Learn To Recognise Arthritis Symptoms
There is a good chance that if you have been researching arthritis, you have probably been experiencing what you believe to be arthritis symptoms. That is not so surprising; in fact, most people who are eventually diagnosed with arthritis begin to suspect that they have the condition because they experience arthritis symptoms.
What if you are not sure what arthritis symptoms are? The first and most obvious of all arthritis symptoms is joint pain and stiffness. What many people don’t realise, however, or what leads them to believe that they are not experiencing arthritis symptoms, is that this pain and stiffness is not necessarily constant.
Joint pain and stiffness as arthritis symptoms can fluctuate, because the disease can go through stages of remission. Many people also don’t experience arthritis symptoms in all of their joints. You may have symptoms only in one or two joints, or it may be more generalised.
Arthritis symptoms that may accompany pain and stiffness, or may be symptoms on their own, are swelling of the joints, or inflammation or redness. These can be very subtle, particularly if you experience them without any other symptoms, but if they’re persistent, or they’re interspersed with pain or discomfort, you should consider seeing a doctor or specialist.
Less Obvious Arthritis Symptoms
Not all symptoms of arthritis are directly related to the joints. You might also experience general symptoms, including fatigue or tiredness, a general feeling of malaise (you just don’t feel well, for no apparent reason), muscular aches and pains, or loss of appetite. These could be nodules on your body, lung complications, eyesight, your speech, and even heart trouble!
What to Do If You Have Arthritis Symptoms
If you have noticed some of the more common arthritis symptoms, then it’s a good idea to make sure, so that you can start to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle, and seek the right treatment.
The first thing you should know is that doctors rely heavily on arthritis symptoms to diagnose the disease. There’s no completely accurate test for some types of arthritis, so your doctor will probably question you extensively about the arthritis symptoms you have been experiencing.
He or she may then do a blood test, to measure the rheumatoid factor in your blood. A high result here will indicate a probability of arthritis, and, combined with your symptoms, should be able to tell your doctor if you have arthritis, and if so, how advanced it is.
If your doctor suspects osteoarthritis, then he or she may require x-rays to confirm. Once the necessary testing is done, your doctor should be able to diagnose a particular type of arthritis, and from there, he or she will devise a treatment plan. Whatever you do, however, never ignore arthritis symptoms. The sooner you are diagnosed with arthritis, the sooner you can start to receive proper care and treatment, and the healthier you will remain.
Getting A Handle On Our Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis can affect your life in many ways. You may not be able to open jars or participate in your favourite athletic activities. If this is something that describes you, read on. Here are some great tips to help you manage your arthritis and improve your quality of life.
Good posture is something you should practice to help keep the joints in your body strong. Doing so can help keep arthritis pain to a minimum. You should stand as straight as you can, and don’t slump while sitting. Keep your weight evenly distributed on both legs. Overtime, your joints and backbone will feel better and stronger and your symptoms will decrease.
Simple exercises have been proven to offer some assistance in removing pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. If you have any doubts about exercising, consult with your doctor first.
Although they may be fashionable, high heeled and other shoes that squeeze and contort feet should be avoided by anyone with arthritis problems. This type of shoe is bad for your posture and puts a lot of pressure on your joints. Your best bet is a pair of shoes, like sneakers, that provides support and comfort.
If you are designing a new home and living with arthritis, ask for some builder modifications. Sit and speak with your builder to create a list. Such simple modifications can greatly reduce your arthritis pain and improve your daily life.
To manage your arthritis better, find ways to relax and eliminate stress. Stress causes the body to release certain chemicals that cause inflammation and increased sensitivity to pain. These exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Try to come up with some good coping mechanisms to reduce your level of stress, such as taking a daily walk or meditating for a few minutes.
Aromatherapy is another weapon that can be used in your fight against arthritis. Research has been conducted about the effects aromatherapy has on arthritis sufferers.
In short, aromatherapy is able to relax the body’s joints and muscles, thus relieving tension, inflammation, and ultimately pain. If you smoke you might lose some flexibility, and your arthritis is more likely to flare-up. If you quit smoking, you will reap the benefits including less severe arthritis. That added benefit just might make the effort worth it for you.
You should support yourself with a cane. Many people with arthritis refuse to walk with a cane, as they think it makes them appear disabled. If a cane makes you feel better, use it. You will be better able to do the things you want. Find a cane that you absolutely like carrying and using.
Conditions such as osteoarthritis may warrant a consultation with a medical professional about the possibility of electrical stimulation. Your knees will become less swollen and the pain should go away too if you decide to try this method.
Surprisingly, one way to alleviate arthritis pain is to develop your abdominal muscles. Research has proven that if you abs have strong muscles, this will improve posture, which prevents joint damage. Make sure you don’t overdo it when exercising.
Don’t hesitate to use items that compensate for your limitations or that help you get things done. If heavy lifting or long intervals of standing on your feet are in your near future, be proactive in anything that will help protect skeletal joints from any extra pressures that might cause further damage.
How To Manage Your Arthritis Symptoms Successfully
Luckily, this selection of tips can help you learn about arthritis and how it can affect your life. Low-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming or walking are known to ease joint pain and discomfort in arthritis sufferers. Ask your doctor if you question your ability to exercise.
Try practicing yoga in your spare time. The practice of yoga can have very relaxing effects on your body and can ease joint pain due to arthritis.
TIP 1!
While it may not always seem easy, regular exercise is important for arthritis sufferers. If you don’t exercise your joints your arthritis will worsen because your joints get tired. It may seem hard sometimes, but you need to get regular exercise to properly manage your arthritis. If your joints remain inactive, they will deteriorate faster. Range of motion can be increased by doing flexibility exercise.
As an arthritis sufferer, you must not avoid sleep. Your body can’t properly heal or fight off pain and inflammation if you don’t get enough sleep. Get at least 8 hours every night, and even more after a very stressful day. Getting good quality sleep will benefit your health in many ways.
Lay down the clipper on your thigh, then press down using on your hand. This helps you avoid using sensitive fingers to grip the clippers, and makes the fingernail-clipping task much easier.
TIP 2!
One good approach to arthritis is to try yoga or meditation exercises. These techniques have been proven effective at relaxing the body and reducing stress symptoms. If you suffer from chronic arthritis, you could try regular visits to the sauna. Since heat and moisture are known to reduce inflammation, sitting in a sauna should be a natural choice for anyone suffering from arthritis. For the greatest benefits, be sure to visit a sauna on a regular basis.
For people the experience osteoarthritis in their knees, you might want to consult with your physician regarding getting electrical stimulation. This method of treatment has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation in the knees due to arthritis, which can reduce pain.
Before considering surgery for arthritic knees, try using a brace designed for support. A good brace may help reduce your pain and swelling. Some knee braces are so comfortable that you can wear them while sleeping.
TIP 3!
Lay it down on your thigh and use the heel of your hand to press it down. You can avoid using your painful fingers this way, so that it will be easier to trim your nails.
Work to improve your arthritis by learning everything that you can about it instead of letting it control you. The tips contained here can help you to investigate treatments that can reduce the symptoms of arthritis to a bearable level.
Pay Attention to Those Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms usually manifest themselves in the small joints of the feet and fingers, although they can appear in joints in other locations as well, such as the hips and knees. It’s an autoimmune and systemic disease that gives rise to many rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs. Pain and inflammation are the most prominent results of this “friendly fire” by the immune system. A long period of inactivity or rest can also trigger this pain and stiffness. A person can experience arthritis symptoms in the fingers of both her left and right hands or the toes of both her left and right feet. Also, the skin covering the joint can become red and inflamed, and at times the patient can feel either a tingling sensation or numbness in her skin.
