Home - Health - What You Should Know About Arthritis As A Joint Condition

What you should know about arthritis as a joint condition

What you should know about arthritis as a joint condition

The joints in our bodies are constantly working while we move our limbs. Hence, it is understandable that with time we may develop certain joint conditions that lead to pain and compromised mobility. One of the very common forms of these conditions is arthritis. It leads to joint inflammation. A condition that mainly affects people over 65 years of age, it can be more commonly seen in women.

Different stages of arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most commonly occurring ones are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages.

  • Stage 1
    During this stage, inflammation occurs in the joints. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pains are common symptoms of this stage. The joint tissues swell up, too.
  • Stage 2
    During this time, the joint lining, synovium, is inflamed even more and results in cartilage damage. The joints’ motion capability is compromised due to this, leading to pain.
  • Stage 3
    In this stage, the severity of the joint condition becomes even more harmful. Rheumatoid arthritis leads to bone damages. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles.
  • Stage 4
    This is the end stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Osteoarthritis has four stages of progression, too.

  • Stage 1
    Tiny wear and tear may occur on the knee joints, and spur growths on the bone can be seen. It does not cause too much pain.
  • Stage 2
    The bone spur growths increase and lead to pain. The knee joints start to become stiffer.
  • Stage 3
    During this time, the joint inflammation leads to even more pain and stiffness. Walking can result in popping sounds, too.
  • Stage 4
    The space between the bones in the joints become very narrow, which leads to wearing of the cartilages. A chronic inflammatory response is caused by the breakdown of cartilages and leads to even more discomfort and pain.

Diagnosis of arthritis

These joint conditions can be diagnosed by a doctor using medical tests. A physical exam will reveal if you have red and warm joints. The test is also performed to examine the fluid around your joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the levels of inflammation in your joint fluids and blood to determine what type of arthritis you have. Blood tests are also done to check for antibodies such as anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are also performed to check the condition of your cartilage and bones.

Prevention of arthritis

A family history of arthritis or aging can cause you to suffer from the disease, and you may not have any control over it. However, there are certain things that can be done to lower the chances of you developing arthritis. To start with, include omega-3 in your diet. You should also exercise regularly, keep your weight under check, not put your joints under stress, and try to avoid injuries.

If you ever feel any symptoms of arthritis, you should see your doctor immediately. They can help you slow the progress of the joint condition.

Previous Read

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.

Next Read

Cholesterol – Its diagnosis and prevention

Cholesterol is a substance found in the blood. It is waxy in texture and although it is required for building healthy cells, cholesterol in high quantities can increase the chances of heart diseases. This could also lead to cardiac arrest. The reason is that high cholesterol results in the formation of fatty acids in the body. When the deposits grow beyond a certain level, it gets difficult for the blood to flow easily through the arteries. The deposits can sometimes grow exponentially and break out, causing a heart attack. Progression of high cholesterolThere are no defined stages of cholesterol building in the body. However, one can easily categorize the formation and increase of cholesterol in the body into different phases of progression. The first stage is when a person has high cholesterol and does not know it. At this stage, the body does not react. At the next stage, the body begins to store extra cholesterol in the arteries, and blood flow will have some problems. The buildup of cholesterol in the arteries will result in plaque. Plaque gets denser and the arteries become narrower, making it more difficult for blood to pass through. In the last stage, the plaque bursts, thereby causing a heart stroke or attack.Diagnosis of high cholesterol levels in the bloodDiagnosis of irregular cholesterol levels might not be easy, and by the time the symptoms show up, the levels may be way off. The only solution is to get checked every five years after the age of 20. A simple blood test is done to test cholesterol levels, which is known as a lipoprotein profile.The blood test may be accompanied by a physical exam. The heart rate, blood pressure, and medical history may be discussed. Various treatment options may be discussed based on medical history, the risk for heart diseases, and lifestyle. The treatment may be medical or it may include a change in lifestyle habits.Prevention of high cholesterolWhile genetics is one of the causes of high cholesterol, more often than not the reason is unhealthy eating habits and little or no exercise. In order to ensure that the risk for high cholesterol is low, one must always eat healthy, work out regularly, and find time to meditate.There are other ways to keep your cholesterol levels in check. Most of these are simple lifestyle checks that you should keep as part of your routine.Understand the risksIf your family has a history of heart diseases or high cholesterol, you should be extra cautious and maintain a healthy lifestyle.Understand the goalsKnowing the healthy cholesterol levels is extremely important to make sure that all steps are aligned in the right direction.Diet controlAvoid any foods that have saturated fat and trans fat. Foods low in bad cholesterol include beans, whole grains, nuts, and vegetables.ExerciseExercising at least three to four times a week is essential.Quit smokingSmoking increases the risks to many health hazards, and high cholesterol is one of them.

Trending Articles

01

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
02

Important things you should know about diabetes

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.
03

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.
04

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.

Our Blogs

Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More