The Early Signs of Arthritis That Are Often Ignored!

Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and grinding joints are all classic symptoms of arthritis. However, there are some lesser-known early signs that masquerade as something insignificant, but actually indicate the onset of arthritis. Would you know what to look for? 

 

Firstly, it’s important to know the difference between the two main types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a concern for all ages. This autoimmune disease triggers inflammation that attacks joints, triggering tenderness, swelling, pain, and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis has similar symptoms to rheumatoid arthritis such as joint pain and stiffness, but it’s brought on by wear and tear. It’s a condition that generally develops later on in life and the symptoms are limited to the joints.

 

Below you’ll find the early symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

 

Fatigue 

This is usually the first symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. It can start weeks or months before other symptoms appear, and it’s often accompanied by “not feeling right” or mild depression. It might feel like you have a virus or flu. Sometimes this is just a reaction to the raised inflammation in your body, but occasionally it could be an indicator of an underlying problem associated with RA, such as anemia.

Poor Appetite and Weight Loss The weight loss is normally not drastic, but patients might notice that they don’t have quite the appetite for food and thus start to lose weight. There’s also another reason why early rheumatoid arthritis might result in some weight loss – the inflammation in your body increases your metabolic rate, meaning you burn calories more easily. 

 

Dry Eyes and Mouth 

Having problems with your eyes is quite a common side effect of rheumatoid arthritis, and the symptoms might appear before the classic arthritis symptoms kick in. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the surface of the eye to become inflamed. 

 

 Another eye symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is reduced tear fluid. You’ll notice that you have a gritty sensation in your eye, or feel like there’s some dirt stuck in it. Your saliva production can decline, as well as other bodily fluids.

One of the most surprising early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is chest pain. Some rheumatoid arthritis patients get inflammation in the lining of the lungs, so it hurts when a deep breath is taken. However, this is not a very common early sign. More often than not, it comes on after other symptoms. 

 

Stiffness 

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis will experience morning stiffness. Some people don’t realize that stiffness in the morning is a sign of arthritis. They just blame it on the fact that they’re getting old. 

 

Another rheumatoid arthritis symptom is stiffness in minor joints that isn’t caused by activity. This usually starts in the small joints, such as hands or the wrists, and then progresses to other joints. There may also be some mild joint inflammation. 

 

Osteoarthritis 

 

Grating Sensation and Bone Spurs  

The spongy cartilage in your joints helps to cushion your bones as you move about. As this cartilage wears down, the bones can begin to grate and grind against each other, causing pain. Worn cartilage can also encourage the growth of bone spurs, potentially deforming joints. 

 

Popping 

People will often report experiencing a cracking or popping sensation – a kind of cracking sound in their knees or cracking in their joints. This is also caused by worn down cartilage. 

 

Swollen Joints and Stiffness 

Joint swelling due to osteoarthritis is caused by excess synovial fluid, the lubricating fluid in your joints. This isn’t usually painful, but it can limit your range of movement.

Pain Triggered by Activity  

People who have osteoarthritis usually find that their pain is worse with activity and improves with rest. This is the opposite to people with rheumatoid arthritis who find that their stiffness is worse in the morning. 

 

Seeking Medical Help Early 

Early detection enables you to seek expert treatment earlier. It may help to prevent joint damage in the case of OA, but catching rheumatoid arthritis early is vital. This is because the longer you leave an inflammation untreated, the more of an effect it will have on your entire system. There is evidence that untreated inflammation can lead to a risk of heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and strokes. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that people who have persistent symptoms aren’t ignoring things that could be signs of a larger systemic problem.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Home Treatments Can Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare inflammatory condition that can be really difficult to live with, but you can help manage the symptoms of this debilitating disease with smart lifestyle choices, ranging from a specific exercise plan to more unusual treatments like acupuncture. This article focuses on these at-home treatments that will make life with this condition easier, can slow down the progression of the disease and prevent the development of dangerous complications.

What are the signs and symptoms if Ankylosing Spondylitis?

 

 

 The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) vary greatly, with some patients reporting back pain and stiffness in their late adolescence, and others starting to experience pain or immobility in other parts of the body as late as their mid-40s. Since the causes of the condition are still unknown, it is difficult to predict why people develop AS, but it is known that it may have a genetic component.

Also, men are more likely to suffer from AS than women, and in women, the condition more often manifests itself differently than in men, making diagnosis even more challenging. AS typically starts in the lower back, but it can affect most joints, such as:

The joint between connecting the spine with the pelvis

Vertebrae, especially the lower back

 

Hips

 

Shoulders

 

Ribs and the breast bone 

 

 

Despite the great variability, AS can be characterized by the following symptoms depending on the stage of the development of the disease:

Back pain

Stiffness

Symptoms usually worse during periods of inactivity, such as, sleep, or long periods of sitting

Poor posture or Stooped shoulders

Pain and lack of flexibility in the feet

Loss of appetite

Low-grade fever

Weight loss

Fatigue

Anemia or low iron

If left untreated, the vertebrae in the lower back can fuse together, causing a characteristic tilt forward of the upper body. The complications of the disease include eye damage, problems breathing and even heart damage. Medical interventions and surgery are the traditional ways of managing the symptoms of AS, but doctors urge AS patients to stay active to slow the progression of the disease, as there is no cure for AS.

