Arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, afflicts over 10 million people in the U.K. alone, yet little is known about this disease. Even medical experts were perplexed by this condition that most of them could do little to slow down its development. Fortunately, with recent developments and new information about this condition, arthritis is now considered highly treatable.
To alleviate the pain and fatigue caused by arthritis, patients should have an adequate understanding of this condition. Ealing physios tell a lot more to learn about it, and most of these facts might even be surprising for many folks.
Arthritis Doesn’t Only Affect the Elderly
Though arthritis has been a condition often associated with old age, it can strike anyone regardless of age. Arthritis often develops between the ages 40 and 60, and the average age of onset is 50. On the other hand, hundreds of children and teenagers each year acquire a form of arthritis known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Arthritis Not Only Affects your Joints
This condition affects not only your joints; it can also adversely affect other parts of your body. Physiotherapy experts explain that some forms of arthritis may cause problems in the heart, lungs, eyes, or blood vessels. A growing number of studies even support the fact that arthritis increases a person’s risk for heart disease by twofold. If left untreated, arthritis can even cause bone loss due to osteoporosis.
Arthritis Isn’t Genetic (At Times)
In most cases, people with a family history of arthritis tend to have a high risk of acquiring the condition themselves. Some cases of arthritis, however, appears in people with no family history of the disease. Though researchers are still trying to determine the actual cause behind this, they deduce that it has something to do with a complex interaction between environment, genetics, and other potential triggers. These, in turn, cause the immune system to malfunction and begin attacking healthy joints.
Arthritis May Be Caused by Smoking
Another study, published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy, showed evidence that amongst the strongest risk factors for the development of arthritis is smoking. Not only does it increase your chances of acquiring the condition, but it makes existing symptoms worse, making treatments less effective.
You can Still Lead an Active Lifestyle
Arthritis may cause pain in the joints, but it doesn’t mean that you should avoid physical activity altogether. Remaining physically active is proven to be an important part of managing and alleviating the pain caused by arthritis. This can be easier to achieve when you undergo clinic test on renowned Ealing physiotherapy expertslike CK Physio.
Sources:
Ten things you need to know about arthritis, Belfast Telegraph
9 Surprising Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis, Everyday Health
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