Arthritis is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Learn more about it and how to cope with this condition to live a happy, active life.
May 2023. This article is independently written by Shelby Golding. All opinions given are hers. Shelby has been certified as a personal trainer and nutritional specialist since 2007. In 2008, she found her passion for writing about these topics and hasn't looked back.
Arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by joint inflammation and stiffness, the primary causes of the chronic pain and discomfort this condition causes.
If you or someone you love has arthritis, various effective treatment options exist to help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. And it’s not all medications that come with side effects! From physical therapy to lifestyle changes and alternative pain management methods, many ways exist to cope with arthritis pain and stop it from interfering with your life.
This quick guide will cover the basics of arthritis and everything you need to know about managing it. So keep reading to look at how you can return to a healthy, active, and fulfilling life after an arthritis diagnosis.
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?
According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis isn’t a single disease. Instead, it refers to joint pain or joint disease caused by more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions that affect people of all ages, races, and sexes. It’s the leading cause of disability in America and is most commonly diagnosed in women.
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Here are a few common types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It occurs when the cartilage in the joints begins to break down.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own joints, resulting in inflammation and pain.
- Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition.
- Other types of arthritis include gout, lupus arthritis, and infectious arthritis.
If you’re experiencing joint pain or stiffness, speak with your doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors depending on the type. Some people diagnosed with this painful condition are born with a genetic predisposition to arthritis, while others develop the condition due to injury or overuse of the joints.
Here are some common causes explained:
- Age isn’t the sole determining factor of arthritis, as some myths claim, but the risk does increase with age. The primary reason for this is that the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time.
- Assigned sex at birth is a risk factor, as women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis than men.
- Genetics and a family history of the condition can predispose people to arthritis.
- Obesity increases the risk of arthritis by putting extra stress on the joints.
- Joint injury can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life.
- Certain occupations or activities, like manual labor and playing sports, place extra strain on the joints and raise the risk of developing arthritis.
- Some medical conditions, like diabetes, lupus, and gout, may increase the risk of arthritis.
- Some autoimmune diseases can damage the joints and lead to arthritis.
- Certain infections, such as HIV and Lyme disease, increase the risk of developing arthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
Symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the severity and type. This condition is characterized by:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Joint swelling
These symptoms can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as walking, bending, and grasping objects.
Other symptoms of arthritis vary by type and may include the following:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Redness
- Heat
HOW IS ARTHRITIS DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosing arthritis requires a thorough examination and medical history review by a healthcare professional. This may include:
- Physical exam to check for joint tenderness, swelling, and range of motion
- Blood tests to check for inflammation markers and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms
- Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to closely examine the affected joints
A proper diagnosis is crucial in developing an effective treatment plan to manage arthritis symptoms and improve quality of life. Unfortunately, no one test can diagnose arthritis.
HOW IS ARTHRITIS TREATED?
There is no cure for arthritis. But there are several treatment options available to help manage arthritis symptoms. These may include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Health diet
- Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and stress management
- Surgery to repair or replace damaged joints in severe cases
- Holistic pain management solutions like acupuncture, massage, and the Kailo Pain Patch
Working closely with a healthcare professional can help you develop an effective treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
HOW IS ARTHRITIS TREATED?
The outlook for people with arthritis varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some may experience mild symptoms that can be managed with lifestyle changes, while others may experience more severe symptoms that require surgery.
CAN KAILO REALLY HELP WITH ARTHRITIS?
Arthritis is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. And while there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatments and lifestyle adjustments that have the potential to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. And the Kailo Pain Patch is one of those solutions.
Working closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual goals and needs is essential. And with the right approach, you can live a full and active life with arthritis.
The Kailo Pain Patch is designed to relieve pain in seconds. And it doesn’t involve any oral medication, allowing those experiencing or trying to avoid side effects from prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.
Scientists theorize that the Kailo Pain Patch helps relieve pain by interfering with your body’s electrical system. And an exciting clinical study recently showed a significant decrease in arthritis pain with the use of the Kailo Pain Patch. The study also showed a significant decrease in musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, muscle and tendon pain, and many others.
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or if you’re pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.