What are the most common symptoms of arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in kids and younger adults. Arthritis is more common in women and in people who are overweight.
The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the most common symptoms of arthritis. Your range of motion may also decrease, and you may experience redness of the skin around the joint. Many people with arthritis notice their symptoms are worse in the morning.
In the case of RA, you may feel tired or experience a loss of appetite due to the inflammation. Severe RA can cause joint deformity if left untreated.
What are the best ways to deal with pain? The main goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of pain you’re experiencing and prevent additional damage to the joints. You’ll learn what works best for you in terms of controlling pain. Some people find heating pads and ice packs to be soothing. Others use mobility assistance devices, like canes or walkers, to help take pressure off sore joints. Improving your joint function is also important.
What lifestyle changes could help ease pain occurring from arthritis? Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing OA and can reduce symptoms if you already have it.
Choosing a diet with lots of antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and veggies, can help reduce inflammation. Fish and nuts are also beneficial.
Foods to avoid include fried foods, processed foods, dairy products, and high intakes of meat.
Regular exercise will keep your joints flexible. Swimming is a good form of exercise for people with arthritis because it doesn’t put pressure on your joints the way running and walking do. .