If early warning signs can be identified before the common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms appear, then doctors may be able to prevent the disease from progressing to the point where joint deformity occurs.
Currently doctors are only able to make a confirmed diagnosis after the early Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms appear.
Excess weight increases the pressure on the joints, and thus causes pain in joints, so starting a weight loss program can be of enormous benefit to anyone suffering from painful joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, meaning, it affects not just the joints but many other parts of the body as well. Inflammation of glands in the mouth and in the eyes can cause mouth dryness and eye irritation, also called Sjogren’s syndrome.
Different Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms may be apparent at different stages of the disease. Active and Inactive Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that can occur in stages. When the Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms are inactive, the patient is in remission – and can have long periods of time with no symptoms present.
Small nodules or ‘tophi’ appear under the skin of about 25 percent of people with the disease. They are the results of inflammation and scar tissue, and can appear in areas such as the arms, ankles, and elbows. However, it has recently been shown that joint destruction can continue even without pain or swelling.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Another complication of rheumatoid arthritis is anaemia, where the bone marrow is unable to produce the adequate amount of red blood cells needed to keep it healthy.
For instance, patients complain of a feeling of listlessness or an overall feeling of not being well. Getting tired easily, a feeling of fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss — these are all rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and contribute greatly to the patient’s perception of a reduction in her quality of life.
Just as each person’s bodily make-up and metabolisms are different, so too will rheumatoid arthritis symptoms will become manifest in each individual. Aside from the constant pain, long-term rheumatoid arthritis that is left untreated will lead to gross deformities and permanent joint damage.
Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are not different from arthritis. However, it seems to be more terrible than arthritis. In fact, most people notice how unbearable and irritating arthritis can be. We can simply understand that arthritis is a swelling illness of the joints.
Commonly, the joints enlarge and the patients will suffer from joint pain. When it is not sufficient, there is a form of arthritis which occurs in relation to psoriasis. This situation is known as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a long-term problem. However, it is not true that all the patients suffering from psoriasis will experience psoriatic arthritis. The number of patients account for a few percent that are getting temptation arthritis.
The information below supplies useful knowledge about symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Causes of psoriatic arthritis
Obviously, people haven’t found the cause of this problem yet. It is identified that genes play a very important part in infliction of this healthcare problem.
Normally, it occurs in case the patients have suffered from psoriasis growth arthritis. Several surrounding situations and immune reasons result in psoriatic arthritis. It is said that this problem have its root in several types of infection as well.
Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms and Treatments
Psoriatic arthritis consists of 5 different groups of symptoms. Some of these have been noticed in children as well.
Symptoms
Type 1: Asymmetrical arthritis usually locates in two or three joints. It locates in the joints independently rather than influence them in pairs. It is popular for this form to affect the fingers and toes; however any joints of the body may be influenced.
Type 2: Psoriatic Spondylo arthritis is a swelling of the joints causing backbone. If it is a severe problem it may consists of deformity and modifications in posture. It is not really plainly discovered in patients and has an effect on 5-33% of those with psoriasis.
Type 3: Another form of this problem is symmetric psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms conclude degeneration and pain in bones and joints situated in every part of the body. The women experiencing this problem will have to suffer from pain and soreness more severely. In few causes, the psoriasis related skin symptoms are very dominant and serious joint deformity.
Type 4: The symptoms of Distal Interphalageal Predenimant consist of pain and inflammation and entire soreness. Men are likely to be affected than women, however; it is not popular. Nails and toes and fingers are popularly influenced in this situation, following the analysis of doctors.
Type 5: Arthritis mutilans is another type of psoriatic arthritis which is damaging. Unluckily, the symptoms are degeneration of tiny bones in feet, hands and even other parts of the body. This entirely results in deformity and disability. However, this form of arthritis is not popular and has effect on very few people.
