joint pain

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Part One – Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis – Your Joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Welcome to the first in an ongoing series of blog posts  into the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This in turn is part of an informational series which we hope over time with cover the main issues associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

One of the reasons I want to cover this area in more detail is that my grandmother suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis for many years.  Her life, I believe, could have been much easier if there was greater awareness of the realities of RA.

As you may know the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come in to three main categories: –

a)    Symptoms affecting the joints,

b)    Systemic symptoms or those symptoms which impact the whole body

c)    Other symptoms affecting specific organs.

Today we will focus our attention on joint symptoms.  Which are the most common symptoms (and indeed sign) of rheumatoid arthritis or RA; as it is often called.

Just by way of information a joint id defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as “A structure in the human or animal body at which two parts of the skeleton are fitted together.”

The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is stiff painful and swollen joints. Typically these develop over time in joints on both sides of the body.  In many cases the joints of the hands or feet are affected first. Often other joints are affected which  include knees, elbows, wrists and shoulders among others.

The pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis is often described as “deep and aching”.

Often at its worst after periods of rest (i.e. after a long drive or waking from sleep).   It can be helps by gently moving the affected joint.   Disrupted sleep is common in people with RA because of regular waking due to pain.  This is one of the causes of fatigue in RA patients.

In the morning, after sleep, the affected joints can also feel very stiff.  This may last for some hours after waking.  The time that the stiffness lasts is often used as an example of the difference between RA and osteoarthritis.

The joint inflammation means that they, the affected joints, become “swollen, red and hot”.    As RA progresses both cartilage and bone are destroyed.  This again limits mobility and in many cases leads to deformities.

One of the aims of blog posts like this is to give our readers the opportunity to share their stories and learn from the experiences of others in the rheumatoid arthritis community!  To facilitate this it would be great if you would use the comments box below to talk about the symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis.  You might care to think in terms of the following questions:-

a)    Have you been diagnosed with RA?  For how many years have you been diagnosed?

b)    What were the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis?

c)    What are now your main symptoms?

d)    What one piece of advice would you give to somebody who think they may have RA?

Thanks very much in advance.

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Osteoarthritis – what are the signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis?




Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in your joints, which can make it difficult to move the affected joints and do certain activities.




The symptoms may come and go in episodes, which can be related to things such as your activity levels and even the weather. In more severe cases, the symptoms can be continuous.

You should see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe any necessary treatment.

Other symptoms you or your doctor may notice include:

joint tenderness

increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while

joints appearing slightly larger or more ‘knobbly’ than usual

a grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints

limited range of movement in your joints

weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the most common areas affected are the knees, hips and small joints in the hands. Often, you’ll only experience symptoms in one joint or a few joints at any one time.

Osteoarthritis of the knee

If you have osteoarthritis in your knees, both your knees will usually be affected over time, unless it occurred as the result of an injury or another condition affecting only one knee.

Your knees may be most painful when you walk, particularly when walking up or down hills or stairs.

Sometimes, your knees may “give way” beneath you or make it difficult to straighten your legs. You may also hear a soft, grating sound when you move the affected joint.

Osteoarthritis of the hip

Osteoarthritis in your hips often causes difficulty moving your hip joints. For example, you may find it difficult to put your shoes and socks on or to get in and out of a car.

You’ll also usually have pain in the groin or outside the hip. This is often worse when you move the hip joints, although it can also affect you when you’re resting or sleeping.

Osteoarthritis of the hand





Osteoarthritis often affects three main areas of your hand:

the base of your thumb

the joints closest to your fingertips

the middle joints of your fingers

Your fingers may become stiff, painful and swollen and you may develop bumps on your finger joints. Over time, the pain may decrease and eventually disappear altogether, although the bumps and swelling can remain.

Your fingers may bend sideways slightly at your affected joints or you may develop painful cysts (fluid-filled lumps) on the backs of your fingers.

In some cases, you may also develop a bump at the base of your thumb where it joins your wrist. This can be painful and you may find it difficult to perform some manual tasks, such as writing, opening jars or turning keys.

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Joint Pain from Osteoporosis and Arthritis – some tips

Joint Pain

Joint Pain




Two of the most common joint-related diseases include Osteoporosis and Arthritis. While these two are very common, they attack the joints in different ways and each has its own risks and symptoms. The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center provides a more detailed explanation of both of these conditions. They explain Osteoporosis as a condition where bone-density decreases and increases the risk of fracturing. There are around 53 million people within the United States with diagnosed Osteoporosis or, at least, at high risk due to a low bone-density in their body. They explain Arthritis as a general term that medical professionals use for various conditions that affect the tissue around joints, as well as the joints directly. The two most popular types of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is also known to cause several disabilities when it comes to normal daily activities. Patients with arthritis have reported difficulty grasping small objects, sitting for more than 2 hours, carry objects that weighs more than 10 pounds, stand on their feet for more than 2 hours and even difficulty when trying to bend or kneel. Around 9.8% of American citizens have reported that they suffer from Arthritis and have activity limitations due to the condition, as recorded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Treatments For Joint Problems

 




There are numerous types of treatments available for joint problems. Joint problems do not necessarily mean a joint-related disease such as Osteoporosis or Arthritis. Many people who suffer from joint pain, stiffness and a decrease in flexibility within their joints does not have any of these diseases, but are at risk of developing such a disease should the problems be ignored.

