ARTHRITIS DOESN’T JUST AFFECT THE ELDERLY
Arthritis is often associated with ageing, but it’s a misconception that it only affects the elderly.
In fact, says Murray Hewlett, chief executive officer of Affinity Health, arthritis can strike at any age, including in young adults.
“However, with the right treatment, support, and a positive mindset, young adults with arthritis can manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives,” he adds.
Arthritis, in its many forms, is a group of conditions that cause joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
While it is indeed more common among older adults, it can also affect young adults, sometimes even during their teenage years.
When arthritis strikes in youth, it can be particularly challenging, as it disrupts the active and dynamic lives of individuals just starting to build their futures.
Several types of arthritis can affect young adults, but two are particularly common:
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system assaults the synovium - the membrane lining surrounding the joints - by mistake. It typically begins in young adulthood and can affect several joints.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): JIA is a term used to describe several types of arthritis that occur in children and adolescents, usually before age 16. Some forms of JIA can persist into adulthood.
Young adults can also develop psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis, which frequently develops in response to infections.
Arthritis doesn’t discriminate based on age, and the symptoms can be as debilitating for young adults as for older individuals. Common symptoms include: joint pain; stiffness; swelling; fatigue; reduced range of motion; and fever.
Diagnosing arthritis in young adults can be challenging because the symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions.
If you or a young adult you know is experiencing persistent joint pain or other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider.
They will ask about the individual’s medical history, including a family history of arthritis and any recent illnesses or infections.
A thorough physical examination will help assess joint inflammation, range of motion, and overall health; and blood tests, including rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, may help identify specific types of arthritis.
X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can provide detailed images of the joints and help diagnose underlying concerns; and, if needed, a sample of joint fluid may be extracted and examined for signs of inflammation.
Various treatments and lifestyle changes can aid in managing the condition and enhance quality of life.
Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, healthcare providers may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologics to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
A physical therapist can design exercises to improve joint mobility, strength, and function. In contrast, occupational therapists help individuals learn techniques and strategies to manage daily tasks more effectively despite weakened joints.
Pain management techniques, such as heat and cold therapy or overthe-counter pain relievers, can provide relief, while surgical interventions like joint replacement may be necessary. – Supplied