Generally, the symptoms conclude joint pain, fatigue, bone and joint degeneration, lessened variety of mobility, rough or thicker nails, flaking silver areas of skin with red, swollen skin beneath, sore eyes and other symptoms. The lowering of such symptoms can be attained by applying a healthy diet for psoriatic arthritis.
Treatments
Unluckily, doctors haven’t found the single mode of treatment for psoriatic arthritis. There are some choices of treatments can be listed like using ice and heat, resting joint and doing exercise to make muscles and electrophathy more power. Moreover, you can also apply a splint on the imparted area if the flare up is serious. Doctors can prescribe painkillers and NSAIDs or even surgery in serious situations.
Arthritis Symptoms Of The Hands
From the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, to psoriatic arthritis, or osteoarthritis in a specific location of the body, each are going to be triggered by different events, and will carry different levels of pain.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in hands include:
- Pain and swelling of the joints;
- Excessive liquid build up, which leads to difficulty in moving the fingers and wrists;
- Difficulty in smooth motion of wrists and hands; and,
- Excessive warmth in the hands, or numbing feelings, which is caused by the swelling that has taken place.
There may be other symptoms you might notice, and knowing the severity of them, and how painful things can become if you do nothing, should help you in deciding to get immediate treatment. This will ensure that any joint pain, or restriction of normal joint movement, does not get worse over time.
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis also have a very particular presentation. Some of these include: – inflammation of the knees, ankles, and wrists are common (only a few joints will become inflamed at one time);- swollen, hot, or red areas around the joints (caused both by the skin condition as well as the excessive swelling which is due to the arthritis);- joint stiffness (and difficulty in moving the joints at all);- stiffness along with redness over the areas that are being affected by the psoriatic arthritis.
Although there are other symptoms, such as inflammation around the spine, these are the most common symptoms one is going to experience with this condition.
Knowing what is causing the pain, what the symptoms are a sign of (and how to treat the symptoms), are some of the things to consider, when you are dealing with different types of arthritis. The more severe the symptoms, the more likely it is that the arthritis has progressed, and can cause further damage, especially if left untreated.
So, being aware of the signs and symptoms early on is the best way to prevent the arthritis from getting worse, and from causing further damage to the joints, bones, and the cartilage on the body.
There are several pains, symptoms, and issues to look for when you are dealing with arthritis. Regardless of how bad things have gotten, or which symptoms of arthritis you have already experienced, making sure you take the preventive measures, and knowing what the issues are, will help in stopping the progression. This will also assist greatly in keeping pain, inflammation, and stiffness under control.
So, rather than allow the pain to progress, one has to be aware with what they are feeling, what the causes are, and what the best treatment options are, to ensure the arthritis does not progress any further than it already has.
Hip Arthritis Symptoms
When an individual suffers from hip arthritis, she or he will, under most circumstances, have a condition known as osteoarthritis which a particularly common form of hip arthritis and which is often sometimes called wear-and-tear arthritis and even degenerative joint illness.
Doctors also believe that hip arthritis can be caused due to genetics and so if you belong to a family in which someone has this form of arthritis, then you may be in danger of affected by the same.
There are certain other considerations too that may bring about a person to have hip arthritis and these include having shock with the hip and even because of fracturing of bones that are found close to joints. There are certain symptoms that you’ll notice if you are subjected to hip arthritis and these symptoms incline to deteriorate as the condition deteriorates further.
However, it is also not the case that the symptoms will become worse with the passage of time and it can occur that a patient has some months that are good as far as their condition is concerned, while other months may turn out to be bad, and symptoms may also are affected because of changes in the weather conditions.
Thus, hip arthritis symptoms noticed on a particular day may not appear on other days, and they may also not be an accurate representation of the way in which the condition is progressing.
Arthritis Symptoms in Legs
Arthritis symptoms in legs is easily defined that it is a situation made by inflammation of one or some joints. It is ranked among the most long-term illness in the world. There are many forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and so on. Pain and inflammation in legs, feet and knees are the most typical symptoms of arthritis.
