Arthritis Effects People At All Ages
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Loading ...Although age is the important factor of arthritis, we can not say it is some thing happens to old people only. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis that is caused by age. Whether it is OA or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Arthritis is the leading cause of physical disability among adults 18 years of age and older. But RA can affect even children below 18 years. In this article we will discuss effects of arthritis on different age groups in general.
Children: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), a chronic condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints before the age of 16 years is the most prevalent form of chronic arthritis in children. This may be difficult to diagnose because young children compensate well for loss of function and may not complain of pain. Depending upon the type of JCA the effects are, very high fever, skin rash and with evidence of inflammation in internal organs as well as joints. Four or less joints are involved in the beginning. It usually begins in young girls as a swollen knee. The important problems in this condition are inflammation of the eye and its effects on bone growth. Joint disease may result in pain, stiffness and subsequently limited movement in that joint. Wasting of muscles may also occur. Altered growth is sometimes severe and special shoes or even operations may be needed. The eyes may be affected as mentioned above.
Young Adults and baby boomers have less risk of arthritis. If they are cautious enough they can escape the arthritis permanently. 20s and 30s are best ages to take advantage of factors you can prevent, even though you can’t avoid factors such as inherited genes, gender, or past injuries that increase arthritis risk. It is time to make life long healthy habits of exercising regularly and eating right.
Managing healthy body weight, avoiding injuries, proper treatment of injuries, joint injuries in particular, proper physical exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joints, avoiding repetitive strain of a single or particular set of joints are main precautions to take at this age to lessen the risk of arthritis in old age.
Symptoms you should not over look are:
- Early morning stiffness for more than a few minutes
- Swelling in one or more joints
- Obvious redness or warmth in a joint
- Unexpected weight loss, fever or weakness combined with joint pain
- Recurring pain or tenderness in a joint, or inability to move it normally
If you’re already sense one or two of the above symptoms, it is better to consult a doctor. Early and proper treatment by a doctor is one of the best prevention moves you can make to stop further joint damage and mobility problems. Waiting only allows more time for pain and joint destruction. It is also important for maintaining your quality of life and keeping arthritis from slowing you down. Your doctor has medications, therapies, and other ideas that can help.
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