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7 early warning signs of arthritis

7 early warning signs of arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by the tenderness and swelling of one or more joints in the body. Some of the most common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The condition results in multiple symptoms, most of which usually get diagnosed due to other health complications and age. But the symptoms may affect one’s quality of life. So it is imperative to identify the signs early and initiate a treatment plan for managing the condition.

Pain in a joint
Pain in one or more joints may occur due to certain situations, including injuries or joint overuse. Infections like the flu may also trigger acute pain in certain joint areas. In such situations, acute joint pain comes on quickly and fades away. However, if one develops a symptom out of the ordinary and the pain does not reduce over a period of time, one must get it checked by an expert at the earliest. Pain or aching in a joint that becomes worse over time is a potential sign of arthritis. The pain may be triggered by even mild activity, surface after activity, or following a long day at work. Furthermore, joint pain may also result in tenderness, a painful sensation even if mild pressure is applied to the affected area.

Stiff joints in the morning
Someone at risk of arthritis usually experiences stiff joints. This symptom is usually noticeable when the individual wakes up in the morning. However, the joints may feel more flexible following some activity at the start of the day. Since the symptom subsides, it is easy for one to overlook the possibility of arthritis. One way to identify the onset of the condition is to determine how long the stiffness lasts. Any restrictive sensation in the joints that lasts for 30 minutes or longer could indicate the development of arthritis. The individual may experience stiffness in joints, including the wrists, feet, and hands.

Fever
Every individual may experience symptoms like fever because of viral infections like the flu. The symptoms usually go away in a couple of days. However, sometimes a fever might be accompanied by certain inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, which results from inflammation of the lining of the joints (synovium). Someone who notices these symptoms should consult with an expert immediately to check if the symptom is associated with arthritis.

Pain in the groin region
Pain around the groin could occur due to a range of complications, including a pulled tendon, muscle, or ligaments in the leg, a hernia, or an injury to the hip. It could also surface due to less common conditions like kidney stones. However, one often overlooks the possibility of arthritis. Some people are affected by cartilage damage in the hip joint, which is known as hip arthritis. This form of arthritis is common and could be painful and worsen over time. And the pain generated by hip arthritis radiates to the groin. This could affect one’s mobility and ability to participate in daily activities. So any pain in this region should be diagnosed by an expert so that the individual can start a treatment plan immediately.

Grinding and creaking when moving a joint
Crepitus, sometimes called crepitation, refers to the creaking, grinding, grating, crunching, cracking, or popping sound or sensation that occurs when an individual moves a joint. While the sign is more common as people age, it could affect individuals of all ages. One of the causes of crepitus includes arthritis, typically either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The complication causes a joint’s articular cartilage to degenerate and create an unusual sound when the area is moved.

Numbness and tingling
Another common symptom of arthritis is numbness and a tingling sensation. The inflammation of tendons caused by rheumatoid arthritis may result in pressure being applied on certain nerves. And this could lead to a numbing, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands. The symptoms are classified under carpal tunnel syndrome and may require immediate treatment to help one cope with the condition.

Symmetrical joint pain
When an individual injures themselves on the left joint, they will experience symptoms such as pain and stiffness only on that side. However, if one notices unusual pain developing without any joint injury in the same joints on both sides of the body (mostly knees and wrists), one must consider consulting an expert. This could be a potential indicator of rheumatoid arthritis.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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How does excess sugar consumption affect sleep

Sugar forms a major part of daily sustenance as the condiment is widely used to prepare foods and beverages. However, sugar adds no nutritional value and is simply consumed because it enhances the taste of commonly consumed foods and beverages. Excess sugar consumption is one of the main reasons many people suffer from health complications that affect the body's natural function. And here is how sugar can even trigger sleep disturbances affecting the natural circadian rhythm. Restlessness Sugar is empty calories, so no good comes from adding sugar to daily foods or beverages. Instead, more sugar in the bloodstream increases the risk of an imbalance that affects the body's natural metabolism and functions. The sleep and wake-up cycle are regulated by hormones, mainly melatonin, produced naturally by the body. Changes in the body's metabolic activities and functions affect melatonin production, thus disrupting the natural sleep cycle. As a result, one finds it difficult to go to sleep or stay in a rested rhythm for longer periods of time. The quality and duration of sleep directly impact the progression of known sleep disorders as well. Increases cravings Since sugar adds no nutritional value, the body craves more foods that can fill the void to support necessary functions. However, in the process, people consume extra calories that increase their body mass index. Further, sugar triggers unhealthy cravings by activating the brain's reward center, tricking the body into thinking these cravings are good. Sugar consumption increases the production of the dopamine hormone that activates the reward responses. So naturally, someone who eats more sugar craves similar food that provides a more satisfying and pleasing sensation. So ultimately, these cravings will eat into the bedtime routine as the body can't rest because of excess food consumption. Sugar also suppresses appetite and metabolism, regulating hormones called leptin and ghrelin. Such imbalances further only worsen the quality of sleep. Triggers a glucose imbalance Sugar consumption on a daily basis triggers a glucose imbalance that increases the risk of conditions like diabetes, both type 1 and 2. Higher blood sugar levels due to a spike in levels can even result in hyperglycemia. Research shows that significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels throughout the day and night can lead to an increased risk of sleep disorders, such as insomnia. This is because the body's organs react to spikes in blood glucose levels in the bloodstream. For example, high blood sugar signals the kidneys to purify the blood to evacuate the excess sugars via urination. As a result, people with diabetes are forced to visit the loo frequently at night. And these trips cause a break in the natural sleeping cycle or circadian rhythm. High blood sugar also increases thirst forcing one to drink more water at night, disrupting sleep yet again. Sugar affects gut health Sugar also has a detrimental effect on gut health that ultimately impacts the metabolism. Firstly, gut bacteria in the digestive tract is a community of billions of microscopic organisms that digest foods and beverages consumed. Consuming too much sugar can alter the microbiome of gut bacteria, leading to negative effects on digestion and nutrient absorption in the body. Sugar consumption even weakens the intestinal tract walls that hold these microorganisms. A leak can result in microorganisms entering the bloodstream to trigger inflammation of the blood vessels. Any changes to the gut microbiome will affect the hormone production centers impacting melatonin that regulates sleep. So, it is important to keep sugar consumption in check and prevent the domino effect of these empty calories. Sugar triggers constipation Excess consumption of refined sugars also leads to digestive issues like constipation. Most sugary foods are low in fiber and don't help promote digestive function. Consequently, food may take longer to be processed and evacuated from the system. Constipation only further increases the discomfort at night, preventing the affected person from getting quality sleep. In fact, constipation is a common health complication experienced by diabetes of all ages. People who have undergone surgeries to treat stomach disorders should avoid consuming sugar. Nutritionists may recommend sugar substitutes instead of artificial and refined sugars to keep blood glucose levels in check. Changes in daily nutrition, more physical activity, and lifestyle changes can be done to further prevent flare-ups of a blood sugar imbalance.

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