Things you might not have known about arthritis
Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured.
According to Health24, as many as 1,5 million South Africans could be living with arthritis. Did you know that it is a myth that only old people can get arthritis? Young people are also at risk of developing the disease.
There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases. The most common types include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), fibromyalgia and gout.
Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the flexible tissue at the ends of bones (i.e. cartilage) wears down. Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured. The condition can last for years or be lifelong. The wearing down of the protective tissue occurs gradually and worsens over time. It causes joint pain in the hands, neck, lower back, knees or hips.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It is caused when the immune system (the body’s defence system) is not working properly. RA causes pain and swelling in the wrists, ankles and small joints of the hand and feet.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have the skin condition called psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and swelling, which may flare and subside. Many people with the condition are affected by morning stiffness. Even mild skin psoriasis can result in a significant degree of arthritis.
Fibromyalgia arthritis (FBA) commonly shows as widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured. Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by fatigue and altered sleep patterns, memory and mood. Medication, talk therapy and stress reduction may help control symptoms.
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, usually in one joint, that begins suddenly. Gouty arthritis is caused by crystals of uric acid being deposited in a joint. It can cause symptoms and signs such as nodules under the skin (called tophi), joint redness, swollen joints, joint pain, and warmth of the joint.
The most reliable method of diagnosing gout is to have fluid removed from an inflamed joint and examined under a microscope for uric acid crystals.Chronic gout is treated using medications that lower the uric acid level in the body. If it’s left untreated, gout can cause irreversible joint damage, kidney problems, and tophi.
Natural home remedies for relief of arthritic pain
Drink ginger and lemon tea. Stop eating fast food, junk food, fried food, and processed food. Eat fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, fish, olive oil, nuts, garlic, onions, and herbs. Sniff some fragrant spices. Japanese researchers found that lavender reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can make you feel relaxed and less aware of pain. Dipping your hands in hot water can help relax muscles and joints and relieve stiffness.Fill a cotton sock (don’t use a synthetic fibre which can melt if heated) with any kind of uncooked rice from your pantry and seal it. Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes. When it cools down slightly but is still nice and warm, place it on the sore, stiff joint for arthritis pain relief.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Arthritis Foundation, American College of Rheumatology, MedicineNet.com and Reader’s Digest.
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