Arthritis is a problematic and debilitating disease. It can be especially worrying if you think you have developed the condition but you aren’t sure. It’s more likely to affect older people, but arthritis can strike anyone at any time. That means it is best to stay completely informed about the risks and how to know if you might have a problem.
How does arthritis affect you?
There are many different types and different severities of arthritis. And which one you have will alter the way that it affects you. Generally, though, you are likely to suffer discomfort, pain, stiffness, fatigue and swelling any of the affected joints.
If you have an inflammatory form of arthritis, you will find yourself naturally at a higher risk of developing infections like flu. And these infections could be more severe and more prone to complications. It’s also possible you’ll need to evaluate your lifestyle and avoid anything that might worsen the condition such as being overweight or performing repetitive manual tasks.
Why is early diagnosis important?
If you want the best possible chance of treating arthritis effectively, it’s much better to diagnose it early. Diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms, the inflamed joints affected and through blood and X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan. It’s possible that you’ll need multiple visits to your doctor to rule out any other possibilities.
What treatments are available?
Once you’ve been diagnosed with the condition there are a number of treatment options available. Medications are available to reduce inflammation and reduce pain, but these only deal with the symptoms when they occur.
Physical therapy and certain surgeries can provide more long-term support for the condition. But some of the best treatments are simple changes to your lifestyle that can help you manage the symptoms. Reduce weight and avoid anything that might worsen any of the problem associated with the disease.
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