You Could Be Suffering

 What is arthritis?

You've heard the word used a lot but do you know what it really is? The term 'arthritis' refers to joint pain or joint disease caused by inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Inflammation is your body's natural response to disease or injury and will go away once that area is healed. The difference with arthritis is that swelling and pain lasts for a very long time or is recurring, which can cause damage to the tissue over time.

Arthritis is very common in Americans, affecting 1 in 5 people over the age of 18. It is also the number one cause of disability in Americans. If arthritis is left untreated, the bones that make up the joint can lose their normal shape, making it more painful to move and significantly limit the range of motion for that joint. Though anyone can develop arthritis, the risks greatly increase with age.

Arthritis can occur at any joint in the human body but is most common in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. The wrist, hand, and finger joints are among the most important joints for performing daily activities, which is why the most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis.

How do you know if you have Arthritis?

Each kind of Arthritis has its own set of symptoms but there are some signs that are good general indicators of developing arthritis, such as:

Pain or swelling in one or more joints

Joints that appear red or feel warm to the touch

Joints that are tender, stiff, or hard to move

Arthritis in hands can be difficult to diagnose for a general physician because it can start in many ways and the symptoms can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may come and go over time. The pain may be mild and come on slowly or it could come on fast and cause intense, surging pain that subsides within a few hours. Or, the signs may look like something entirely unrelated like fatigue or a rash. That's why it's important to know the signs to look for and which symptoms signal a more serious underlying issue. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with a trained hand specialist.

Joint pain or stiffness that lasts 3 or more days

Multiple episodes of joint pain over the course of a month

Joint symptoms that make you concerned

How is Arthritis treated?

When it comes to treating your arthritis, earlier is better. If you do have arthritis, knowing which type of arthritis is the key to a successful treatment and management plan for your joints. For example, treatment for Osteoarthritis of the thumb is different from the treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some types act more quickly than others, so prompt treatment is essential to avoid any permanent damage. However, if the pain is milder and less frequent, you can save the discussion for your next doctor visit.

If you're experiencing hand arthritis symptoms, seek treatment from a hand specialist as they will have a better likelihood of diagnosing your hand arthritis properly.

Can Arthritis be prevented?

There are many things you can do in your daily life to decrease your chances of developing a form of arthritis, such as:

Regular physical activity

Maintaining a healthy weight

Avoiding excessive repetitive movements

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines when experiencing joint pain or stiffness

Balancing activity with rest to avoid overworking the joints

Maintaining a healthy immune system

Avoiding injury when possible

These preventative methods are more effective based on the area in which you're experiencing joint pain. If you're experiencing arthritis of the hands, using hot and cold therapies may help relieve the pain. Additionally, range-of-motion exercises can help keep the joint flexible and prevent long-term stiffness.