
Not all of us would be blessed with old age though we may desire it. In our present lifestyle, we see old age as a period of time filled with several ailments which may be chronic and acute. Some people would wish for death rather than to be dependent on carriers, medications, and mobility aids for movement in old age.
Arthritis is one ailment that plagues human beings as they grow old. However, old age is not the only cause of this disease. Some people have suffered from arthritis since their childhood. Arthritis can be initiated by trauma, infection, and ageing of joints. It has an immense effect on the sufferer’s quality of life, personal and national productivity. Arthritis is more than just the wearing and tearing of the joints. As prevalent as this affliction is, it is not well understood. Arthritis is a pedestrian way of referring to joint pain or disorder which is caused by the deterioration of cartilage – the flexible tissue lining the joints. Inactivity, injuries, and genes can cause cartilage breakdown
Arthritis is just not one single disease. There are hundreds of millions of people suffering from more than 100 various types of the disease around the world. Arthritis affects anyone irrespective of age, race, or sex. Women are more affected than men and the number increases in any ageing population. The different types of arthritis display common symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of mobility. These can be subtle, moderate or severe. Symptoms may persist without change for years, and can improve or become more intense with time. In some cases, the disorder can lead to chronic pain, inability to do simple daily tasks, and walking up and down the stairs can be difficult.
Osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease – is the most common form of this affliction alongside rheumatoid arthritis – a systemic disease that affects the entire body, including the heart and lungs. The joints can be irreversibly damaged by arthritis. Though the changes can easily be seen on an X-ray, knobby finger joints are the physical evidence of this disorder.
Arthritis can sometimes affect the eyes. Collagen which is the most abundant protein in the body not only protects the joints, it is also a basic component of the eye’s cornea and sclera. The American Academy of Ophthamology says arthritis can lead to vision problems. People who suffer from this inflammation can develop dry eye syndrome. Arthritis can also lead to scleritis which is commonly called red-eye and affects people between ages 40 to 70.
The rate of metabolism depreciates as we gain more years making it easier to put on weight and harder to lose the extra pounds. Being overweight increases the risk of suffering from arthritis.
Some people are able to able to manage their weight and the disorder but not when the inflammation in the body is high. And if you suffer from pains in your joints and can’t walk or lift things you may want to sit down, sit back or lie down to ease the strain. The last thing you’d want to be involved in is exercise. However, it’s one of the several ways to help manage arthritis. Dedicating time to work out helps you manage weight, lose weight, maintain joints functions, relieve stiffness, and decrease pain and fatigue. For the eyes, the doctor may give an ointment, artificial tears and eye drops to moist dry eyes and to reduce redness.
To maintain a healthy life, exercise and see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any form of joint pain. Early detection can save you a lot of pain and hassle down the road.