Understanding Arthritis

When many of us think of arthritis, we think it’s a natural part of wear on our bodies that only affects older adults. While some types of arthritis occur through the natural wear and tear of the joints, that’s not the only cause. It’s also untrue that arthritis only affects older populations.  

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn about arthritis, ways to treat symptoms, and tips for reducing your risk of developing the condition.  

What is Arthritis 

Arthritis is a general term used to describe joint pain. It’s often thought of as a condition that only affects the older generation. While age does play a factor in some types of arthritis, it is possible to develop arthritis at any age. Additional risk factors include obesity, smoking, and previous joint injuries. Arthritis also tends to be most common in women and those with a genetic makeup called human leukocyte antigen class II genotypes.  

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 types of arthritis, but most of them placed into one of four categories: 

• Degenerative Arthritis- Also referred to as osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis is a chronic disorder where the tissue and cartilage surrounding the joint breaks down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and tends to worsen with age. Signs of degenerative arthritis include pain and swelling of the joints, most commonly in the fingers, toes, hips, knees, and feet.  
• Inflammatory Arthritis- Inflammatory arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It’s caused by an overactive immune system and is considered an autoimmune disease. Common types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and Lyme disease. Symptoms of inflammatory arthritis are joint pain, swelling of the infected joint, and stiffness, especially after long periods with no movement. 
• Infectious Arthritis- Infectious arthritis is an infection of the joint. It’s also called septic arthritis and happens when infectious bacteria enter the body and spreads to the joint or the fluid surrounding the joint. Infectious arthritis causes intense pain and swelling of the joint. It can also result in fever and chills.  
• Metabolic Arthritis- When the body breaks down purines found in foods and human cells, it creates a chemical called uric acid. Most of the time, uric acid dissolves in the blood and leaves the body through the urine. However, some people produce high uric acid levels, which can build up in the joints and cause metabolic arthritis.  

Treating and Preventing Arthritis  

There is no cure for many types of arthritis, so treatment focuses on managing pain and discomfort. Doctors tend to prescribe a mix of medications and lifestyle changes depending on the type and severity of arthritis. While the best course of action for treating arthritis is going to a doctor and getting a proper diagnosis, there are some things you can do in the meantime to minimize your symptoms. 

• A well-balanced diet- In general, it’s good to eat a well-balanced diet, but if you’re experiencing swelling of the joints, some foods may help with inflammation. Try incorporating fish, nuts, fresh produce, beans, olive oil, and whole grains into your diet to help manage your joint inflammation.  
• Maintaining a healthy weight- Having access weight puts additional stress on the joints. It’s essential to keep a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing arthritis and help manage arthritis pain. Eating nutritious foods and regular exercise are the best first steps to losing weight. If you’re struggling to reach a healthy weight, talk to your doctor about other weight loss options.  
• Low-impact physical activity- Physical activity is excellent for your overall health. However, some exercises may cause additional pain. If you have arthritis, try to avoid high-impact activities such as running. Instead, try low-impact sports such as swimming, yoga, or cycling.  

How Visiting Angels Can Help 

If you or an aging loved one has arthritis and needs help doing daily things around the house, the team at Visiting Angels can help! Our compassionate caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, personal grooming, meal preparations, medication reminders, transportation, and more. Our Marietta office serves those in Marietta and Smyrna, Georgia. To learn more about our services, you can schedule a free consultation by completing this online form or giving our office a call at 770-709-6884.