Joint pains have become quite a common problem now. The number of people affected by arthritis just keeps soaring up every single day is the fact. It mainly affects people who are over 30 years and the problem only gets worse as they age. Majority of these people start to line up in front of hospitals in search of a way to cure their problem. We should accept the fact that majority of the population still remains ignorant about arthritis and joint problems. We will look into this problem in detail, what are the available treatments, and we will also look into ways to prevent it.
Scientific Angle
The basic framework of our body is made out of bones. In this framework, there are several joints between these bones that enable free motion of different parts in our body like hands and legs. We do several tasks with the help of our legs from the moment we started to walk. The place where two bones come together is called a joint. There are several things that make this joint possible, they are connective tissues, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, synovial membrane, and bursas. A collective or isolated problem in any of these leads to joint pain.
Cartilage tissues are very soft in nature. It prevents friction between bones and enables smooth movement of the joints. In other words, it acts more like grease between joints in the door hinges. When there is a damage in the cartilage it leads friction between bones in the joint. This friction will lead to severe pain in the joints. When you ignore this pain, this region will slowly start to swell. This problem is what we call as arthritis.
Damage to ligaments can also lead to a similar problem. Some of the main reasons for ligament damage includes.
- Excessive body weight
- Smoking Cigarettes
- Problems with immune system
- Accidental injuries to bones and bone joints.
- Old age and genetic factors are also some other reasons for this problem.
Joint pains can also occur due to deficiency of white blood cells in our body. When our body immune system starts to attack the own body cells, it leads to damage in the tissues connecting the joints. This makes the tissues to lose its strength and leads to swelling in the region. This swelling is what we call as Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can even affect the younger generation.
Symptoms of Joint Pains
Major symptoms of a joint pain are pain and swelling. Some people might experience this pain for one whole day and it will disappear for a week and start to pain again. These people should immediately take necessary treatment. When left untreated it can lead to problems with the heart, eyes, kidneys, and other internal organs.
What is the cure?
Doctors will thoroughly make a patient to undergo a complete and start to treat the person based on the reports. These tests will involve pain levels, and how freely the patient can able to move their joints. Additionally, X-rays and MRI scans will also be taken.
After the commencement of the treatment, Doctors will try to reduce the symptoms and pain levels. Sometimes it won’t be possible to completely cure the condition. With continuous treatment, these people can reduce their pain levels to a considerable extent. Some patients might need to be surgically treated.
Many arthritis patients prefer Physical and Occupational therapy treatment among other option. This treatment is particularly more effective for Osteoarthritis problem. Additionally, a healthy and balanced diet with the right amount of rest can go a long way to cure this condition.
How to Prevent Arthritis?
- Most of our body weight is transferred to our legs. So it is better to keep your body weight under control.
- The regular and continuous practice of joint exercises is a must. Doctors suggest that we must spend at least 30 minutes a day for exercises that involve joints.
- Have a Healthy Sexual life. Do not overdo it.
- There are many techniques in Yoga to strengthen the joint muscles. Learn and practice them regularly. Make sure you practice Yoga with a professional instructor.
- You must avoid home remedies for any problems involving joints and muscles. They can be used along with your main treatment option but not as a sole treatment option.
- Consult a Physiotherapy professional on how to prevent this problem and what are the precautions that can be taken to avoid it.
- Keep your Blood Sugar levels (Diabetes) under control. Avoid smoking cigarettes.
- Include omega-3 fatty acid rich food at least once a week. Some of the common image-3 fatty acid rich foods include Fish, Flax seeds, Walnut, Egg, Soya Beans, and Cauliflower. These foods ensure our joints gets the essential nutrients it needs.
A Quick Fact
Our bones will only gain strength up to an age of 25. After this, it will slowly start to lose its strength. So the foods and nutrition we get till the age of 25 determine our bone strength for the rest of our lives. Foods we eat after this age can only slow down the weakening process.
Do you know that protein plays a big role in strengthening our bones over calcium? Calcium is a part of the protein. Pulses, soya, mushrooms, egg, and meat are rich in protein content. Protein is more important than calcium when it comes to bones is the undeniable fact.
Have you Heard About Physiotherapy?
Most of us would have heard about Physiotherapy but only few us have any idea on what it is. It is a natural pain relieving method. Doctors prescribe painkiller tablets which you need to consume for months together to reduce your pain levels. But painkillers lead to other harmful side effects. But Physiotherapy, on the other hand, can help to relieve your pain within few days of the treatment. Plus, it doesn’t involve any medications.
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