Home Care Providers Experts Reveal Everything You Need to Know About Arthritis

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 100 types of arthritis affect tens of millions of Americans every single year. Arthritis, one of the most common diseases in the United States, is usually associated with chronic joint pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis found in seniors, but what exactly is it? In basic terms, osteoporosis happens when cartilage starts to wear away, forcing your bones to rub each other and cause pain. Other forms of arthritis affect different parts of the body in different ways. Home care providers experts share a few of the most common types of arthritis and the symptoms associated with them.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a disease that becomes more common as you get older. When your cartilage starts to wear away, bones in your joint areas rub together more often and you start to feel an increasing amount of pain from everyday activities. Symptoms include stiffness and mild pain in your hands, neck, knees and hips. Home care providers experts also note that being overweight can make your osteoarthritis symptoms even worse.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can cause pain and swelling on almost any joint in your body. Home care providers experts say that this type of arthritis is caused by an abnormality within your body’s immune system. While rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, it is generally a progressive disease that gets worse with age. If any of your joints become red, inflamed or swollen, there’s a possibility you have this type of arthritis, so it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that can happen when uric acid crystals build up in a particular joint, usually the big toe and ankle. Gout is extremely painful and home care providers experts recommend seeking medical treatment as soon as you suspect you may be dealing with it. Gout can suddenly affect someone after they eat certain types of foods or drink too much alcohol. Additionally, being overweight increases your risk of developing gout at some point in your life. If you are experiencing painful, red swelling on your feed or other joints, you may be suffering from gout.

Next steps

If you are exhibiting symptoms of arthritis, home care providers experts agree that seeing a doctor as soon as you can is vital. In addition to specific medications, doctors may recommend exercise, a change in diet and making sure your sleep habits are healthy. While arthritis is extremely common, that doesn’t make it any less serious.