Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Arthritis can affect people of any age, but it is most common in older adults. There are many treatment options available for arthritis, including medical treatments and natural treatments. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of arthritis, the treatments available for each type, and the benefits of using natural treatments.
What is Arthritis?
To comprehend the therapies, we must first look at the reasons and what “arthritis” truly entails. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Early symptoms are often mistaken for a sports injury or the flu. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. This can be due to age, obesity, previous injuries, or even genetics. Osteoarthritis usually affects older adults, but it can occur at any age.
The other main type of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack the joints. This can cause inflammation, pain, and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. The early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and warmth.
There are numerous different types of arthritis. The following three forms are less typical but nonetheless occur:
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down purines. Purines are found in many foods, including meat, poultry, fish, and alcohol. People with gout often have a family history of the condition, and it is more common in men than in women. The symptoms of gout include sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. The most common joint affected by gout is the big toe, but it can also affect the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints and tendons. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity. Psoriatic arthritis is more common in men than in women.
Lupus is a type of autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own tissues. The symptoms of lupus can vary from mild to severe, and include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, and fatigue. Lupus is more common in women than in men. Early diagnosis and treatment of lupus is important to prevent serious damage to the joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis, it is critical that you consult with your doctor. Early detection is key in reducing the risk for negative long-term outcomes.
How Arthritis is Treated
The most common forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are treated with a combination of medical treatments and natural treatments.
Medical treatments for arthritis include:
– Pain relief: over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
– Inflammation: corticosteroid injections or oral medications, such as prednisone
– Joint protection: splints, braces, or assistive devices to protect the joints from further damage
– Exercise: physical therapy to help maintain joint function and range of motion
– Surgery: joint replacement surgery to relieve pain and improve joint function
Natural treatments for arthritis include:
– Herbal supplements: Glucosamine and Chondroitin are most common but there are many others
Glucosamine helps to maintain the health of cartilage in joints and has anti-inflammatory properties. As we age, our natural levels of glucosamine decline. Chondroitin is a type of supplement that is frequently used with glucosamine as an osteoarthritis therapy. Chondroitin was found to reduce pain, increase joint mobility, and decrease the necessity for pain medications in studies.
Topical treatments: Such as creams or ointments that contain capsaicin or menthol, are known to help with inflammation and pain alleviation.
– Exercise: low-impact exercises, such as swimming or walking, to help maintain joint function and range of motion
– Weight loss: losing weight can help reduce the strain on the joints
In conclusion: Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent serious damage to the joints. There are many treatment options available, including medical and natural treatments. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.