Below, we discuss natural treatments and why they are beneficial to AS patients.

Yoga and stretching

 

 

Retaining your flexibility and range of motion is one of the main goals for an AS patient, as it helps your posture and reduces the pain. Yoga and stretching on a daily basis can make your spine and joints more flexible and improve your strength. Here is an example of yoga exercises beneficial for your spine. 

 

Heat and cold therapy

Hot and cold temperatures are your friend if you’re experiencing stiffness or if your joints feel inflamed and painful. A warming shower or heating pads can decrease the pain and stiffness that come with AS, and ice packs may be helpful at reducing inflammation. 

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Exercises that aim to stabilize and strengthen the joints are very beneficial to AS patients. These include range-of-motion exercises and strength training exercises. Strength exercises will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is very important for AS patients. We have a dedicated article on the types of exercise that can reduce pain and inflammation that can be accessed through this link. 

 

Posture training

 

As we have discussed above, bad posture is one of the symptoms of AS, as the stiffness and the pain in the spine affect one’s posture. Practice good posture, give yourself reminders and be aware of how you carry your weight on a regular basis. You can also use special devices, such as chairs and seats that encourage good posture. 

 

Therapeutic Massages

 

Therapeutic massages are beneficial for people suffering from AS, as they can help with the range of motion. Both relaxing and invigorating massages are beneficial, just make sure to mention to your massage therapist that you have AS, as deep tissue massage and joint massage is usually prohibited for patients with AS, and therapists use a specific kind of technique to relieve the pain and inflammation for this condition. 

 

Acupuncture

This Ancient Chinese medicinal technique is known for stimulating specific points in the body, which triggers the release of pain-relieving hormones in the brain so this treatment can be beneficial for relieving pain for some AS patients. If you’re considering acupuncture to treat AS, look for a trained professional who works in a clean environment and uses sterile or disposable needles. 

 

In summary, there are a variety of different home treatments of ankylosing spondylitis that will help people suffering from this condition maintain an active and fulfilling life, but each treatment should be discussed and supported by a medical professional for your safety.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Signs and symptoms associated with rheumatological diseases in children

 

Many associate arthritis with elderly, overlooking the fact that children can also be affected. Watch out for these signs of rheumatological diseases in kids.

To raise awareness about rheumatological diseases in children, communities worldwide are uniting to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by young patients with rheumatological diseases and their families. The theme for 2024, "Unlocking Hope," emphasises the importance of early detection, proper diagnosis and ongoing support for children living with rheumatic diseases. 

Impact of rheumatological diseases on children

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Himanshi Chaudhary, Consultant Clinical Immunology and Pediatric Rheumatology at Alpha Superspeciality Clinic, shared, “Children with rheumatological diseases often experience pain, swelling and stiffness in their joints. This can affect their mobility and daily activities. Joint involvement may result in reduced mobility, affecting a child's ability to participate in physical activities, sports, and other age-appropriate activities”

She revealed, “Simple tasks such as dressing, grooming, and writing may become challenging for children with rheumatological diseases. Flare-ups and medical appointments may result in missed school days, impacting a child's academic performance. Chronic conditions can have a psychological impact on children, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. It may also affect their self-esteem and social interactions. Managing a chronic illness in a child can be emotionally challenging for families. Parents and caregivers may need to invest significant time and effort in coordinating care, attending appointments, and providing emotional support.”

Early Detection: A Key to Better Outcomes

Medical experts emphasise the significance of early detection in managing pediatric rheumatic diseases effectively. Dr Himanshi Chaudhary said, “Unfortunately, these conditions often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed, leading to delayed intervention and prolonged suffering for young patients. It is important for children with rheumatological diseases to receive comprehensive and multidisciplinary care involving pediatric rheumatologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nutritionists and other healthcare professionals. A supportive and understanding environment at home and school can also play a crucial role in managing the impact of these diseases on a child's life.”

It is our collective responsibility to raise awareness, break down barriers and provide support for children facing rheumatological challenges. Dr Himanshi Chaudhary asserted, “By unlocking hope through education, early detection and community involvement, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their health conditions. Together, let us pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all young warriors battling rheumatic diseases.”

Breaking Myths and Dispelling Misconceptions

Many people associate arthritis and related conditions with the elderly, overlooking the fact that children can also be affected. Dr Himanshi Chaudhary said, “Educating the public about the early signs and symptoms of pediatric rheumatological diseases is paramount. These conditions often manifest differently in children than in adults, making it vital for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware of potential indicators. These conditions affect the joints, connective tissues, and sometimes other organs, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications.”

According to her, some of the signs and symptoms associated with rheumatological diseases in children are:

1. Joint pains, joint swellings, morning stiffness in body

2. Chronic backache, especially in morning

3. Inflammation in the eye

4. Recurrent oral ulcers

5. Muscle weakness

6. Skin tightening

7. Bluish discoloration of skin

8. Long standing, recurrent or unexplained fever

9. Long standing, recurrent and unexplained rashes

10. Unexplained low platelets, low blood cells, low hemoglobin

11. Unexplained kidney disease, heart disease

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs