My message is – keep moving. If you do, you’ll keep arthritis at bay.
– Donna Mills
Arthritis is a common concern, especially as you age. But, this disease is far from limited to seniors. In fact, “it is the leading cause of disability in America” and affects over 50 million adults and 300,000 children.
You may be surprised to know that according to the Arthritis Foundation, it isn’t just one disease, rather “an informal way of referring to more than 100 types of joint diseases.”
What Causes Joint Diseases?
There are two main types of arthritis:
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The former, more common type, refers to joint cartilage damage, caused by wear-and-tear. In time, the condition can cause bone-to-bone rubbing and limit movement.
The latter type is a result of the immune system attacking the joint capsule’s lining, which can eventually destroy the bone and cartilage in the joint.
What can be Done?
Unfortunately, a cure hasn’t yet been invented. But there are measures you can take to prevent the disease, through avoiding risk factors.
- Keeping your weight at a healthy level
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a low-sugar, low-alcohol and low-purines diet
Additional risk factors include:
- Your family history – genes may play a role in the disease
- Your age – risk increases with age
- Previous joint injuries – a joint previously injured is at a greater risk
- Your gender – women are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis and men, generally, develop more of the other varieties
What to Look Out For?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common “signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion”
Arthritis is a common disease. While its cure still hasn’t been found, there are preventive measures you can take staring from today. Your bones may thank you for it.
Do you suffer from arthritis? How do you deal with it?
Please share in the comments below.