Arthritis
Arthritis refers to different conditions that affect the joints in our body. The two most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA occurs when joints are damaged due to the passage of time or some kind of trauma caused by physical force or an infection. RA, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the joints. This occurs most commonly in the hands and feet, but it can also occur in larger joints and even in other parts of the body.
The video below provides a good overview of RA.
Old age and trauma on joints, through physical pressure or infection, are the most common causes of OA, but studies have also shown that family genes could also be a factor. The exact cause of RA is currently unknown, although a genetic cause is suspected. It is also thought that some kind of agent, such as bacteria or a virus, may play a role in causing a person’s immune system to increase inflammation in the body. Other environmental factors, such as smoking, are said to have an adverse impact on a person in relation to RA.
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are steps that can be taken to ease the pain and improve quality of life:
- physical conditioning and exercise of the affected joints can reduce stiffness and pain
- losing weight can reduce pressure on the joints, thereby lessening the pain felt and reducing further damage, especially for those people with OA
- studies have reported the benefits in eating certain foods on lessening pain, such as fish
- a range of herbs and medicines can be prescribed by your doctor to help with decreasing pain and stiffness in joints
- surgery may be undertaken in certain cases to mend or replace joints
Has arthritis affected you or someone you know? Do you need help, or are you able to provide advice? If so, please join the SeniorSpace community discussing arthritis on our forum here.
Useful Links
Health Insite, an Australian Government website, has an index of resources relating to arthritis here.
Arthritis Australia is a national organization focused on assisting and providing information to Australians with arthritis. It also has organizations in each state and territory of Australia.
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