Arthritis on the rise among women

On World Arthritis Day today, doctors warn how damage to the joints and loss of ability to use the hands, wrists, ankles and knees, is affecting women under 30

Do you have difficulty climbing stairs? A sudden stiffness or pain after sitting for a long
duration? Don't ignore it. You could be having arthritis. And it's not something that affects only older people, as is the notion. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is on an alarming rise with a study saying we have over 180 million patients in India, some below the age of 25! In addition, this disease is on the rise among women. An orthopaedic specialist and joint replacement surgeon, says, "With changing lifestyle, lack of exercise and proper diet and hectic working pattern, the severity of arthritis in women is particular on the rise. Not just osteoarthritis, other forms such as rheumatoid arthritis tend to occur commonly in women too."

What it is about
Arthritis occurs commonly in small joints of the hand, the vertebral column and the knees. Broadly, it can be divided into osteoarthritis — arthritis due to wear and tear of muscles with age — and inflammatory arthritis. "Typically, it begins as a dull aching pain localised to the knee that worsens when a person climbs the stairs, standing up from a sitting position or during sitting postures. As the disease worsens, the pain makes even walking on level ground difficult, and people may notice a bend or bow in their knees at this stage,"
explains Dr. It is said that gum disease can also trigger arthritis.

An orthopaedic specialist  has observed a 20:1 ratio in female versus male patients. "Women in the age bracket of 20-40 are seen to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis that affects multiple joints, while older women suffer from knee osteoarthritis due to the wear and tear of the knee joint," he says.

Adds the Dr.,  "The increasing incidence of obesity has probably also contributed to the increasing incidence of osteoarthritis. Genes play a huge role in early onset of arthritis. This may be the reason for a higher incidence of arthritis in women at a younger age."

Affects youngsters too 
Arthritis is increasingly being seen in youngsters and children, notes orthopedic surgeon Dr. He says, "Arthritis in children 16 or below is termed as juvenile arthritis. The exact cause is not known and in spite of increase in incidence to about 20,000 cases a year in children, the diagnosis is usually delayed."

Investigations 
Investigations start with a clinical examination for swelling, tenderness, deformity like bowed legs or knocked knees, the range of movement in legs and whether it is painful or pain-free, any sounds or whether tight or loose. Post this, the patient is sent for an X-ray or an MRI. If suspecting rheumatoid, he or she is then sent for a blood test, explains Dr.

Needed: Lifestyle change
Experts maintain that osteoarthritis can be tackled effectively with a judicious, all-round approach such as no smoking, better food habits, higher antioxidant content through green leafy vegetables, high protein diet and adequate Vitamin D and calcium foods. A  joint replacement and orthopaedic reconstructive surgeon, lists solutions based on lifestyle changes...

- Leg strengthening exercises
- Cartilage restoring medication, corrective surgery including tibial osteotomy, arthroscopies and knee replacements for crippled patients
- Cementing cavities, root canal treatment, capping of teeth and artificial teeth implants
- Avoiding movements seen in positions such as sitting cross-legged or using the Indian commode.
- Keeping body weight in check

Symptoms observed are
- Painful joint(s), stiffness of the joints
- Difficulty in getting up after sitting in one place for a long time, difficulty/pain while climbing stairs
- Swelling of the joint(s), slight noises observed in the joint and
- Difficulty in balancing
- If you have swelling or stiffness in the morning, see a rheumatologist immediately

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com