How to Recognize the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are painful. In the autumn, when the moisture penetrates our bones, rheumatic pains can become unbearable.

Everyone suffers from joint pains from time to time. But we have been accustomed to associating the name of rheumatism with any joint pain, even if it may be caused by other acute or chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, arthrosis or even gout. While osteoarthritis is responsible only for joint inflammation, affecting people of all ages, arthrosis alters cartilage, accelerating the aging process.

 

The characteristics of osteoarthritis patients

As this affection is quite common, the specialists have outlined some basic characteristics common to those who suffer from it. As a result, it was concluded that arthritis generally affects women who have passed the age of 40, possibly overweight for several years. Also, demanding hard work or performance sports can seriously affect the bones.

 

An important factor in determining the disease is also family history. In some cases, the symptoms of osteoarthritis are mild and the disease can be accidentally discovered on a radiological examination. Sometimes, however, the symptoms are so severe that the patient can not even carry out the simplest day-to-day activities. You should take an urgent medical appointment if you experience at least one of the following:

 

  • Sharp pain, occuring when trying to use the joint. The pain can disappear when resting, sometimes irradiating in other regions of the body.
  • Difficulties in making certain actions such as opening a jar lid, peeling nuts, closing buttons.
  • Inflammation, redness, an increase in temperature, as consequences of overusing the joint.

 

Why do the symptoms of osteoarthritis appear?

The articular cartilage is an elastic tissue covering the extremities of the bones in the joints. Normally, the surface of this cartilage is very smooth, facilitating mobility and absorbing shocks. As the disease progresses, the surface of the cartilage and the underlying bone becomes irregular, bone incisions. The most affected joints are: shoulder, elbow, fist, ankles and knees. As a result, various changes occur, such as nodules in the fingers, back and neck stiffness, chronic pain and discomfort while either sitting or on the move, swelling of the knees.

 

What to do

Good news for rheumatism patients: there are simple ways to stop the disease and to diminish the impact of its unpleasant symptoms! Cold compresses are very effective for reducing pain. Put water in the freezer in a plastic bag and, after freezing, wrap it in a towel and apply it on the painful area a few times a day but no more than 10 minutes at a time. After the pain wears off, warm compresses will be used to relax the muscles around the painful joint.

 

Does nutrition matter?

Although there are many myths about food or healing teas, the most balanced recommendation is to eat a varied diet based on products of vegetable origin, high in fiber and low in fat, giving you all the necessary nutrients, stimulating your health, and contributing to controlling obesity. It is good to know that vitamin and mineral supplements have no therapeutic effect in arthritis.

 




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