Medically reviewed by Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Shera.
What Is Arthritis And What Causes It?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints in different parts of the body due to wear and tear of cartilage. It is one of the ten top most disabling diseases in developed countries. It has two types, which are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Patients who suffer from Arthritis experience Arthritis pain which is a common discomfort.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
This is the most common form of arthritis, it has affected millions of people worldwide. This occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down with time. Cartilage is a tissue that enables frictionless joint motion so when the cartilage wears down completely, bone rubs on bone. Osteoarthritis commonly affects joints in your hands, hips, knees and spine.
‘Worldwide estimates are that 9.6% of men and 18.0% of women aged over 60 years have symptomatic osteoarthritis.’ – World Health Organization
Apparently, ‘80% of those with osteoarthritis will have limitations in movement, and 25% cannot perform their major daily activities of life.’
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that affects more than just joints. In this the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints which causes a painful swelling and that eventually results in bone erosion and also joint deformity. The inflammation can also damage the other parts of the body.
DO YOU THINK YOU’RE AT RISK OF ARTHIRITIS? LET’S FIND OUT!
Various factors increase the risk of the disease and it gets worse in patients already suffering from the condition. Some of most common factors are listed below
BEING OBESE/OVERWEIGHT
It is one of most common risk factors of osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts stress on joints especially on hips, knees and spine. Being obese or overweight not only increases the risk of diabetes and heart diseases but also increase the risk of arthritis.
SMOKING
Studies have suggested that smoking worsens the disease in people who already suffer from arthritis. Apparently smoking contributes to around 20-25% of the risk in people who smoke. If you’re a smoker, try to quit smoking to lower the risk of RA.
JOINT INJURIES
Joint injuries lead to a condition known as PTA (Post-Traumatic Arthritis). Physical trauma to the joints due to accidents, sports or even falls. Excess body weight and repeated injuries further increase the risk of Arthritis.
GENDER
It is not commonly known that Arthritis is more common in women than in men. Apparently, women are two times more likely to suffer from RA as compared to men, especially after the age of 50. Also women with a family history of Arthritis are more likely to develop this disease.
INFECTIONS
Different viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites can cause various infections that can affect the joints and eventually lead to reactive or inflammatory arthritis.
Now that you’re aware of the risk factors for Arthritis. It’ll become easy to know which of these factors can be controlled to help you prevent Arthritis.
POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR ARTHRITIS!
People who suffer from Arthritis, extreme and hard exercises should be avoided.
Wear proper footwear when you exercise or go out for walks.
Patients with chronic health disorders or heart conditions should always consult their doctors before taking up any exercise regimen.
But always learn what the risks of the disease are.
Keep Calm And Take The Pain One Day At A Time..
