You could be suffering from arthritis and not even know it

You could be suffering from arthritis and not even know it

What is osteoarthritis?

You've heard the word many times, 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 illness or injury and will go away once that area heals. The difference with arthritis is that swelling and pain persist or recur for a very long time, which can lead to tissue damage over time.

Arthritis is very common among Americans, affecting 1 in 5 people over the age of 18. It is also the leading cause of disability among Americans. If arthritis is not treated, the bones that make up the joint can lose their normal shape, making movement more painful and significantly limiting the range of motion of that joint. Although anyone can develop arthritis, the risks increase greatly with age.

Arthritis can occur in any joint of the human body, but is most common in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. The wrist, hand and finger joints are some of the most important joints for carrying out everyday activities, which is why the most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis.

How do you know if you have arthritis?

Each type of arthritis has its own symptoms, but there are some signs that are good general indicators of arthritis development, such as:

• Pain or swelling in one or more joints

• Joints that appear red or feel warm

• Joints that are tender, stiff, or difficult to move

Arthritis in the hands can be difficult for a primary care doctor to diagnose because it can start in many ways and the symptoms can be difficult to recognize. Symptoms can come and go over time. The pain may be mild and come on slowly, or it may come on quickly and cause severe, surging pain that subsides within a few hours. Or the signs may look like something completely unrelated, like fatigue or a rash. This is why it's important to know what signs to look out for and what symptoms indicate a more serious underlying problem. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should schedule 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 worry you

How is arthritis treated?

When it comes to treating your arthritis, sooner is better. If you have arthritis, knowing what type of arthritis you have is key to a successful treatment and management plan for your joints. For example, treatment for osteoarthritis of the thumb is different than treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some types work faster than others, so prompt treatment is essential to avoid permanent damage. However, if the pain is milder and less frequent, you can save the discussion for your next doctor's visit.

If you have symptoms of hand arthritis, consult a hand specialist as they have a better chance of correctly diagnosing your hand arthritis.

Can arthritis be prevented?

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

• Regular physical activity

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Avoiding excessive repetitive movements

• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain or stiffness

• Balance between activity and rest to avoid overloading the joints

• Maintaining a healthy immune system

• Avoid injuries if possible

These preventive methods are more effective depending on the area where you have joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis of the hands, hot and cold therapies can help relieve the pain. Additionally, range of motion exercises can help keep the joint flexible and prevent long-term stiffness.

Although these preventative measures may help temporarily relieve the problem, they will not treat the underlying problem. If you suspect you have arthritis, talk to your doctor or consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Inspired by Daniela Brannon