What is the main cause of Arthritis?
Arthritis Support & Care Services
What are the 2 key types of Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, from the fingers and toes to the hips and knees. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that typically affects older adults. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition that can affect people of any age. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, which is the lining of the joints. This can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness, and over time can lead to joint damage and deformity.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is estimated that over 2 million adults in the Australia (1 in 11) have osteoarthritis.
There is no single cause of arthritis. Rather, it is typically the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Some of the most common risk factors for arthritis include:
- Age: The risk of developing arthritis increases as you get older.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
- Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that certain genes may increase the risk of developing arthritis.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put extra strain on the joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
- Joint injuries: Injuries to the joints can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as Lyme disease, can cause arthritis.
Can Arthritis be Cured?
There is currently no cure for arthritis. However, there are a variety of treatments that can help manage the symptoms of the condition and improve quality of life. Some common treatments for arthritis include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help manage pain, inflammation, and other symptoms of arthritis.
- Physical therapy: Exercise and physical therapy can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases of arthritis, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to replace damaged joints with artificial ones.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the joints can all help manage arthritis symptoms.
Exercise and physical therapy can be highly effective for managing arthritis symptoms. Regular exercise can help improve joint flexibility, reduce pain and inflammation, and strengthen the muscles around the affected joint. Some types of exercise that may be particularly beneficial for people with arthritis include:
- Low-impact aerobics: Swimming, walking, and cycling are all great forms of low-impact exercise that can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
- Strength training: Building strength in the muscles around the affected joint can help improve joint stabilityand reduce the risk of injury. Resistance training, using weights or resistance bands, can be an effective way to build strength.
- Range-of-motion exercises: These exercises involve moving the joint through its full range of motion to help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
There are several factors that can make arthritis symptoms worse, including:
- Inactivity: Failing to exercise regularly can cause muscles to weaken and joints to become stiff, which can make arthritis symptoms worse.
- Overuse: Repeatedly using the same joint can put excessive strain on the joint, leading to pain and inflammation.
- Poor posture: Poor posture can put extra strain on the joints, causing pain and discomfort.
- Stress: Stress can cause the muscles to tense up, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
- Diet: Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can increase inflammation in the body, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.
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