If you or one of your family members is suffering from arthritis, choose In Home Medical Care Services For Seniors offered by Utah Doctor at Home and have the doctor visit you at your home.
Arthritis means joint inflammation but this medical term is used to describe more than 200 conditions that affect joints, joint tissues, and other connective tissues. People of all ages can have arthritis which is believed to be the leading cause of disability in Americans. Arthritis most frequently occurs as people get older and it restrict their movement.
Two of the most common types of arthritis experienced by seniors include –
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
Causes of Arthritis
There is no single cause that defines all types of arthritis. It can vary according to the type of arthritis you are suffering from. However, some of the possible causes include:
- Abnormal metabolism
- Autoimmune disorder
- Infection or injury
- Inheritance such as osteoarthritis
Different types of arthritis are often linked to a combination of factors. However, some may not have any obvious cause and can be unpredictable. Normal wear and tear of the joints can also cause age-related arthritis which is one of the most common types of arthritis.
Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms of Arthritis can vary from person to person and can develop gradually or suddenly. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek a professional physician help.
- Constant pain
- Joint stiffness
- Difficulty moving joint
- Swelling around the joints
- Loss of appetite
- A person may become anemic
Many people with arthritis observe that the symptoms are worse in the morning. If the symptoms are not treated at the earliest, it can lead to joint deformity.
Also, remember that food which increases inflammation such as a diet high in refined sugar or animal-derived food can worsen the symptoms as they can provoke the immune system response. So, make sure you avoid such food.
Arthritis Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that are often associated with arthritis. While some of them can be modified, others cannot.
Modifiable risk factors
- Overweight and obesity
- Microbial infection
- Joint injuries
- Repetitive occupational injuries
Non-modifiable risk factors
- The risk of developing arthritis increases with age
- Most types of arthritis affect females more than males
- Specific genes are associated with a high risk of certain type of arthritis
Types of Arthritis
The 200 types of arthritis are divided into seven main groups.
- Back pain
- Connective tissue disease
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain
- Infectious arthritis
- Metabolic arthritis
- Degenerative or mechanical arthritis
Does Lifestyle Modification Help People with Arthritis?
Yes, making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis and can even reduce the symptoms if you have any. Make sure to maintain a healthy weight and lose weight if you are obese. Choose a diet with lots of antioxidants, to reduce inflammation.
Also, try to minimize or avoid certain foods such as fried food, dairy products, processed food, and high intake of meat if you are suffering from arthritis.
Swimming is a good form of exercise for people living with arthritis as it does not put pressure on the joints the way running and walking do. You can even try yoga or certain at-home exercises. However, before starting a physical exercise, make sure to ask your physician.
It becomes difficult for seniors living with arthritis to visit a doctor as they have limited mobility. Thus, it is easier to opt for in home health care services offered by experienced doctors. With Utah Doctors At Home, you can expect to receive everything you would normally receive at your current Medical Doctor’s office.
Call today at 358-247-0050 to know about admission details!
