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Top 5 early signs of arthritis explained

Top 5 early signs of arthritis explained

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting most adults in the country. There are over 100 different subtypes of arthritis that exhibit a myriad of symptoms as the condition progresses. However, there are a few key early signs and symptoms that indicate developing arthritis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help improve quality of life in the long run. Here are the signs and symptoms to identify.

Pain and tenderness
Pain that develops with muscle tenderness between the connecting joints is an early arthritis sign. Experiencing stiffness in the joints with the new pain is also a worrying sign that should not be ignored. Often this pain goes away with physical activity. However, prolonged periods of inactivity further worsen the stiffness associated with the condition. Further, inflammation of the joints will also cause a warm sensation to develop under the skin with visible swelling and redness. These inflammatory responses mainly affect the membranes that hold joints together and worsen as arthritis progresses.

Lumps under the skin
For specific types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, a person may develop nodules or lumps under the skin. The size varies depending on the severity of the condition, but these nodules can be as small as a lentil or grow more significant than a walnut. These non-tender nodules usually appear on the back of the heels, knees, forearms, elbows, knuckles, and fingers. Some people may also develop itchy skin just around the nodules. A lump in the big toe is a clear indicator of gout, another common type of arthritis.

Limited range of motion
Mobility is first affected when arthritis develops as the pain, stiffness, and swelling impacts the proper functioning of the joints. Reduced range of motion will start to affect some basic actions like walking, sitting, standing up, or lying down. A person might also develop pain with these symptom flareups that further make it difficult to maintain range of motion. These mobility issues generally affect the hands and legs but can gradually develop around other vital joints.

Loss of appetite, fever, and fatigue
Autoimmune responses can wreak havoc on the immune system, resulting in a person developing fever and fatigue. The body temperature rises to ward off an attack on the immune system, so one might experience weakness and tiredness. Widespread inflammation that develops in all common types of arthritis is the main trigger of fever and fatigue. This fatigue will not go away even with a whole night of rest. One might also lose interest in food and experience a loss of appetite due to malaise or a general lack of well-being.

Painful movement
Osteoarthritis, one of the most commonly diagnosed subtypes, primarily affects the bones and joints. It results in the breakdown of healthy cartilage between two joints and causes deterioration of ligaments and tendons that hold both together. Further, inflammation in the lining of the joints worsens the pain, and flare-ups deeply affect movement. One might notice a cracking and grinding sensation in the affected joints as the cushioning cartridge wears out. Due to this, there is also an increased risk of joint instability.

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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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Avoid these 6 mistakes when buying life insurance

Buying life insurance is an excellent way of providing financial security to your loved ones after you’re gone. It’s not an exciting purchase but an integral part of ensuring your family has a nest egg to depend upon if something happens unexpectedly. So, before stepping into the market to buy a new life insurance policy, you should be aware of a few common mistakes and how to avoid them: Waiting to buy insurancePremiums for life insurance are based on various factors, including age and overall health. For example, if you would like to secure a policy at the lowest cost, it’s ideal to make your purchase while you are still young, as rates may increase as you age or if your health deteriorates. Buying the cheapest policyKnowing what you get in return is essential when looking for affordable policies. Two types of life insurance policies are available - term life and permanent life insurance. While the former is cheaper, it only covers you for a period (generally 10-30 years), whereas the latter can cover you until death. So before deciding, compare and contrast different policies to find the best coverage. Allowing premiums to lapseMaking late payments on your insurance coverage can impact your benefits. This is especially true for permanent insurance, called universal life insurance, which offers long-term guaranteed protection at the lowest possible rate. So check these caveats and implications when purchasing, and set up an auto-pay mechanism to ensure you never miss a payment date. Borrowing from your policySome permanent life insurance policies allow you to borrow from them when you need money. These withdrawals may be used in any way you like, including for loans. However, it is essential to be careful when withdrawing money, as taking too much may cause your policy to lapse or significantly reduce the benefits for your beneficiaries. Relying too much on employer-provided coverageCompanies generally make use of group life insurance policies for their workers. Here, the payouts may be considered low for your beneficiaries, and they will be unable to cover their financial needs. Additionally, these benefits cannot be carried forward; the coverage does not apply to you once you leave the company. Instead of solely relying on your employer, fortify your insurance portfolio with your insurance policy. Hiding information from the insurance companyIf you hide any information from your insurance company, they may deny coverage. When you apply for life insurance, you will be asked for details regarding your health and lifestyle to identify your risk level. This data is verified against your medical records, motor vehicle reports, and other third-party sources. If a claim is related to the information you did not disclose, your insurer may not pay or settle the claim. Buying a life insurance policy is a complicated affair. Working with a financial planner to discuss how it fits into your portfolio before investing may be ideal. In addition to this, remember to shop around and speak to your friends and family for recommendations to get the best policy rates.

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What you should know about depression

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The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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