Arthritis is a commonly known condition in the United States (US). In Greek or Latin, the word “Arthritis” means joint inflammation. A disorder that affects the joints, the tissues surrounding the joints and other connective tissues is referred to as arthritis. It is a familiar term for more than one hundred diverse types of conditions involving inflammation of one or more joints, and as per CDC, every 1 in 4 persons in the US suffer from a form of arthritis. Therefore, there is a possibility that someone in your family is suffering from it, like my grandmother and one of my uncles. Arthritis patients may experience constant pain, redness, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints.
Researchers predict that almost half of people who are 65 years old or older will have arthritis. You are more likely to get arthritis as you age as it changes the musculoskeletal system; however, anyone can suffer from it at any age. Children may get arthritis as well. Gender can be a risk factor for arthritis as well. Women are more likely than men to experience arthritis, but the real reason women are more likely to acquire most types of arthritis is unknown to experts. Moreover, heredity contributes to this condition, where different genes have been related to various forms of arthritis. For example, Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis, is more likely in those with the genetic marker HLA-B27, according to CDC. Weight is another risk factor that can contribute to this condition. Your knee joints may become damaged if you are overweight or obese as the extra weight puts more strain on joints, such as the knee, which could speed up the breakdown of cartilage. They may become more susceptible to osteoarthritis, which is another form of arthritis as a result. Furthermore, a joint that has suffered from an injury is more likely to experience arthritis in the future. An infection can trigger arthritis as numerous microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, have the potential to infect joints and result in the development of several kinds of arthritis. People whose work involves frequent bending or squatting are also prone to arthritis as it affects the knees. Additionally, according to studies, smoking increases the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis. Even though arthritis is not curable, it is manageable, and many people lead a healthy life by following many treatment options. Keeping joints healthy requires lowering pain and inflammation. A person with arthritis should follow a treatment plan with a combination of medications and therapies recommended by the physician. Some medications may help with pain for the short term, but physiotherapy increases joint mobility and supports the muscles around joints. Several patients use anti-inflammatory drugs for the long-term, nevertheless such use can cause stomach bleeding. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss your medications with your healthcare provider to reduce the risk. Also, lifestyle changes may improve the quality of life. Johns Hopkins Medicine suggested some lifestyle changes, which might be beneficial