Causes of Arthritis Symptoms in Legs
In fact, no one can identify the exact reason for arthritis, however; there are some aspects related to this problem. It is estimated that various causes of arthritis have been seen. Ageing is among the most popular one. Besides, overweight and genetics are essential reasons for arthritis. Damage, tension, sickness or contamination in the joints can also lead to arthritis. At times, irregular calorie burning and overworked immune system can result in arthritis as well.
Arthritis Symptoms in Legs
Pain in legs is among the most typical and dominant symptoms of arthritis; it is noticed in all forms of arthritis. Exception of led pain, the below are the symptoms that are observed in arthritis.
Pain: The most dominant arthritis symptoms in legs are pain in the arms and legs joints. This pain can vary from flat to serious level on the basis of extent and form of arthritis. In some situation, the patients have to suffer from terrible pain after having a night sleep because their leg has stayed for a continuous resting position. Pain in feet is possible to lead to much soreness and even limit your activities.
Stiffness: Stiffness happens in all joints of the body such as fingers, legs, wrists, arms and so on. It is one of the most typical symptoms of arthritis. The same as the arthritis pain, this problem occurs after the patients get up in the morning. Because all the night, patients keep in the only one shape and hardly move, then the stiffness will stay for an hour after getting up. Pain and stiffness are the symptoms occur in all forms of arthritis.
Swelling: Another arthritis symptom in legs is swelling. Inflammation, heat, swelling, irritation, etc are noticed as the signals of arthritis. However, swelling is the easiest noticeable symptoms, so the patients can determine the disease quicker by observing this signal.
Treatments of Arthritis Symptoms in Legs
Patients should ask doctors for ability of arthritis if they have suffered from any arthritis symptoms in legs mentioned above. Likewise, if regular pain or stiffness that intensifies over time, they also should visit the doctors. To analyze the arthritis, they will do blood tests, physical examination and X-ray. The inflammation of the joint is unlikely to be found in the first stage by X-ray, however; it will show in more advanced stage. In addition, advanced technology like MRI will be applied to analyze arthritis.
Patients have to accept that there is no treatment to kill rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are some medications and remedies that aid to relieve the pain and decrease the arthritis symptoms in legs. Hence, when finding arthritis symptoms in legs, doctors will recommend you to apply anti-inflammatory drugs to curb pain and swelling.
Physiotherapy can also be powerfully applied to enhance joints mobility and stop stiffness. Physical therapy, massage and exercises can assist in stopping arthritis symptoms in legs and feet as well. Finally, it is wise to visit doctors for details if aforementioned symptoms are discovered. The earlier analysis is the better treatment can be applied. Hence, the patients can reduce the pain and control the problem at the best.
Thumb Arthritis Symptoms
In fact, thumb arthritis is commonly known as osteoarthritis. When this problem begin to influence the joint which locates between the wrist and the foundation of the thumb, the patient suffering from it will have to experience thumb arthritis.
Signs and symptoms caused by arthritis in thumbs
The principle symptom that implies the happening of arthritis in thumb is a pain that stems from the impacted area. The problem influenced on the foundation of the thumb. That explains why the patients have to suffer from unbearable pain when they do any work that needs using their thumbs and forefinger such as clenching, gripping, grasping, pinching or pressing.
The popular instance for these actions are unlocking with a key or unscrewing a big bottle cap and so on. At the first stage, the pain is caused when the patients do the above actions. However, when the pain is levelled, the patients feel uncomfortable even their thumbs are not in use. Inflammation and pain in the foundation of the thumb are also the symptoms of this problem. Thus, the surrounding areas are also affected and lessen the movement. Thumb arthritis can also express into a deformed visual appeal of the foundation, and lower sensation of power when clenching or gripping any object.
