Six Warning Signs of Arthritis and How to stop it in its Tracks
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the skeletal system and is considered part of aging, although there are several types such as rheumatoid and psoriatic that can strike anyone of any age. Signs to be aware of include joint and range of motion changes. Various treatments exist including naturopathic or pharmaceutical to alleviate symptoms. Here is a quick review of the top six signs with effective modalities to stop them in their tracks.
Pain
The most prevalent symptom for any type is joint pain. This comes in the form of throbbing or shooting episodes. It usually occurs upon after sleep or long periods of inactivity. The lack of movement is usually the culprit thatcauses arthritis pain in this instance.
Swelling
Swelling is caused in various ways including injury, arthritis, or other orthopedic conditions. With arthritis, fluid build-up will come and go for no reason. The fluid can be tested for a definitive diagnosis.
Stiffness
Inability to move or bend joints in the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles is a sure sign of arthritis. Slowly moving the specific area will generally cause pain before it loosens up. The range of motion is diminished to frozen during this period.
Deformity
Worn or missing cartilage will cause bones to become deformed. This usually occurs in the hands specifically fingers and knee joints. Bones will also present with bumps or lumps around the joints. The bones grow thicker due to spurs or cysts as well and will appear misshapen.
Range of Motion
With the signs and symptoms associated with arthritis, range of motion is decreased at varying levels. Without intervention, pain and stiffness becomes worse. The swelling will also make it difficult to continue with daily activities. See if experts at places like Boise Orthopaedic Care centers can help come up with a good exercise regimen to help you.
Grinding Sounds
If there is no cartilage to cushion the bone and joint, a grinding noise can be heard during movement. There may not be any pain associated with this symptom. A simple test is to grasp the joint and move. The grinding will be heard and felt.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical is the preferred method to treat symptoms and slow arthritis’ progression. Lifestyle changes are first by moving from strenuous exercises to less stressful ones. Physical therapy works to increase the range of motion by strengthen muscles around joints.
Depending on the joint, support with braces and canes are used. Hot or cold packs address swelling, inflammation, and stiffness. Medications such as ibuprofen to prescriptions under a variety of names are treatments that improve the quality of life. As a last result, surgery may become an option.
Physicians will know exactly how to address the various joints and treatments that eradicate the symptoms. Sufferers still need to be cognizant of the signs so they can slow the condition’s development. Once a treatment works, it should be repeated as needed.
The most prevalent symptom for any type is joint pain. This comes in the form of throbbing or shooting episodes. It usually occurs upon after sleep or long periods of inactivity. The lack of movement is usually the culprit thatcauses arthritis pain in this instance.
Swelling
Swelling is caused in various ways including injury, arthritis, or other orthopedic conditions. With arthritis, fluid build-up will come and go for no reason. The fluid can be tested for a definitive diagnosis.
Stiffness
Inability to move or bend joints in the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles is a sure sign of arthritis. Slowly moving the specific area will generally cause pain before it loosens up. The range of motion is diminished to frozen during this period.
Deformity
Worn or missing cartilage will cause bones to become deformed. This usually occurs in the hands specifically fingers and knee joints. Bones will also present with bumps or lumps around the joints. The bones grow thicker due to spurs or cysts as well and will appear misshapen.
Range of Motion
With the signs and symptoms associated with arthritis, range of motion is decreased at varying levels. Without intervention, pain and stiffness becomes worse. The swelling will also make it difficult to continue with daily activities. See if experts at places like Boise Orthopaedic Care centers can help come up with a good exercise regimen to help you.
Grinding Sounds
If there is no cartilage to cushion the bone and joint, a grinding noise can be heard during movement. There may not be any pain associated with this symptom. A simple test is to grasp the joint and move. The grinding will be heard and felt.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical is the preferred method to treat symptoms and slow arthritis’ progression. Lifestyle changes are first by moving from strenuous exercises to less stressful ones. Physical therapy works to increase the range of motion by strengthen muscles around joints.
Depending on the joint, support with braces and canes are used. Hot or cold packs address swelling, inflammation, and stiffness. Medications such as ibuprofen to prescriptions under a variety of names are treatments that improve the quality of life. As a last result, surgery may become an option.
Physicians will know exactly how to address the various joints and treatments that eradicate the symptoms. Sufferers still need to be cognizant of the signs so they can slow the condition’s development. Once a treatment works, it should be repeated as needed.
About the Author
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter@BrookeChaplan
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