The Channel 46
Defined as the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, arthritis affects many people worldwide. Some of the main signs and symptoms of the condition include joint pain and stiffness, which tends to get worse with age as the mobility of joints is severely affected. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The health condition is so widespread across the globe that 12th October of every year is commemorated as World Arthritis Day. The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Kaushal Malhan, Director of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Fortis to advise you on 5 simple lifestyle changes that can keep arthritis under control.
1. According to the National Health Portal, osteoarthritis commonly impacts the joints in the body, including the knees, hips, hands, feet and spine. These can dangerously impact a person’s mobility and affect their overall quality of life. 2. This condition can also be affected by modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors like obesity, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, bone density, occupational injury, trauma, and gender. 3. The good news is that even if you have arthritis, you can make simple lifestyle changes that can help to bring about a positive difference in your life.
While we understand that pain and stiffness caused by arthritis can make a person less inclined to exercise, there is no doubt that physical activity will go a long way in helping to reduce the symptoms attached to the condition. Since exercise affects the body’s muscles positively, a sedentary lifestyle will cause them to become weak and reduce the flexibility of the joints.
There is no doubt that obesity is the root cause of several illnesses, and it can directly impact arthritis as well. This is because every extra kilogram puts extra stress and pressure on the joints in the body, leading to pain and complications related to arthritis.
While movement and exercise are critical for any arthritis patient, it is also vital that they do not over-exert themselves and give their body rest whenever required. An arthritis patient must always pay close attention to their body and never ignore any signs of pain that they experience. If you have pain in your joints, reduce its inflammation by using heat or cold compress. Additionally, if the pain is too much, do not hesitate to visit a doctor, so that they can guide you on the appropriate treatment technique.
The Channel 46