Does athritis only affect the old?

Though arthritis often manifests as a person ages, it can affect other people of all ages. However, age is one of the factors that increase the risk of developing the disease — as one gets older the risk of getting arthritis increases. PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • Medication, physiotherapy, surgery, steroid injections and even weightloss can be helpful.
  • There exist various forms of arthritis which normally affect the area inside or the tissues around the joints like tendons and muscles.
  • Other parts of the body such as the skin may also be affected. Usually, many forms of arthritis are chronic meaning they can last throughout a person’s life.

Arthritis is a term that refers to inflammation (red and sore) of joints.

There exist various forms of arthritis which normally affect the area inside or the tissues around the joints like tendons and muscles.

Other parts of the body such as the skin may also be affected. Usually, many forms of arthritis are chronic meaning they can last throughout a person’s life.

The location, pattern, and severity of symptoms may differ depending on particular type of disease.

For most forms of arthritis, the specific cause is not known although certain types are associated with wear and tear, infections, autoimmune diseases and high uric acid levels.

 

Dear doc,

Does arthritis only affect old people?

Philip.

 

Dear Philip,

Though arthritis often manifests as a person ages, it can affect other people of all ages.

However, age is one of the factors that increase the risk of developing the disease — as one gets older the risk of getting arthritis increases. There are other risk factors some of which are modifiable and others are non-modifiable.

Examples of risk factors that can be modified include injuries of the joints, some types of occupation, and being overweight or obese. Having excess body weight may cause the onset as well as advancement of knee osteoarthritis.

An injury to a joint may cause osteoarthritis to develop in the particular joint.

Some types of arthritis may develop if a joint is infected with microbes. Additionally, some types of occupation, for instance those involving squatting and repetitive knee bending places a person at a risk of the disease. Non-modifiable factors include age and gender.

Most forms of arthritis are more common among women whereas gout is more common among men.

Some specific genes are linked to a greater risk of some forms of arthritis.

 

Dear doc,

What are some of the warning signs of arthritis?

Jotham.

 

Dear Jotham,

Pain from arthritis can either be continuous or can come and disappear.

It may occur when one is walking or after one has been immobile for some time. The pain may be felt in one spot or several parts of the body. In addition, you may feel stiffness on your joints making it difficult to move.

One may find difficulties in accomplishing routine activities like climbing the stairs, opening the door or even lifting a chair. Pain and stiffness may intensify at particular times of the day or after you have done certain types of duties.

In some types of arthritis, inflammation or swelling may be experienced.

The skin over the affected joints may be swollen, reddish and feel hot to the touch. One may also experience fatigue in some arthritis.

It is important to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms so that accurate diagnosis can be made and proper treatment commenced.

Having a full understanding of the type of arthritis one has helps in managing the disease and making the necessary healthy lifestyle modifications to help cope with the disease.

 

Dear doc,

Is there a cure for arthritis?

Damaris.

 

Dear Damaris,

Arthritis is a chronic disease. The treatment options for arthritis are focused on managing pain, reduce damage to joints, and enhance or maintain function and quality of life.

Controlling inflammation is also necessary in inflammatory forms of arthritis.

There are various treatments of arthritis which include medications, physiotherapy, chiropractic, steroid injections, surgery, weight loss, patient education and support.

Most importantly, one must be able to carry out self management of arthritis in order to live with arthritis.

 

Dear doc,

What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Nyambura.

 

Dear Nyambura,

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two of the most common forms of arthritis a condition that impacts joints and their functionality.

Osteoarthritis which is the most common arthritis involves wear and tear harm to cartilage that covers the bones in your joints.

On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis occurs in the case where the immune system misguidedly attacks the lining of the joints resulting to painful swelling which can later cause deformity in joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints of the fingers but osteoarthritis tends to affect weight bearing joints such as the knees and hip.

 

Dear doc,

Why are people with arthritis advised not to take alcohol?

Steve.

 

Dear Steve,

Generally, we are advised to limit our alcohol consumption whether we are sick or not.

Patients with arthritis are also limited to alcohol use mainly depending on their medication. Alcohol interferes with medication. For example the use of methotrexate with alcohol increases the risk of liver damage.

In addition, alcohol enhances other symptoms in arthritis.

The quality of sleep may be affected if alcohol is taken in the evening, which increases symptoms of fatigue and pain in arthritis.

Arthritis is a term that refers to inflammation (red and sore) of joints. There exist various forms of arthritis which normally affect the area inside or the tissues around the joints like tendons and muscles. Usually, many forms of arthritis are chronic meaning they can last throughout a person’s life. PHOTO | FILE

KNOW YOUR BODY

Healthy ways to deal with athritis

It is never easy to live with arthritis, and it’s usually painful and difficult to carry out every day activities.

However, there are various ways one can deal with this problem and live a nearly normal life.

 

At Home

Carrying out tasks at home is not easy if you have arthritis.

As such, there are various adjustments that one can make to enhance movement or accomplishing tasks.

They may include keeping things in an easy reach, using objects with long handles to pick items or while cleaning, using hand rail to assist in moving up and down the stairs and using electric kitchen and other home appliances to enhance operations among any other possible adjustment that may ease your activities.

 

At Work

Most people with arthritis wish to continue with their work in order to improve their lives and have financial security.

To achieve this, one should seek appropriate treatment at the right time so as to enable them return to their routine activities.

This is usually possible if arthritis is diagnosed and treated at its initial stage. Support from your employer is also helpful for one to cope with arthritis and the challenges that come with it.

 

Joint Care

Arthritis affects joints. It is therefore critical to care for your joints if you have the disease so that you can minimize the damage to these joints. Lack of proper footwear or Sitting in one position for too long exerts strain on joints.

Hence changing positions and taking regular breaks from sitting can be beneficial.

Other ways of reducing the stress on joints is while performing routine activities like movement and lifting. Here are a few tips of protecting joints from damage or strain for people with arthritis.

Using large and stronger joints as levers.

For instance, when opening a door, placing the pressure on the shoulder rather than on the hand minimize strain on joints.

Engage in physical activity such as going for regular massage, physiotherapy care, yoga, and Pilates exercises. 

 

Healthy Eating

One way to deal arthritis is to ensure that one has a healthy diet.

Eating a balanced diet with all the important nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats is a sure way to manage arthritis.

Foods that can provide these nutrients include fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, starchy foods, meat, eggs, fish and beans as well as foods with fats and sugars.

These foods should be taken in moderation and especially for individuals who are overweight, losing weight should be part of the plan.

Being overweight places a lot of pressure on joints leading to increased pain and mobility difficulties.

 

Exercise

Arthritis may be painful and a person may not feel like taking any exercises.

However, taking simple exercises can help in preventing and reducing pain. In addition, exercising can help in reducing weight for those who are overweight, thus easing strain on joints and reducing pain.

Besides, exercising reduces stiffness, improves muscle strength, increases energy and ultimately improves your range of movement and joint mobility.

Doing the right exercises in regard to one’s condition does not do harm to arthritis, but rather improves it.

Visiting a physiotherapist or chiropractic for advice on the type of exercises suitable for your condition can help. 

Occupational Therapy

For individuals with serious arthritis which hinders your movement or ability to perform your routine activities like cooking or cleaning.

An occupational therapist can help.

The therapist is responsible for advising you on the type of equipment that you may need or use, in order to live independently.