Arthritis is a term that refers to more than 100 different types of conditions that can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness. It can impact people of any age, but it’s most common in adults over 50. There are many different types of arthritis and many treatments for them. Some types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic, gout, and lupus.
Here are five signs you may have arthritis, with some ideas on what to do about it.
1. Pain With Movement
The most common sign of arthritis is joint pain, especially in your hands and feet. Over time, this can increase to a point where it is hard or nearly impossible to move your hand or foot.
To alleviate pain, reduce physical activity. It would help if you also avoid things that may be causing the pain, such as cold weather. In addition, some equipment can cause arthritis to flare up. So, keep that in mind if you find your arthritis increases while exercising. Therapies such as aquatic exercise may also help remove some of the pain.
2. Stiffness in Your Joints
You may also feel stiffness in your joints that may not be painful but is still very disrupting. The stiffness may make it difficult for you to move the joints. You likely have more difficulty moving them when you wake up.
Make sure you get enough exercise to keep your body flexible. Warming up your muscles before any physical activity is also wise. Staying active will help strengthen your muscles, reducing the risk of stiffness.
3. Swelling
If you have swelling in your joints, it can be very painful and difficult to move. It can also lead to other problems, such as difficulty sleeping. Carrying out daily tasks can also be challenging when dealing with arthritis.
Swelling in your joints is usually caused by a buildup of fluid and waste material in the muscles and joints. To alleviate the inflammation, you should drink plenty of water. Eating a healthy diet is equally important as it flushes the excess fluids away.
You can also use prescribed medication or medical marijuana. Medical marijuana has been proven to relieve the swelling and pain often associated with arthritis. Veriheal discusses how marijuana can ease pain from arthritis.
4. Redness
Redness in your joints is another sign of arthritis. Redness often results from a buildup of excess fluid or waste. As a result, the joint becomes inflamed, and the skin surrounding it becomes red.
Inflamed joints often result in swelling, which makes movement very difficult. Treatments for redness will depend on how severe the inflammation is. But some forms of treatment may include creams or other medications.
However, redness is also a sign of old age and poor health. So, you should consult your doctor about arthritis treatments.
5. Limited Motion
If you find yourself with limited joint motion, this is also a sign of arthritis. The joint can become immobile and may lock, and in turn, moving them becomes very hard.
If you are having trouble moving a joint, try exercises to strengthen the muscles around it. However, ensure you do not exercise too much to avoid injuring yourself.
You should also avoid doing the same thing repetitively that may cause injury to your joints. For example, you should avoid typing for long periods or painting for hours.
Arthritis Treatments
There are many different treatments for arthritis. Some of these treatments include medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery. If you’re concerned that you may have arthritis, contact your doctor so they can refer you to a specialist.
You can also research online to find clinics that treat arthritis. Look for one in your local area, so it’s easy to visit regularly if needed.
Don’t let arthritis hold you back from doing what you love. It’s essential to be able to enjoy social events with your friends, family, and loved ones.
Conclusion
It’s essential to be aware of the signs of arthritis and know that it is most common in adults over 50. If you have any of the symptoms above, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
You can also try treatments online, such as medical marijuana. Using cannabis may help relieve pain and stiffness.
Remember, arthritis doesn’t only affect the joints. So, finding various treatment forms can help you continue living life to the fullest.