What is Arthritis?

There are many types of arthritis and arthritis related symptoms. Anybody can develop arthritis there is no gender, age or religion and it is the leading cause of disability in the world. Arthritis joint symptoms are stiffness, decreased range of motion, swelling and pain. These symptoms come and go. The symptoms may stay the same for years or may get worse over time. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe depending on the stage of the arthritis.

Can I Get Osteoarthritis at a Young Age?

Osteoarthritis can occur in children as young as 20 or even younger. Osteoarthritis in young age typically affects load-bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles as they are most likely to be affected by athletic injuries or obesity. The symptoms can vary depending on the joint affected, you should take particular notice when there are mechanical symptoms like catching, locking, and grinding, particularly in the knees, persistent or worsening joint pain that doesn’t improve after rest or anti-inflammatory drugs. Young people think that only the senior citizens can develop arthritis.

How Can We Try to Prevent This Disease?

Although joint damage cannot be reversed, there are many different types of treatments that can help to stop the damage from getting worse. Here are some simple methods that might help in the management of this disease,

Losing Weight

Obesity is one of the main factors for the progression of osteoarthritis. The more stress placed on the already damaged joints the greater the inflammation and pain. By losing weight you will notice the difference and relief in all the symptoms.

Physical Therapy

you can choose depending on the condition of osteoarthritis in your body, health, flexibility in your joints and the level of pain in the joints. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a process in which needles are pierced into that particular pressure point which relates to the problem in the body. 

Over-the Counter Medications

Over-the counter medications are of many types which can be taken according to the degree of pain relief you require.

High Impact Exercises

High impact exercises are good in a young and healthy body but in the case of osteoarthritis it can have an opposite effect, your condition can worsen very quickly so change to low impact exercises that are beneficial to your health.

Healthy Diet

Healthy diet options which your nutritionist can help with according to the condition of your joints and body weight. Certain nutrients are known to help in the condition of osteoarthritis by reducing pain and swelling in the joints.

Always Remember

  • Always consult your doctor, physiotherapist and dietician before starting anything new.  
  • Eat healthy foods and stay fit with exercises that work on the tendons, muscles, and ligaments in a joint.
  • Don’t ever over-do exercises as that could make things worse for you.
  • An active child is a healthy child.