What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to pain, swelling and movement difficulties. With over 100 different forms, this disease affects everyone differently. The good news? You can easily take proactive steps to mitigate symptoms and maintain your fulfilling lifestyle in Sun City, Arizona.

Common Types of Arthritis

Arthritis comes in several forms, each with unique symptoms and challenges. However, understanding your specific type can help you find treatment plans that manage symptoms well and improve overall quality of life.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of the disease and occurs when cartilage — the cushioning between your joints — wears down over time, often leading to bone-on-bone contact. This disease causes pain and stiffness, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as your hips, knees and spine. OA can make common activities like gardening and taking the stairs more challenging, but low-impact exercises like dancing, yoga, swimming and walking can help strengthen muscles around those joints and improve flexibility. Keeping your weight under control also puts less stress on your joints, and hot and cold therapy can soothe stiffness and reduce swelling. Consider braces and canes if you need extra support due to OA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

The autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints. This disease causes inflammation, pain and sometimes even joint deformities. When you have RA, flare-ups make you tired and limit your mobility, potentially sidelining travel plans and social outings. Fortunately, you can manage symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs and medications that target RA. Performing joint-friendly activities also helps reduce stiffness, including gentle stretching, yoga and tai chi. A healthy diet full of anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, spinach and berries can also help mitigate symptoms.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) combines joint pain with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. This disease can affect your fingers, toes and lower back and may even lead to changes in your fingernails and toenails. The main symptoms are difficulty gripping objects and walking comfortably, which can affect your ability to enjoy hobbies requiring fine and gross motor skills like painting and hiking. Manage your symptoms by keeping your skin well-moisturized to reduce psoriasis flare-ups and staying active to prevent stiffness from setting in. You can also work with a PsA specialist to find a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Gout

Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in your bloodstream, forming crystals in your joints. This disease often strikes suddenly and intensely, typically showing itself first in your big toe. Painful flare-ups of gout can disrupt your plans because managing symptoms requires rest. Other things you can do to mitigate gout symptoms include drinking plenty of water to help flush out the uric acid and avoiding triggers like purine-rich foods, including red meat, shellfish and alcohol. Your doctor may also prescribe medication that helps control your uric acid levels.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) typically affects the spine, causing inflammation that leads to stiffness and reduced flexibility. In severe cases of AS, the spine may even fuse together. This disease can severely limit your mobility, making it harder for you to bend, reach and maintain good posture. Mitigating symptoms requires regular stretching to keep your body flexible and awareness of your posture, including using ergonomic chairs and supportive bedding that maintains your alignment. AS usually responds well to physical therapy when your therapist designs tailored-to-you exercises that keep your spine mobile.

Arthritis Management for a Full, Happy Life

Arthritis can change how you approach your daily activities, but it doesn't have to define your life at LifeStream at Sun City. With the right strategies, you can continue enjoying your favorite pastimes and even try out new ones. The key to managing symptoms is staying active with exercises that don't add extra strain.

Take proactive steps to protect your joints, such as investing in supportive shoes and using tools like jar openers and ergonomic kitchen utensils. Whether you're sitting or moving, take breaks when you need to — staying still or performing repetitive motions too long can cause arthritis issues to flare up. A well-rounded diet that contains omega-3 acids, fruits and vegetables helps reduce inflammation, especially when you limit sugar intake. Lastly, make use of support networks like groups geared toward those with arthritis, and talk to loved ones about your condition.

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