Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
A term used to describe an inflammation of bone articulation, this may involve one or multiple joints and its specific characteristics being pain and stiffness of the joint. Basically arthritis is a symptom whose causes are various. It can be classified into two types: degenerative and inflammatory arthritis and these types branch out as well, as there over a hundred causes of arthritis. Degenerative arthritis is a progressive type, tearing and wearing out of cartilage while inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis is where body joints are attacked by the body's own antibodies. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of degenerative arthritis and it is seen in 65 years or older.
Arthritis has major consequences on a person's wellbeing by interfering with their daily activities, since joints aid in movement. Its affection is not only localized on the joint but, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and the synovial fluid may also be affected. The synovial fluid is there to lubricate the joint, ease movements and absorb shocks. The most affected joints are feet, ankles, knees, finger joints, wrist and spine, pelvic or hip bones. The risk of getting arthritis increases with age, therefore it is prevalent in the elderly, nonetheless the youth are no exception to arthritis as sexual transmitted are mostly common in the youth. The type in this case is called septic arthritis and it is caused by sexually transmitted diseases. A rare type is juvenile arthritis and is found in those less than 18 years old.
What are the causes of arthritis?
The causes of arthritis are in correlation with the type of arthritis. Types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, septic or infectious, metabolic arthritis, spondylitis and psoriasis among others. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid being the most common culprits. The affections mentioned can be primary or secondary to other diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Obesity, smoking and inactivity may increase the risk of getting arthritis. Osteoarthritis can be triggered by fracture or injury of the joint that could cause tearing of the cartilage and it wearing over time. Infections caused by germs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea cause septic arthritis, diet rich in purines meats, seafood, alcohol cause gouty arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe disorder, where antibodies produced by the body destroy normal, healthy cells. Occupation also has been stated as a contributing factor, especially people with physically demanding jobs. The pressure exerted on joints may cause inflammation, same applies to people that are obese. Arthritis can also be inherited. Medications like diuretics may also be a factor.
What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis?
Stiffness or rigidity of joints for instance inability to bend knees. Sore, aching or excruciating pain upon waking up in the morning, edema and warmth on the joint area, reddish and tender skin. Inability to stand up after sitting for a short period, experience "locked back or locked knees"
or fixed position. Walking difficulties, clumsiness due to loss of grip in the muscles or due to hand deformities, deviation of the fingers or toes. Nodules on fingers may also be seen. Asthenia or severe fatigue, muscle weaknesses. For gout pain is usually in the big toe and ankles.
What are the natural remedies of arthritis?
The aim is to control or minimize the pain as there is no cure for arthritis.
-exercise: is very beneficial as it enables weight loss, reducing pressure on the joints, reduces pain and improves muscle strength which in turn gives support and stability to joints. You can also practice good posture to maintain normal body alignment.
-Epsom salt: pour warm water into a bowl or fill the bath tub and add a cup of Epsom salt, then soak for 20 minute.
-Olive oil: massage twice daily joints, use 3 tablespoon of extra virgin oil.
-peppermint and eucalyptus oil: peppermint known for its cooling effects and relieving pain. 1 to 2 drops of each and massage joint area.
-Boswellia supplements: reduce pain and inflammation
-Turmeric: use it as spice to your food, it has anti-inflammatory properties.
-cherries: eat 8 cherries per day, they relieve pain associated with gout. Or boil cherry and drink it.
-dandelion leaves: may be used as fresh or dried leaves. Boil 2leaves in a cup of water or boil half a tablespoon of crushed dried leaves. Sieve and drink twice daily. It is a bitter drink, a teaspoon of honey can be added to the drink.
-Diet: food rich in omega3 such as fish, beef, flaxseed oil, cauliflower etc.