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| Mom never stops being your mother |
Do you know who gets arthritis? Is it heredity? Well, I still recall when son Steven dropped by a few years ago for a visit. Thanks son. I'm always so happy to see you and give you the "mom hug."
Anyway, his visit reminds me of a conversation we had that day just before Christmas.
Steven said he didn't know I might have arthritis. I had guessed that everyone gets arthritis as they age. But at what age -- and is it true that "everyone" gets arthritis? Is it something people eat? Is it from lack of proper exercise? Does arthritis have anything to do with the water? Vitamins? I decided to find out.
Just Who Gets Arthritis and What is it?
According to WebMD, arthritis is a general term for inflammation in the joints. It can occur in numerous ways. The most common is osteoarthritis, a condition in which the cartilage (the protective cushioning between the joints) wears out. In order words, the bones rub directly against other bones.
Arthritis is often painful, but not always. Over time, arthritis results in joint deformity and can limit the motion and function of joints. That's what's happened to me, and it's especially uncomfortable in my shoulder, hands. knees, feet and toes. Are you susceptible? Do you have symptoms?
You could feel the affect of arthritis in your joints because of genes, the nature of your job and from aging. But arthritis is not reserved for aging adults. According to the National Institute of Arthritis, almost 21 million Americans, age 25 up have osteoarthritis. Holy cow! That's a lot of young people.
According to Medical News Today, there are over 100 types of arthritis including Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.
With Osteoarthritis, the cartilage loses its elasticity. If the cartilage is stiff it becomes damaged more easily. The cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber, gradually wears away in some areas. As the cartilage becomes damaged, tendons and ligaments become stretched, causing pain. Eventually the bones may rub against each other causing very severe pain. Although not everyone who has osteoarthritis experiences symptoms, many do. Some symptoms may include:
• Grinding, grating feeling or a crunchy sound when joints move
• Less range of motion in affected joints
• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling
If you feel joint pain or any symptoms, try to rest the joint. Don't aggravate it. You may be able to find relief with a paraffin bath or some type of a cold water treatment. There are creams sold over the counter that may help, as well.
Take Vitamin D.
It's said to be of help to avoid and to soothe the discomfort. You can get a supply at your local drug store. Or just order Vitamin D online right now and have it conveniently delivered to your mail box.According to WebMD, aging and obesity are common causes in osteoarthritis development, but they're not the only causes.
Osteoarthritis is heredity (genetic). It is not due to something one eats or drinks. Causes for the wearing away of cartilage are a lack of fluid, autoimmunity, infection or a combination of many different factors including repeated trauma or surgery to the joint such as the knee, as well as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and other growth hormone disorders.
Obesity causes osteoarthritis because it increases stress on the cartilage from being heavy or overweight. Repeated trauma to joint tissues (ligaments, bones, and cartilage) is believed to lead to early osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that results in swelling and pain. If left untreated rheumatoid arthritis can lead to deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is significantly more common in women than men and generally strikes when the patient is between 40 and 60. However, children and older people may also be affected. Swedish scientists published their study in JAMA in October 2012, explaining that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of blood clots in the first ten years after diagnosis.
It's important to see your doctor if you suspect that you may have arthritis. Eat foods high in Vitamin D or take a Vitamin D supplement. Drink 8 glasses of water every day. Avoid activity that puts stress on your joints.