Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain, tenderness, and swelling. If you have a history of joint injuries, monitoring your health and being aware of the early signs of arthritis is important. You can manage your Evergreen arthritis by taking care of your joints through proper diet and exercise.
Regular check-ups will help detect the condition at an early stage.
Causes of arthritis
- Wear and tear of a joint
- Muscle weakness
- Autoimmune diseases
- Age
- Genetics
- Obesity
Types of arthritis
There are three types of arthritis conditions. The major causes are wear and tear or overuse and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system attacking the lining of your joint, leading to inflammation or attacking the connective tissue that makes up the joints.
The conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis
If you have arthritis, you will experience the following in your joints:
- Sharp or intermittent pain
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
Tips for managing arthritis
Although there are causes of arthritis that are out of your control, there are actions that you can engage in to reduce the risks of getting arthritis. Talk to your specialist for customized management tips if your family has a history of the condition.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you carry extra weight, you exert a lot of pressure on your joints, especially on your knees and feet. Discuss with your specialist what you can do to lose weight and maintain a healthy BMI. You can create a weight loss program with meal plans that can help you lose the extra weight.
Exercise regularly
Through exercise, you can strengthen your muscles and manage your weight. Regular exercise will keep your joints flexible and increase your range of motion. You can try brisk walks and swimming sessions to help with movement and increase your heart rate.
Eat a balanced diet
A healthy diet comprises proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Try and avoid consuming processed foods full of sugars and saturated fats. Whole foods like whole grains, lean meats, and legumes are a great choice, free of saturated fat. Ensure you eat different fruits and vegetables for your daily dosage of vitamins and nutrients.
Treatment options
If your arthritis is more advanced, you might need surgery or joint replacement to feel well again. But, if you catch the condition early on, your specialist can use regenerative medicine therapies or injections to help you heal naturally. The non-surgical treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Bone Marrow aspirate (BMA)
- Alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M) injection
- Cooled radiofrequency ablation (CRFA)
- Hyaluronic acid joint injections
- Bracing or splinting
- Exercise program
It is crucial to visit your physician regularly for arthritis evaluation so you can start treatment and avoid surgery.
If you experience joint pain, stiffness, or tenderness, visit Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center for intensive arthritis evaluation. You will meet qualified and experienced specialists at the center who will offer you personalized treatment. Call or book an appointment online and restore your range of motion.
Vinicius Ferreira Cavalcanti