PharmEasy Blog

Osteoarthritis – Causes, Symptoms & How To Manage It?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that primarily occurs due to the breakdown of the cushioning in the joints, which is provided by the cartilage. Though this condition is most commonly found in older people like the older you are, the more chances of you experiencing the tear and wear of your joints.

However, it is also easily found in people already suffering from joint injuries. Note, osteoarthritis sometimes triggers bones to grow near the joints. 

Causes of Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is pretty common in people due to age-related wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the surface of bones in a joint. Below, we have listed a few major osteoarthritis causes:

Exercising and losing weight if you’re overweight are important ways to lessen the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. Exercise. Low-impact exercise can increase your endurance and strengthen the muscles around your joint, making your joint more stable. Try walking, bicycling or water aerobics.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disorder that sometimes shows its symptoms in the early stages too. Below we have mentioned some major Osteoarthritis symptoms which your health care professional might spot during regular checkups. The most common Osteoarthritis symptoms are:

Osteoarthritis mostly affects the following areas:

If you witness any of the following symptoms, especially in the mentioned spots, it’s time to visit your healthcare professional to control the abnormality, if there are any.

Osteoarthritis of the hip is common and can result in severe hip joint pain and disability. Most people with early osteoarthritis of the hip can manage it without surgery, walking at low intensity is found to be very helpful for osteoarthritis.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

How to manage Osteoarthritis 

Managing Osteoarthritis is majorly dependent upon the symptoms you feel. The type of Osteoarthritis management is also largely determined by the severity of the condition. If the condition is extremely severe which requires professional intervention, then the medications become essential. Often the minor lifestyle changes, exercises, physiotherapy help but in advanced cases your doctor may suggest you other treatment options which include injecting some medications in the affected joint. In case of severe damage to joints, surgical intervention may be recommended.

At-home treatment for Osteoarthritis

The following are osteoarthritis treatments:

One of the best ways to strengthen your muscles is to indulge in regular exercises. Aim for at least 20 – 30 mins of regular workout every day to witness results. Learn the exercises that suit your health.

Being overweight is another major reason for Osteoarthritis; therefore, it’s important to shed extra kilos, which will provide instant relief to your joints. 

Giving proper rest to your muscles is unarguably important to reduce joint inflammation and swelling. Note, it’s your body; therefore, be kind to yourself and take adequate rest to increase efficiency. 

In order to relieve pain and reduce joint swelling, you can ask your doctor about heat and cold therapy. Apply a cold or hot water bag to the inflamed joints and let it sit for 10 – 20 minutes as suggested for your case.

Apart from supplements and other medications, fish oil, green tea and ginger are special ingredients that show adequate results and provide instant relief. Blend these into your diet seamlessly to prevent Osteoarthritis. 

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide. Early diagnosis and management can be very helpful. If left untreated, the condition may progress to a level where it may restrict the movement of the affected joint. One must not ignore joint pains or suppress it with painkillers. It is important to consult a doctor and understand the correct diet, exercise and treatment for your condition to get the best outcome.

Also Read: Zerodol SP Tablet Uses

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

1

Arthritis Diet – Food for Arthritis To Eat & Avoid!

The fact that a person has arthritis tells nothing about the cause or the cure. Joints can be inflamed as a result of an injury, such as from tripping and spraining an ankle. That’s called traumatic arthritis. Joints can be infected with bacteria resulting in suppurative arthritis. Uric acid crystals can accumulate in the joints causing gouty arthritis. The causes of all three of these forms of arthritis are known and once the causes are stopped the joints heal with the help of special Food for Arthritis. Unfortunately, most forms of arthritis are said by doctors to have ”no known cause.”  

Arthritis of ”no known cause” can be divided into two broad categories: degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Degenerative arthritis most commonly represents a condition known as osteoarthritis. The inflammatory forms of arthritis include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Arthritis is not a genetic disease, nor is it an inevitable part of growing older–there are causes for these joint afflictions, and they lie in our environment–our closest contact with our environment is our food.

Based on what I have seen, excessive sugar intake can lead to inflammation in the body, that may worsen the symptoms of arthritis. Consuming just 40 grams of sugar, found in a single can of soda, can trigger an inflammatory response. To help alleviate arthritis pain, I recommend cutting down on sugary foods and drinks.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Foods to Eat For Arthritis

Dietary fats can influence inflammation, a major factor in rheumatoid arthritis. This is the type of arthritis that occurs as a result of the body’s immune system mistakenly launching an attack on the joints.

High dose fish oil capsules, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have anti-inflammatory action. The clinical trials show modest benefit with this Food for Arthritis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Read More: Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Brightly colored fruits and vegetables – such as oranges, bell peppers, pumpkins, tangerines, and papayas – contain carotenoids called beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin are some of the best food for arthritis. Some studies suggest that diets rich in carotenoids decrease inflammation.

A small Swedish study of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who ate a Mediterranean diet (including lots of vegetables and fruits) for three months found that it reduced inflammation and enhanced joint function. Aim for seven to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Read More: Top Anti-Inflammatory Food To Include in Your Diet

Because it has not had its bran and germ stripped away during processing, brown rice is nutrient-rich. Use it as a replacement in any recipe that calls for white rice, but you’ll need to use more water and adjust cooking times.

Arthritis doesn’t mean you have to live like a saint. Modest amounts of salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract are usually well-tolerated in the food for arthritis.

