However, despite the fact that arthritis appears to be a disease that exclusively affects the elderly, the truth is that several seemingly harmless practices might raise the likelihood of getting joint discomfort far earlier than thought.
Arthritis is caused by inflammation in the joints, which results in pain, stiffness, and swelling in one or more of the joints affected by the disease.
Although there are a number of drugs, rehabilitation treatments, and physical therapy options available to address this condition, basic activities such as sports, particularly yoga, and maintaining a healthy weight can assist to avoid the development of this condition.
Turning a blind eye to this issue can make it difficult to carry out even the most basic of activities.
Arthritis Symptoms
According to Dr. Biren Nadkarni, an orthopedic specialist and joint replacement surgeon at the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research and Sagrada Familia Hospital in New Delhi, arthritis can cause symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fatigue, inability to use one hand, difficulty walking, and sleep disturbances.
However, how can we tell the difference between regular discomfort and the early warning indications of arthritis? It is possible that, in addition to the symptoms listed above, you will experience redness on your skin around the joint. Apart from that, there is generally a fever and difficulties doing daily tasks associated with this unexplained pain. Pain medications are frequently ineffective in alleviating discomfort.
Five habits you should check
Five habits that Nadkarni believes can raise your risk of acquiring arthritis are as follows:
1. Not controlling weight. Those who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing this condition. With each additional kilogram you gain, the greater the strain placed on your hips, back, and feet.
2. Including an excessive amount of processed foods in your diet, such as sugar and white flour, can lead to weight gain, which has a negative impact on your joints. Fruit, nuts, and whole grains are all good options for substituting for this type of diet, according to the expert.
3. Sending text messages in the same position on a regular basis. As the doctor says, exclusively typing text messages with the thumb puts a strain on the joints of the hands, particularly those of this particular finger. As a result, if you want to avoid arthritis, please keep the number of texts to a minimum or utilize the voice function. Such a practice can also be detrimental to the health of the shoulders and neck.
4. Wearing high heels puts your feet in an uncomfortable position, which puts stress on your joints and muscles, as well as causes your back to go out of alignment. Women who are unable to picture their lives without high heels should be aware that this practice can raise the risk of osteoarthritis as well as the sensation of pain in the foot.
5. Have injuries. Those who sustained a knee injury as teenagers or children are three times more likely than the general population to develop osteoarthritis in this area of the body.
How to avoid arthritis
If you have one or more of the habits listed above, it is time to take a look at your way of life.
“Eat sensibly, control your weight, and exercise regularly — these are all mantras for keeping knee problems at bay,” Dr. Nadkarni shared with the Hindustan Times.
Here are some adjustments that the specialist suggests you make:
- Maintain a healthy weight;
- Make sure you don’t hurt yourself;
- Pay close attention to your posture and avoid wearing high heels;
- Maintain appropriate amounts of B12 and D3 in the bloodstream;
- Following a healthy diet, which includes consuming nuts and seeds such as walnuts, cashews, and pistachios, as well as eating more veggies like as garlic and onion, will help you lose weight. It is also possible that sorghum and pearl millet will be beneficial because they contain minerals that can help reduce arthritic pain.
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