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Consequences of ignoring arthritis-induced joint pain

Consequences of ignoring arthritis-induced joint pain

Rather than a single condition, arthritis is a group of disorders that develop in vital bone and muscle joints affecting mobility and range of motion. Over a hundred different types of arthritis can develop in various regions of the body. However, most arthritis symptoms overlap with those of known progressive conditions, making it difficult to determine the exact source of such discomfort. However, one must avoid overlooking joint pain, a key symptom of arthritis.

Here are the ways in which ignoring joint pain can worsen arthritis:

Localized knee pain
Knee pain is the most common type of discomfort reported by those with arthritis. So, it’s possible for many with the condition to ignore this symptom, thinking it is just a symptom flare-up. However, persistent knee pain, when a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, could indicate an internal injury. Weak muscles and bones can trigger hairline fractures that do not necessarily exhibit any symptoms other than persistent pain. However, leaving such fractures and injuries unattended can result in permanent damage to the limbs. Severe injuries may even require surgical intervention to repair the muscle tissue and provide structural damage to bone joints. So, one should not ignore any type of knee pain that persists over a few days.

Pain in the Achilles tendon
Arthritis-induced inflammation can increase the risk of pain in the Achilles tendon—the largest tendon connecting major muscle groups that help one run, walk, or jump. The tendon can endure a lot of stress. However, arthritis can weaken the muscles and joints connected to the tendon, increasing the risk of tendonitis and affecting mobility due to joint wear and tear. The pain primarily begins in the Achilles heel but ultimately reaches the lower back resulting in swelling of the connector joints.

Infections
Doctors refer to this condition as reactive arthritis, in which the body struggles to fight bacterial infections, especially when already dealing with joint pain and inflammation. Once the infection gets out of control, those with arthritis may experience frequent and painful urination. Those who take disease-modifying prescription options to suppress immune system responses are at risk of developing such infections. Here, one of the most common problems is a urinary tract infection that develops as a side effect of suppressed immune responses. The intensity of discomfort mainly depends on the type of prescriptions given to manage common types of arthritis. So, if notices joint pain accompanied by frequent urination, they should consult a doctor to check for infections.

Swelling
Inflammation triggers arthritis pain due to swelling in the tissues covering vital joints. Such inflammation and swelling, if left unchecked, can spread to the tendons connecting muscle groups resulting in tendonitis. In fact, those already dealing with gout and rheumatoid arthritis are at high risk of developing tendonitis if the inflammation persists. People who engage in extremely athletic activities like professional running or cycling can also develop tendonitis and knee and joint pain. So, one should never ignore any swelling and redness of core muscle groups visible on the skin, especially when at risk of specific arthritis.

Bruises and bleeding
Joint pain is just one of the symptoms linked to arthritis. Flare-ups can also trigger skin sensitivity, resulting in visible symptoms. For example, one may experience serious bruising after mild injury or impact or experience persistent bleeding, which could be signs of blood disorders that can develop alongside joint pain. In fact, certain prescriptions for managing arthritis pain contribute to low platelet count in the blood affecting its ability to clot naturally. The risk of such issues is high among those dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Such discomfort worsens joint pain and makes dealing with arthritis challenging.

Fatigue
Fatigue is a common concern for those with arthritis. Progressive disorders tend to affect the body’s immunity and lower its ability to deal with symptoms. Due to fatigue, one may also experience joint pain. In fact, fatigue is one of the most glaring indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Many prescription treatment options that help manage common types of arthritis can also trigger fatigue as a side effect. One should avoid ignoring frequent bouts of extreme weakness, as it could indicate other health complications developing simultaneously with arthritis.

One should avoid overlooking any of these persistent symptoms at any stage—even before or during diagnosis or when ongoing treatment for arthritis. Delaying seeking treatment can only worsen the flare-ups and cause irreversible damage to the joints.

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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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10 habits that may worsen arthritis

The term arthritis is used to describe joint inflammation. The main symptoms of this condition are pain and stiffness, which may worsen with age. Of the nine different types of arthritis, two occur most frequently: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can impact every part of one’s life. A healthy lifestyle can help manage the symptoms of arthritis better. Here are ten everyday habits that may worsen arthritis; here's how to avoid them: Being sedentary: Being sedentary for extended periods can increase the pressure on the knees, causing pain and stiffness. It can also cause muscle tightness in the hips and legs and weaken the core-stabilizing muscles. These factors may worsen arthritis.To strengthen the joints, engage in 30 minutes of joint-friendly activities such as walking, water aerobics, or swimming five times a week. Instead of sitting for long hours, try to get up and walk around every 30 minutes, or try some light stretching. Over-exercising: While exercise is effective for managing arthritis, engaging in too much high-impact exercise can cause joint wear and worsen symptoms of arthritis. Find a healthy balance of aerobic exercise and strength training in moderate amounts to manage arthritis. Carrying heavy loads: Lifting heavy weights can also weaken the joints. This is because it creates an imbalance throughout the body, which adds pressure to the joints. This causes cartilage to deteriorate, worsening the symptoms of arthritis. When possible, avoid lifting heavy loads. If lifting is unavoidable, follow a few tips. Use the palms of both hands or the arms to lift the weight. This helps distribute the item's weight more evenly and does not strain one joint. Hold the item close to the body, as it relieves some of the stress on the joint. Eating inflammatory foods: Several inflammatory foods are known to worsen joint pain. Some of these include red meat, sugar, soda, dairy, and processed foods. Avoid them. Instead, choose healthier food options such as flaxseed, salmon, mackerel, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, olive oil, and berries. Ignoring joint pain: According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, ignoring symptoms of joint pain (especially when caused by psoriatic arthritis) can cause irreversible joint damage. It may also increase the risk of other health complications in the future.One must visit a healthcare professional when they begin to experience symptoms. Doctors can help create a personalized treatment plan to help manage the condition and reduce the weakening of the joints and muscles. Taking too much stress: Stress is a common arthritis trigger and can cause symptom flares. When the body experiences high stress levels, it releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones. These can cause the muscles to tense. High stress levels may also exacerbate inflammation in the body. Practicing stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help manage arthritis better. Failing to get enough rest: Inflammation may make it difficult to fall asleep. This lack of sleep may contribute to increased arthritis symptoms in the body. To avoid this, aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Invest in a mattress that supports the hips and shoulders to keep them properly aligned. A good pillow that supports the neck can also help improve comfort levels while sleeping. Wearing restrictive clothing: Clothes and shoes that are too restrictive can limit blood flow in certain body parts, giving rise to pain and inflammation. It can also trigger new disease activity, known as the Koebner Phenomenon. Avoid clothes that constrict circulation. Instead, opt for items that are easy to take on and off. Ignoring therapy: Following the doctor’s prescriptions may feel overwhelming, but ignoring them may worsen symptoms. Clarify all queries regarding suggested treatment options with the doctor. A better understanding of these therapies may increase the likelihood of following through. Speaking to the doctor about alternative therapy options may also help. Engaging in repetitive activities: Engaging in repetitive activities such as texting, typing, or even dicing food causes inflammation of the joints and tendon sheaths, causing pain and stiffness. To avoid this, take a break every two to three minutes and engage in light stretching. If a conversation is likely to take over five minutes, make a call using a headset or the text-to-speech feature. Avoiding these common mistakes can help reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints and make room for a wider range of motion for those living with arthritis.

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