From my experience, it’s important to be mindful of the type of carbohydrates you consume, especially if you have arthritis. Refined carbs found in bread, crackers, white rice, and potatoes can trigger inflammation and worsen arthritis symptoms. Opt for healthier carbohydrate sources like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help manage arthritis pain and improve your overall health.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Foods to Avoid For Arthritis  

These foods are a major driver of inflammation and arthritis. Allergy or intolerance to wheat and gluten is extremely common and joint pain is one of the most common manifestations of the immune response to these foods.

Milk and all foods that contain it are just as bad as gluten for many people with arthritis. The protein in milk is called casein, and it irritates the gut lining and promotes leaky gut syndrome.

Lactose is not the culprit; therefore drinking lactose-free milk is not the solution. Some people can tolerate milk made by goats or sheep. Through a process of trial and error, you can see if you are one of them.

Although it’s called vegetable oil, the unhealthy oils to avoid generally come from seeds. The delicate fatty acids in these oils are damaged during the process of extraction and refinement. They are further damaged if you heat them during cooking.

Damaged fats create an enormous amount of free radical damage in your body. The oils to avoid are cottonseed, canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, grapeseed and corn oil.

You have a lot of control over whether or not you will develop arthritis, and how severe arthritis may be. The food you choose to eat or decide to avoid can make all the difference.

Read More: 6 Early Signs of Arthritis to Watch Out For

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

16
2

5 Most Common Types of Arthritis In Shoulders!

Arthritis can be painful; more so when it affects one of the most vital parts of your body, the shoulder. The most common shoulder arthritis is a painful condition that affects the shoulder hindering movement in the most active and mobile part of the body. Limited motion, steep pain in the joints are some of the symptoms of arthritis. We have listed five types of common shoulder arthritis that can inflict your shoulders and cause restricted movement.

Also Read: Zerodol SP Tablet Uses

In the case of shoulder pain, ignorance won’t be bliss. If you suffer from chronic shoulder pain or know someone who does, it is best to see a doctor. 

Read More: 6 Symptoms of Arthritis to Watch Out For

Enhance your joint health and lower that aching pain with our LivEasy Joint Care Essentials!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Juvenile Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Arthritis is an  inflammation  (the body’s way of reacting to injury and infection) of the joints. This means the bones have swelling, heat, limitation of motion (inability to fully bend or straighten a joint) and pain which is the common juvenile arthritis symptoms.

Arthritis can be short-term, lasting only for a few weeks or months, then never returning. It may be longstanding (chronic) and last for years, or even a lifetime. The most common form of childhood arthritis is juvenile arthritis. It used to be called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis usually appears between 6 months and 16 years of age. The first Juvenile Arthritis signs  are often joint pain or swelling and reddened or warm joints. Many doctors specializing in joint disorders (rheumatologists) find that the greater the number of joints affected, the more severe the disease and the less likely that the symptoms will go into total remission.

Juvenile Arthritis  Causes

The word “idiopathic” means “the cause is unknown.” But even though scientists and doctors don’t know the precise cause of JIA, they do know that a combination of factors likely causes it  is:

Some children with JIA produce too much of specific proteins, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF). When too much of particular proteins, such as TNF, are produced, inflammation can result. This can contribute to symptoms of JIA such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

  Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms

Stiffness:  A child with JA may have stiff joints, particularly in the morning. He may hold his arm or leg in the same position, or limp. A very young child may struggle to perform regular movements or activities he recently learned, like holding a spoon.

Swelling:  Swelling or redness of the skin around painful joints is a sign of inflammation. A child may complain that a joint feels hot, or it may even feel warm to the touch. A child’s swelling may persist for several days, or come and go, and may affect her knees, hands, and feet. Unlike swelling that happens right after a fall or injury during play, this symptom is one of the strongest juvenile arthritis signs.

Fevers:  While children commonly have illnesses caused by ordinary infectious diseases like the flu, a child with JA may have frequent fevers accompanied by malaise or fatigue. These fevers don’t seem to happen along with the symptoms of respiratory or stomach infections.  Fevers may come on abruptly, even at the same time of day, and then disappear after a short time.

Rashes:  Many forms of juvenile arthritis cause rashes on the skin. Many kids develop rashes and causes can range from poison ivy to eczema or even an allergic reaction to a drug. But faint, pink rashes that develop over knuckles, across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or on the trunk, arms, and legs, may signal a severe rheumatic disease. These rashes may not be itchy or oozing, and they may persist for days or weeks.

Eye problems:  Eye infections like conjunctivitis (pinkeye) are relatively common in children, as they quickly pass bacterial infections to each other during play or at school.  But persistent eye redness, pain or blurred vision may be a sign of something more serious. Some forms of juvenile arthritis cause  eye-related severe complications such as iritis, or inflammation of the iris and uveitis, inflammation of the eye’s middle layer.

Read More: Tips to Keep Eyes Healthy

Juvenile Arthritis Treatment

There is no cure for juvenile arthritis signs, but it is possible to address it. Children with juvenile arthritis respond better to early treatment, which can prevent deformity and disability. The medications used are the same as those used to treat adults with rheumatoid arthritis, also an autoimmune disease.

Two groups of drugs are used. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs address the symptoms of pain and swelling. Most of the second group of medications is immunosuppressants – suppressing the immune system limits the way it attacks systems in the body. Methotrexate is the gold standard of treatment. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug, but when used to treat juvenile arthritis or RA, it is given in doses much, much smaller than when it is used to treat cancer. The newer biological drugs, such as Enbrel, Humira, and Simponi, are also used. Knowing about the common Juvenile Arthritis Signs and symptoms can help to a great extent.  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.