Harianjogja.com, JAKARTA Arthritis is known as a disease that often attacks the elderly.
But, nowadays, Arthritis can also affect all ages including children, although there are some modifiable risk factors that can help prevent the condition.
Arthritis is not a single disease, but rather a way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis. Currently, the NHS notes that there is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow it down. There are also a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing the condition.
The Arthritis Foundation of Asia says that while there is no surefire way to prevent arthritis, you may be able to “significantly reduce your risk of arthritis” with some activities.
“Avoiding sports injuries by wearing the right equipment, adequate training, and safe play can prevent an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear that can lead to osteoarthritis years or decades later,” the NHS said.
They add that many types of arthritis are thought to be the result of a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, so finding a trigger for this type of arthritis “may be key to prevention”, even in someone with a genetic risk.
Certain behaviors and characteristics, called risk factors, can increase your chances of developing certain types of arthritis or make them worse.
Some, like genetics, you can’t control, but there are other factors you may be able to modify – known as modifiable risk factors.
The US Department of Health & Human Services says people who are overweight or are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than people who are not overweight.
Extra weight puts more stress on the joints, especially weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
Healthy eating and physical activity can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Joint injuries or overuse such as bending the knee and repetitive stress can damage a joint and contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
“Occupation that involves repetitive knee bending and squatting is associated with knee osteoarthritis,” he adds.
Smoking also increases a person’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and “can make the disease worse.”
The Arthritis Foundation says that arthritis symptoms are complex and varied.
If you have arthritis, your joints will most likely feel stiff and difficult to move, you may also find that the area around your joints may feel warm, look red or swollen.
The NHS says that your symptoms will vary greatly depending on which type you have.
While there is no cure for arthritis, treatments have improved greatly in recent years and, for many types of arthritis, especially arthritis, there is a clear benefit in starting treatment at an early stage, says charity Versus Arthritis.
Source: Bisnis.com
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