Arthritis is a condition that causes achy joints. This disease is one of the most prevalent among patients with symptoms making it difficult to perform daily activities optimally. It is essential to stay ahead of arthritis in El Centro by practicing effective habits that prevent or slow down this joint disease.
What are the types and risk factors of arthritis?
There are three main types of arthritis among patients:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Although patients present with different types of arthritis, shared symptoms like pain and joint deformity lead to loss of function. You may want to be on the safe side and prevent getting the disease so that you do not experience some of these symptoms. However, due to your genetics, family history, age, and gender, your chances of developing arthritis are higher than others.
The following are a few healthy habits that can help you reduce your risk of developing arthritis and thus ensure that your joints remain functional.
Manage your weight
Your joints help to move your muscles in different directions. If you are heavyweight, your joints may have to work harder to support your weight. Most patients with arthritis are overweight. You should develop healthy practices like avoiding sedentary living to keep your weight at healthy levels. One way you can lose that extra fat is to exercise often by scheduling a workout routine in your day.
Lifting correctly
Lifting heavy without the proper techniques can cause joint problems. These repeated lifting movements can take a toll on your joints, causing them to wear and tear excessively and thus make your arthritis worse. It is essential to ensure that you are lifting correctly and not straining your joints overly to preserve their structure and function.
Quit smoking
Smoking is a habit that puts you at risk of developing arthritis and other severe health conditions like heart and lung disease. The nicotine from tobacco promotes inflammation throughout the body and makes one susceptible to developing rheumatoid arthritis. Active smokers who quit this habit significantly reduce their chances of developing arthritis. Moreover, patients who quit smoking report an improvement in their symptoms.
Consume less sugar
Obesity is a condition that shares symptoms of arthritis-like obesity. A majority of diabetic patients are at risk of developing arthritis. Consuming a diet that promotes high blood sugar causes inflammation in the body and might lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. If you have diabetes, you should go for regular blood checks to ensure your blood sugar levels are in control.
Seek medical intervention
It would be best to see a doctor if you notice arthritis-like joint pain and stiffness symptoms. Most patients experience a gradual arthritis progression that may cause extreme joint destruction. The faster you receive medical intervention, the higher your chances of slowing down the progress of your disease and preserving joint structure and function. Contact the offices of Prabhdeep Singh, M.D., F.A.C.P. to find out the available treatments that can help you improve your symptoms and preserve your mobility.
