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Health

ARTHRITIS: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, and Complications Associated with Arthritis

Arthritis basically means the inflammation and tenderness of joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis with different treatment methods and causes but with similar symptoms. In the US, Arthrosis, also known as osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting adults around 50-60 years of age. Other notable types of arthritis include:

  • Gout
  • psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Here, we’ll have a quick look at the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and complications associated with arthritis.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The main symptoms of arthritis include;

  • fever
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rashes
  • Swelling in joints
  • Redness in joints

Note that these symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses.

What Causes Arthritis?

The most common causes of arthritis include;

  • Obesity
  • Gene
  • Age
  • muscle weakness
  • Autoimmune disorders

For Arthrosis, normal wear or tear can lead to the condition as it can exacerbate the normal breakdown of cartilage tissues. In addition, your risks of developing osteoarthritis increase if you’ve got a family history of the disease.

Unlike Arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the body’s tissues, leading to inflammation in joints and other body parts.

Are They Any Risk Factors for Arthritis?

Well, yes. The possible risk factors for arthritis include;

·      Age and gender

As you grow old, the risks of developing arthritis tend to be higher. In addition, women have a higher possibility of developing most forms of arthritis, except gout.

·      Obesity

Staying overweight adds extra stress on the weight-bearing joints in the body like the hips and knees. Carrying out physical activities to shed off excess weight can help decrease your risks of getting affected by the condition and also help if you’re already suffering from it.

·      Genetic makeup

If there is a family history of autoimmune disease, as well as some inherited genes, it may increase your risks of rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis.

·      Smoking

You can increase your risks of developing arthritis with your lifestyle choice, and smoking is one of them. Smoking can even worsen the situation.

What are the Possible Complications Associated With Arthritis?

The symptoms of arthritis may worsen with time when not treated, and this in a way affects your day-to-day activities. Some possible complications associated with arthritis include;

·      Less mobility

As the disease progresses, with time, you’ll start experiencing less comfortable movement. This negatively interferes with your daily activities as well as discourages you from socializing.

·      Weight gain

When there’s a lack of mobility, and all you feel is pain in your joints, it’ll surely keep you away from exercising. This leads to an accumulation of fats and stocking up some extra pounds.

·      Possible inflammation in other parts of your body

If your joint pain is credited to an immune system sickness like RA, the irritation can spread and influence your skin, veins, lungs, and eyes.

·      Higher risks of metabolic disorders

Being overweight with a condition like arthritis may increase your possibilities of getting affected with type 2 hypertension, coronary illness, and higher cholesterol levels.

FINAL WORDS

Though there isn’t any effective cure for arthritis, getting the right treatments includes a combination of medications and supplements, physical activity, a nutrient-rich diet, and therapy, amongst others. Aside from the treatment, certain lifestyle changes will go a long way in managing your arthritis.

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