weight loss and fatigue.

Signs and Symptoms

All types of arthritis cause pain, stiffness and swelling of one or more joints. The symptoms can change during the day, and also with exercise and rest. Typically, cold weather also worsens symptoms.

Eventually, this can lead to reduced mobility.

How to Prevent Arthritis

Many factors affecting your risk of arthritis cannot be controlled, such as your genetics and gender. However, some factors can be prevented.

If you have a strong family history of arthritis, its worth going to your family doctor to discuss your risk. Be mindful of the signs and symptoms, as getting treatment early can make a big difference.

In terms of preventing arthritis, the most important factor is maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight puts excess force through your joints with each step you take, increasing the wear and tear on the joint and ultimately causing long term damage.

Maintaining a healthy weight for your height is crucial in preventing arthritis.

As well as eating healthily to maintain a good weight, getting regular exercise is ideal. The best form of exercise for preventing arthritis is a mix of cardiovascular and strength training; for instance, try alternating swimming or cycling with weight training.

This strengthens your body without putting too much stress on any one joint.

As well as the injury from excess weight, other injuries to your joints can increase your risk of arthritis.

Be careful when exercising and playing sports, and remember to always warm up and cool down to reduce your risk of an injury. If appropriate, consider joint supports if you do have an existing injury.

You can also reduce your risk of injury by being careful lifting heavy objects, sitting in an ergonomic position if you work at a desk and using a backpack to carry heavy items, rather than carrying items on one arm.

If you are concerned about an existing injury or the possibility of one, speak to your family doctor or physiotherapist.

Take Home Message

Although some factors are out of your control, there is plenty that you can do to reduce your risk of arthritis.

It can be a debilitating disease, so getting plenty of exercise, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight are ways that you can significantly reduce your risk of the disease.

Be mindful of any existing injuries, and look after your joints to prevent any new ones.

Link:
Spotlight on: Arthritis - Health and Happiness - Castanet.net

This entry was posted on January 27, 2021 at 9:51 am and is filed under Arthritis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |