According to recent NHIS data, approximately 55 million US adults have been told that they have some form of arthritis. This figure is worrying, and it is thought that by 2030, the figure will be even more jaw-dropping. Arthritis is a condition that can affect anyone, and therefore, it is vital for one to routinely go for scans and tests from a doctor for arthritis in El Centro.
What Is Arthritis?
This is the swelling and tenderness of a joint. Common symptoms of arthritis include stiffness and joint pain. These typically worsen with age.
Understanding The Types Of Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is also referred to as RA, and is an autoimmune disease. It is where your immune system attacks part of your body on the joints. As a result, one experiences inflammation causing severe joint damage if it goes untreated. One in 5 people with rheumatoid arthritis develops rheumatoid nodules (lumps) on their skin. Rheumatoid nodules develop over the joint area that receives pressure like the elbow, knuckles and the heels.
What causes RA is unknown; however, it is believed that a person’s immune system becomes confused after a virus or bacterial infection, then it starts attacking the joints. The attack can spread to other parts of your body. Symptoms of this type of arthritis can either start suddenly or gradually.
Osteoarthritis
More people suffer from this type of arthritis more than any other type. When your joints are overused, there is a possibility of wear and tear. This condition happens with age, obesity, or joint injuries. Your hips, knees, spine, and feet bear weight; thus, they are the areas that are mostly affected. This type of arthritis develops gradually over time. While it makes the joints hurt, you do not feel sickly or cause fatigue as experienced with other arthritis types.
Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of this arthritis depend on the affected joint. However, they may comprise:
● A deep aching pain
● Having trouble combing your hair, dressing, squatting, climbing stairs
● Pain when you walk
● Morning stiffness for up to 30 minutes
● Stiffness after resting
● Joints can be warm to the touch or become swollen, and thus they may be unable to move
Lupus
Lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also an autoimmune disease. Lupus not only affects the joints, but also other organs of the body. Doctors are also confused about what exactly causes lupus. Your immune system is supposed to attack viruses and other intruders; however, with lupus it turns against your body, the joints, other organs, and even the brain. Women below age 45 are more susceptible to lupus compared to men.
Avoiding And Assisting With Arthritis
At Prabhdeep Singh, MD, FACP’s office, you will get treatment for arthritis and many other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, weight loss, asthma, and more. If you or your loved one suspect that you have arthritis, consult your doctor to learn more about the condition and see which treatment option can work for you.
