The term “arthritis” refers to a group of more than 100 diseases causing chronic pain and joint inflammation. People generally correlate the swollen, aching, and stiff joints of rheumatoid arthritis with old age. While it is true that older people are more likely to suffer from arthritis, this does not rule out the possibility of it developing in younger people.
Thousands of young people in India suffer from arthritis, and the causes of these cases may not always be the same as those that cause adult cases. Therefore, whenever the symptoms of arthritis start at a young age, obtaining an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can be beneficial. So, today in this blog, I will tell you about the symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of arthritis in young age. So, let’s get started.
Symptoms Of Arthritis In Young Age
Arthritis symptoms differ based on the type. Some of the major symptoms of Arthritis in young age includes:
- Tender, warm, or swollen joints
- Joint stiffness
- fatigue (lack of energy) or weakness
- mobility problems
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- depression
Diagnosis Of Arthritis
Doctors examine your joints for redness, swelling, and warmth during the physical exam. They’ll also want to see how well your joints can move.
Laboratory tests
Different types of bodily fluids can be analysed to determine the type of arthritis you have. For example, urine, blood, joints, etc, are commonly analysed. Doctors wash and numb the area before taking a sample of joint fluid with a needle inserted into the joint space.
Imaging
These tests might reveal issues that are causing you pain within the joint. Here are some of the common imaging tests:
- X-rays. X-rays use low amounts of radiation to see bone and can indicate bone damage, cartilage loss, and bone spurs. X-rays may not detect early arthritic damage, although they are usually used to monitor disease progression.
- Computerised tomography (CT). CT scanners use a combination of X-rays from various angles to provide cross-sectional views of inside structures. CT scans can see both the bone and the soft tissues around it.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRIs provide more detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues such as tendons, cartilage, and ligaments by combining radio waves with a strong magnetic field.
- Ultrasound. High-frequency sound waves are used to imaging cartilage, soft tissues, and fluid-containing structures around joints with this method (bursae). Ultrasound can also be used to guide the positioning of needles for extracting joint fluid or injecting drugs into the joint.
Tips For Preventing Arthritis
Some factors, such as gender, or having a family history of arthritis, are beyond your control. However, you can take efforts to lower your risk of arthritis or delay the development of the disease. Here’s how to keep your joints healthy and prevent arthritis:
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees are strained by extra body weight. Each pound you acquire stresses your knees by nearly four pounds and puts six times the pressure on your hips.
- Control your blood sugar.
- Blood sugar levels that are too high might stiffen the tissue that supports your joints, making them more vulnerable to stress.
- Exercise.
- Exercise five times a week for 30 minutes keeps your joints flexible and strengthens the muscles that hold your knees and hips in place. You can do some easy, low-impact exercises such as cycling, walking, swimming, etc.
- Stretch.
- Stretching gently can help you increase your range of motion and keep your joints limber. Simple stretches should be included into your daily routine.
- Avoid injury.
- Joints that have been injured are more likely to develop arthritis than joints that have never been injured. Play sports safely by wearing protective gear and lifting with your knees and hips instead of your back.
Eat fish twice a week.
Consume Omega-3-rich fish such as trout, salmon, and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids provide numerous health advantages and may help to decrease inflammation.
- Get routine preventative care.
- Your doctor may be able to recommend lifestyle modifications that can help you lower your risk of arthritis or slow its progression.