Arthritis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition characterized by the swelling of one or more joints, a Medicine Net article explains. According to the article, there are more than 100 types of arthritis that could affect children and adults regardless of their gender. Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited joint function, the entry adds.

Known side effects of arthritis

Arthritis is particularly detrimental to the skeletal system. The disease is known to weaken the supporting tendons, ligaments and muscles. The disorder may also trigger the onset of bunions and claw toes, and may even affect the arches of the feet to the point where a specialized foot wear may be required to relieve pain and facilitate mobility. Likewise, arthritis is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, bone fractures and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The inflammatory condition is linked to a higher likelihood of both blood and heart conditions, according to a Health Line entry. The article reveals that arthritis may negatively affect the overall blood circulation and raise the odds of developing anemia and other blood disorders. The disease may also elevate the risk of developing blocked or hardened arteries, pericarditis and myocarditis as well as congestive heart failure and blood vessel inflammation.

In addition, the article notes that arthritis may cause respiratory conditions such as respiratory lining inflammation, lung tissue damage and airway blockage. Other respiratory conditions associated with arthritis include lung fluid retention, respiratory lesions, pulmonary hypertension and lung nodules. Moreover, some autoimmune forms of arthritis are known to target the joints and prompt antibodies to attack healthy tissues. This, in turn, leads to inflammation across the body. Furthermore, arthritis increases the risk of developing an inflammatory disease called Sjogren’s syndrome, which is characterized by dryness of the mouth, eyes and skin.

Body systems harmed arthritis

Arthritis is notoriously detrimental to the skeletal and muscular system. Likewise, the condition affects the heart, the respiratory tract and the immune system.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent arthritis

An entry posted on the Prevention website recommends following a Mediterranean diet in order to stave off arthritis. According to the entry, Mediterranean diet commonly focuses on eating healthy food items including olives and olive oil, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Likewise, the entry suggests drinking tart cherry juice at least twice a day to relieve muscle soreness. Adding various spices in foods may help stem inflammation as well. Furthermore, the article recommends eating fish as high levels of omega-3 is found to alleviate inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatments, management plans for arthritis

Another Health Line article notes that various types of medications – such as analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants and menthol or capsaicin creams – help relieve pain and inflammation in arthritis patients. Likewise, physical therapy may be employed to improve muscle strength in patients. Surgery may also be performed in patients to replace the affected joints with an artificial one. Surgical procedures are commonly performed to replace hips and knees. Furthermore, a joint fusion procedure may be done in severe forms of arthritis in the fingers or wrists to hold the joints in place until they heal.

Where to learn more

• Superfoods to combat arthritis: Ginger, berries, fish and other anti-inflammatory foods
• In addition to preventing cancer, vitamin D now found to prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis, too
• Osteoarthritis risk can be predicted by selenium levels in the toe nail, according to North Carolina study
• Vitamin D deficiency likely cause of increased rheumatoid arthritis cases among caucasian women
• The Powerful Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Preventing Diseases of Inflammation: The Experts Speak
• Arthritis creams merely mask symptoms and offer no long-term relief, study shows

Summary

Arthritis increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, bone fractures and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Arthritis causes blocked or hardened arteries, congestive heart failure and blood vessel inflammation.

Arthritis may trigger lung tissue damage, respiratory lesions, pulmonary hypertension and lung nodules.

Arthritis may result in Sjogren’s syndrome, widespread inflammation, pericarditis and myocarditis.

Arthritis is notoriously detrimental to the skeletal and muscular system.

Arthritis may affect the heart, the respiratory tract and the immune system.

Sources include:

MedicineNet.com

HealthLine.com 1

HealthLine.com 2

Prevention.com