Healthy joints for you

A rthritis comes in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics, causes, and challenges. Understanding these different types is the first step towards managing joint health and improving quality of life. Let's explore some of the common types of arthritic conditions which continue to affect millions of people today, highlighting how each condition uniquely impacts lives and challenges daily well-being. 1. Osteoarthritis (OA) The most common form, caused by cartilage breakdown, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility, especially in the knees, hips, and hands. Also known as Degenerative joint disease (DJD) Causes : Aging, joint wear and tear, injury, and obesity. Symptoms : Pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and swelling. Risk Factors : Age, obesity, previous joint injuries, overuse of joints, and family history. Treatments : NSAIDs, physical therapy, weight management, joint injections, and surgery in severe cases. 2. Rheu...

Yes! That’s exactly how I feel when I counsel elderly individuals about their joint health problems.   They find it extremely difficult to manage a chronic illness such as arthritis. At this stage of life, joint pain, stiffness, decreased mobility and other symptoms can make it difficult for them to perform daily tasks, work, and enjoy other activities. I've found that most of the time, people who experience joint soreness, report feeling worn out, angry, unhappy, sad or even depressed. For this reason, arthritis has a major negative influence on an elderly person's general health and well-being.    An elderly lady, recently shared a touching experience with me. She spoke about a moment when her 3-year-old granddaughter eagerly asked her to play. Unfortunately, due to the excessive pain in her joints, she was unable to fully engage in the playful activities they both cherished. The joy of spending time with her little one was overshadowed by the discomfort and stiff...