The level of symptoms often bases on how serious the situation of the thumb foundation is and how often the thumbs are used. For example, a football player will have more troubles in getting a correct grip on the playing rods. Therefore, in such situations, the players should have a long-term break so that his thumb could relieve.
Treatment measures for thumb arthritis
The major choices to deal with this problem are medication, splints, steroids and surgery. Such kinds of remedies focus on minimizing the pain and enhance the mobility of the joints by improving the variety of movement as well as reduce the dangers of impairment. In order to cope with inflammation and reduce the pain, doctors will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to the patients.
Splints offer quite a lot of benefit in the cure. They aid in curbing thumb movement, therefore; bring about rest to affected area. Because of giving the comfort to the patients, splints can be worn all the time even when the patients go to bed. However, in some situations, this remedy does not take effect. Hence, these patients will be recommended to be injected into the foundation of the thumb with shots of corticosteroid.
These shots often obtain a longer life, therefore; expressing useful in maintaining the symptoms of these types for a longer period of time. The last solution to deal with thumb arthritis is applying surgery when the traditional treatments do not take effect. However, basing on the real situation of each patient, doctors will decide which type of surgery should be.
Look for experts’ assistance in carrying exercises to enhance your thumbs’ variety of movements. You also should stay away from performing activities which appear to worsen the pain. You had better avoid using thumbs in daily activities with by using other parts of the body if possible. If the pain is unbearable, reduce it with heat and cold pads.
How To Properly Treat Your Arthritis Symptoms – Is Arthritis Hereditary?
Countless millions of individuals across the globe suffer from arthritis. While it is often very painful, understand that there are steps you can take to lessen the effects of the symptoms.
Use ice packs or heating pads to relieve some joint pain. Try taking turns between the hot and the cold to receive the most optimal relief. Speak with a physician to find the best ways to soothe pain.
Poor exercise shoes will only worsen arthritis. Shoes that are at the end of their life cause your body weight to be distributed unevenly. This can also cause damage to your leg muscles and joints. Make sure you buy new workout shoes on a regular basis, particularly when the soles begin to wear unevenly.
Try to do some swimming if you have arthritis. Aquatic activities are beneficial for loosening up joints and muscles, and the water, especially warm water, is soothing to chronic arthritis sufferers. If you cannot swim, consider signing up for a swimming class.
Give yourself a new routine for stretching. People suffering from arthritis commonly battle decreased flexibility as well. Stretch all your muscles every day and your body will remain flexible. A good stretching session should cover your whole body, starting at your feet and working right up to your head.
A heating pad with a moist sponge insert can be particularly effective for arthritic symptoms. A heating pad that is able to give off moist heat is a perfect investment for anyone who is suffering from arthritis pain. These pads are great temporary measures, but it is still a good idea to go to the doctor.
Take advantage of physical therapy. A physical therapist helps you develop an exercise routine that will increase your flexibility. Adhere to the plan so you can reclaim your life.
Going to a sauna regularly can be beneficial if you suffer from chronic arthritis. Because of the high humidity and heat of a sauna, the inflammation from arthritis is reduced. This can lead to less pain. To have this be an effective practice you’re going to have to go to the sauna regularly.
Try to talk to your doctor on all of your pain relief options. You can do this most efficiently by consulting with your physician about treatments that are approved by the FDA and other alternatives that can address your particular needs.
If you have issues with weight and poor fitness, it is important to make them a priority. Excessive weight can worsen arthritis, so losing it can make you feel much better. Dropping your weight by a few pounds can bring relief to your aching, overburdened joints.
One substance that you can apply to your joints to fight arthritis symptoms is Castor oil. Castor oil has a lot of benefits for the joints; it can help you a great deal! However, even the act of massaging the oil has its own benefit. Massage increases blood flow, lessening pain and swelling, and the stiffness benefits from the castor oil.
Arthritis comes in three main forms: Osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. There are different kinds of arthritis and you will have to adapt your treatment to your condition.