What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that is characterized by inflammation or swelling of one or more joints.[1]
Over a hundred medical conditions that impact the joints, surrounding tissue, and other connective structures are included in its scope of coverage.[1]
Joint pain and stiffness are typical symptoms of arthritis; however, the symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis that a person has.[1]
What are the Different Types of Arthritis?
Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA)
This is a long-term inflammatory disease of the skin and joints that results in pain, swelling, and stiffness in the afflicted areas.[1] Psoriasis is also a chronic autoimmune skin disease that accelerates the development cycle of skin cells and can occasionally coexist with PSA.[1]
Rheumatoid Arthritis
With this type of arthritis, your auto-immune system attacks itself which results in inflammation.[1]
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis and affects hands, hips, and knees. People refer to it as the wear and tear arthritis.[1]
Gout
Affects one joint at a time, usually the joints in the big toe. This type of arthritis has flare-ups and during this time the symptoms can worsen.[1]
Fibromyalgia
This form of arthritis causes body pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and mental and emotional distress.[1]
Childhood Arthritis
This form of arthritis can cause permanent physical damage to joints.[1]
Can you Prevent Arthritis?
As there are different types of arthritis, preventing arthritis may be difficult. However, modifying your risk factors can help. Some risk factors include:
Oral Hygiene
It has been determined that rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are related. According to the study, "Take Care of Your Teeth and Prevent Arthritis", your oral health can even aid in the early detection of arthritis, demonstrating that your teeth are like a window into your general health.[4]
Weight
A factor contributing to joint issues is being overweight. Your body produces chemicals that lead to inflammation all over your body when you have excessive fat, especially the kind that gathers around your middle. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight can help prevent arthritis.[4]
Posture
Paying attention to your posture is important as this can affect your joints with too much strain and pressure.[7]
Joint Injuries
Repetitive stress and joint injury, such as knee bending, can harm a joint and accelerate the onset of arthritis in that joint. By performing certain joint exercises, you can prevent injury to your joints.[8]
Who is at Risk of Developing Arthritis?
- People who are overweight.[6]
- People who consume a lot of overprocessed foods that cause weight gain.[6]
- Texting all the time and keeping your phone in the same spot stresses the joints in your hand.[8]
- Constantly wearing high heels puts your feet in an uncomfortable position that can cause back misalignment, strain muscles, and cause stress on joints. It is important for women who wear heels daily to remember that this practice may raise their chances of getting osteoarthritis and foot pain.[8]
- Additionally, injuries are risk factors. Compared to people who have not been wounded, those who have sustained a knee injury in adolescence or early adulthood had a threefold increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in that knee.[8]
Obstacles to Obtaining Healthcare
It might be difficult for low-income areas to get access to healthcare facilities and services. Prolonged wait times, transportation problems, and a shortage of reasonably priced healthcare providers might prevent people from getting the arthritis treatment they need in a timely manner.[8]Financial Implications
Treating arthritis necessitates regular doctor visits, prescription drugs, and perhaps surgery. Prescription drug costs, physical therapy bills, assistive technology costs, and even surgical procedures can put pressure on the meager financial resources of people living in these areas.[8]
Choosing a healthy plant-based and vegan diet is most beneficial when it comes to:
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Higher levels of energy;
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Improved sleep;
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Aids in energy and overall happiness;
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Provides a sense of comfort and relief;
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Could prevent major diseases such as obesity and diabetes;
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Accomplish weight-loss and management; and
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Improves mental and cognitive functioning.
There are really no excuses not to try healthier habits in your everyday life. If you are a man or woman looking for specific benefits of adopting healthier habits or just want to know about the general healing properties of herbs. Please remember to comment or post any health questions, or contact us directly!
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