Dr Martin Knight gives an insight into arthritis
Arthritis : The Whos, Whats, Whys, Whens and Wheres
Arthritis affects tens of millions of people globally. Many people have heard of the spinal condition, however few actually understand what it means to have the condition. As World Arthritis Awareness Day takes place this month (on the 12th October), I thought it would be the perfect time to raise some awareness about what Arthritis really is.
Did you know…?
Arthritis is the most common form of disability in the USA. Shockingly, last year, over 20 million people in the USA alone were diagnosed with the spinal condition, most of which were women. The 2 most common forms are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What Is Arthritis?
Many people get confused by the term Arthritis. What does it mean? What is it caused by? Can you get treatment to help lessen the impact on your life? Or do you just have to live with it?
In short, Arthritis is a musculo-skeletal condition that causes pain and inflammation within a joint. Many people falsely believe that it is caused mainly by old age. This is not true. It is correct that, as we get older, one’s joints are increasingly prone to Arthritis due to the wear and tear of life; however one can be diagnosed at any age, even as young as 3 years old.
Some of the most common warning signs are:
1) Pain and tenderness
2) Swelling in and around the joints
3) Stiffness
4) Difficulty moving one or more joints.
5) Warmth and redness of the skin over the affected joint
(Note: If these symptoms persist for 2 or more weeks, visit your Doctor to seek advice.)
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Arthritis. It is degenerative and your condition will gradually worsen with age. However, DON’T GIVE UP! There are things that you can do to avoid the condition, slow down the rate to which it affects you, and even help to improve your condition.
How You Can Reduce The Impact Of Arthritis
Your lifestyle plays an important role in protecting your spinal health and reducing your chances of getting Arthritis. Here are some tips to help you:
1) Obesity is a leading contributor to Arthritis diagnoses. To avoid obesity negatively impacting your health, try to follow a healthy, balanced diet.
2) Try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
3) I also recommend maintaining your weight as drastic weight loss or increase can increase your chances of Arthritis substantially.
4) Try to avoid, or quit, smoking. Smoking is a well-known cause of Arthritis and doubles your risk of incurring severe arthritis later in life.
5) Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night
6) Try to reduce your daily stress. If you work in a stressful job, a good solution would be to take up meditation, yoga or even to treat yourself to a spa day where you can relax and switch off.
Where To Seek Help
If you think that you are suffering from Arthritis, it is very important to visit your Doctor so that you can get diagnosed and treated early in your prognosis. This will help you to avoid joint deformity and disability.
I know that many people are nervous about visiting their GP when they think something might be wrong with them but don’t be scared. We’re here to help you and the earlier that you receive treatment, the less likely you are to be affected by your condition in the long-term.
If you don’t want to visit your Doctor, then feel free to visit my website www.spinal-foundation.org for more information or message me your questions on Female First and I’ll try to help.
For more information, visit www.spinal-foundation.org or follow Martin on Twitter @DrMartinKnight
Tagged in Health Arthritis Healthy Body