There are roughly 100 various kinds of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are the three most common forms. Each Arlington arthritis type develops differently, but all are painful and can result in joint deformity and loss of function. Some causes of arthritis are beyond your control, like age, family history, and gender (many arthritis is more frequent in women). Conversely, a few healthy practices can help minimize your chance of getting sore joints as you age. Many of these activities, like exercising and eating a healthy diet, also aid in the prevention of other diseases.
1. Manage your weight
Your knees must bear the weight of the body. Being overweight or obese might have severe consequences for them. If you’re just 10 pounds overweight, the impact on your knee rises by 30 to 60 pounds with each stride. Individuals who are obese are up to 4.55 times more likely than people who are not obese to develop knee OA. Also, obesity has been associated with an increased incidence of RA and PsA. Moreover, diet and exercise can aid you to achieve a healthier weight. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial if you have difficulty reducing weight.
2. Address any infections
When bacteria and viruses make you ill, they don’t just cause coughing and sneezing. Some of these microorganisms can potentially infect and cause arthritis in your joints. Infectious arthritis, commonly known as septic arthritis, is a painful joint condition caused by germs like Staphylococcus aureus (staph). These germs often enter the circulation and migrate to the joint or the fluid around the joint. Antibiotics can be used to treat this kind of arthritis. Conversely, respiratory infections like colds and the flu can potentially set off RA. The condition likely triggers an abnormal immune system response, leading to the development of this autoimmune illness.
3. Watch your blood sugar
In the U.S., more than half of people with diabetes have arthritis. This is because high blood sugar stiffens cartilage, making it more vulnerable to joint injury. Also, diabetes encourages inflammation throughout the body, which can deteriorate cartilage.
4. Stop smoking
It might be difficult to break the habit. However, quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart and lung disease and helps protect against arthritis. Researchers published the first systematic evaluation of studies on smoking and the risk of RA in 2009. The researchers believe that the greater risk is due to how RA affects the immune system. RA is an inflammatory illness, and smoking contributes to overall inflammation. Smoking might also have an impact on your treatment success. This is because smokers do not respond well to arthritis treatments.
Consult a doctor or rheumatologist if you begin to experience arthritic symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis damage is frequently progressive, meaning the longer you wait to get treatment, the more damage can occur to the joint. Your physician may be able to recommend therapies or lifestyle changes that can decrease the progression of your arthritis and keep you mobile. Call Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists or book your appointment online to learn more about different arthritis therapies.