NHS declares several symptoms that are commonly associated with Arthritis conditions. Should patients experience these symptoms, they are advised to seek a professional diagnosis from their doctor. Treatment in order to avoid further development of these problems are also highly recommended. Some of the most common conditions of Arthritis include pain and tenderness in joints, joint stiffness, joint inflammation, limited flexibility of joints, warm and red skin around joint areas and weakness.

With Rheumatoid arthritis being one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of arthritis, WebMD recommends several treatment options that can be used to prevent further damage from occurring, to minimize the effects of the disease and to treat the damage already done. Popular treatments include prescription medication, rest, physical exercise, arthritis aids, stress management, consuming foods that are known to reduce inflammation, avoiding foods that are known to cause inflammation, going for physical therapy, frequent visits to your doctor for checkups and also surgery should the condition be severe.

Permanently Increase Joint Functionality

 

While medicated treatments, regular exercise and several other tips are recommended to treat problems such as arthritis, many of these treatments will only have immediate affects without providing a longer lasting benefit. There are, however, several alternative options available for individuals suffering from joint conditions that involves pain, inflammation, stiffness and movement limitations. When looking at these alternative options, several additional long-term benefits can usually be expected that would help reduce the risk of damaging joints further, while also improving the condition joints are in when consuming these alternative options.

Flexoplex is one of the best alternatives on the market at the moment. The solution is a scientifically formulated substance that provides several benefits to any individual suffering from joint issues, whether they have been diagnosed with a joint disease or are simply experiencing symptoms that might put them at risk of developing such a disease. The supplement provides numerous benefits, including:

  • Assists with rebuilding and repairing damaged joints
  • Assists with joint stiffness by properly lubricating joints
  • Assists with pain management
  • Assists with reducing inflammation in and around affected joint areas
  • Assists with improving joint flexibility in order to provide an improved range of motion
  • Assists with enhancing joint mobility

The supplement has been formulated by medical professionals and only include potent ingredients that have been researched and proven to provide effective support for joints, including joint related diseases. The formula contains a wide variety of natural ingredients that assists the body with repairing damage and improving the overall condition of the joints. Some of the most vital ingredients include Rutin, which reduces inflammation, Cat’s Claw bark, which soothes away pain, and Hyaluronic acid to improve joint movement. A combination of Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate also provides an effective repair element that gets to work by rebuilding bones that have been damaged and worn out. Added MSM also provides effected relieve of discomfort and muscle aches associated with osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

 

Considering the many options available for joint-related conditions, patients should always ensure they weigh all their options. While many of the medication that can be obtained from a doctor provides effective relieve of the symptoms associated with arthritis and other related diseases, many of them also come with several risks and only a few assists with repairing the damage that has already been done. Taking a supplement such as Flexoplex can provide a patient with more benefits due to the permanent improvement in joint flexibility, mobility and functionality.

 

Author Bio:

Annie Lizstan works as a health and beauty consultant for online websites and an independent researcher by profession. She had completed her studies from university of Arizona and live in Wasilla, Alaska. She always like to explore her ideas about health, fitness and  beauty . In her recent period ,she got an opportunity to explore on under eye bags .She has experience researching as a passion as well as profession. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

 

11 Comments Posted on Patient Talk

An Arthritis Blog – Symptoms of Osteoarthritis and its effects on lifestyle.

Joint Pain Management - Arthritis

Joint Pain Management – Arthritis

My mother has arthritis. Had it for years.  Osteoporosis as well.  It’s not too bad she says – but she has been in pain for forty odd years to I think she might be wrong.  But then again she is comparing herself with her mother who spend over 50 years battling with RA.  My grandmother pretty much could not use her hand in the last decade of her life so perhaps Mum has a point.

A lot of us associate arthritis with getting older so we thought it would be useful to give you a brief guide to the signs and symptoms of arthritis.  So forewarned is forearmed.

In fact arthritis covers over 100 different medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout.  Here we focus on osteoarthritis which is the most common and is often referred to as just arthritis.  Its social impact cannot be underestimated.  In the USA maybe 20,000,000 have some kind of disability relatedto arthritis.

The core feature of arthritis is that it involves inflammation of the joints which as any person with arthritis will tell can be incredibly painful.

  • So obviously joint pain is a key indicator
  • Also swelling around the joints.
  • Joint stiffness
  • Fatigue is very common with arthritis of all kinds

If you feel you have any or all of these symptoms it is vital that you see a physician as soon as possible.

We ran a recent blog on arthritis treatments which may prove of interest.  You can access it by clicking here https://patienttalk.org/?p=434.

Another part of this blog is to look at how arthritis affects people’s lifestyles.  This is where you come in.  It would be great if you could share your stories about changes in lifestyle with other readers.  You may find it useful to consider the following questions:-

1)      At what age did you first notice signs of arthritis?

2)      How long did it take you to get diagnosed?

3)      How did it affect your life/work balance?

4)      What treatments have you used?

5)      What single household or other gadget has helped you overcome the challenges presented by arthritis?

6)      Is there any advice you would like to share with other readers?

Please think of these as a guide.  We are interested in anything you may have to say.  Please use the comments section below to add your contribution.

Many thanks in advance.