Arthritis is one of the most prevalent and enervating conditions that impact millions of people across the globe. This term is widely used to describe a specific type of chronic disorder characterized by stiffness and inflammation involving one or more than one joints. Arthritis is a condition where an individual goes through tremendous pain, restricted movement, and reduced quality of life. Arthritis is a type of joint condition that can occur and affect your knee, elbow, wrist, etc. Multiple joint conditions differ in symptoms, causes, and nature of treatment approach. In this article, we are going to discuss the two most general forms of arthritis known as Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Difference between Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are the two types of arthritis differing from one another:
- Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis: Also referred to as RA, it is an autoimmune disease in which our body’s immune system erroneously attacks its own tissues including joint lining. Although it majorly occurs genetically, even environmental factors could play a role in the formation.
Osteoarthritis: Also referred to as OA, it is largely classified as a degenerative joint disease that happens over time due to the wear and tear of the joints. Other factors like ageing, obesity, joint injury, and excessive use of joints could trigger the formation.
- Joint involvement
Rheumatoid arthritis: RA usually affects multiple joints in parallel which means both sides of the body will be affected. The impact is usually witnessed on the smaller joints such as those in the feet, hands, and wrists. However, there are possibilities for larger joints to be involved.
Osteoarthritis: OA majorly affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. It often affects a single joint or a few sets of joints. The impact is not seen on the other side of the body.
- Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is characterized by swelling, joint pain, and stiffness which occurs particularly in the morning or after prolonged inactivity. Other symptoms are fever, fatigue, weight loss, or general malaise. In the future, it can result in joint deformities and it can also affect other organs and other systems functioning in the body.
Osteoarthritis: It is characterized by joint pain and stiffness that may worsen with movement and alleviates with rest. Joint swelling is not commonly seen in osteoarthritis as compared to rheumatoid arthritis. With time, it can form bone spurs and joint deformities in an individual.
- Progression
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is a chronic and progressive disorder that may worsen with time if not treated at an early stage. It can trigger cartilage loss, joint damage, and bone erosion while leading to disability or impairment in the future.
Osteoarthritis: It comparatively takes time to progress and the symptoms may take some time to see a spike. The progression rate can also vary based on the individual’s condition. It usually triggers joints.
- Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis: It can be managed with a combination of medications, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other therapies and lifestyle changes play a positive role in managing symptoms and enhancing joint function.
7 Healthy Foods to Ease Inflammation associated with Arthritis
Inflammation and arthritis pain go parallel, and most particularly, people dealing with rheumatoid arthritis are one the forms of autoimmune arthritis. Luckily, there are multiple ways to combat this inflammation, for instance, by including medication, exercising, and strictly following an anti-inflammatory diet. Some foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are also considered essential to beat inflammation:
- Dark, leafy greens & colourful fruits
Consuming veggies such as spinach, and kale has a high number of antioxidants which can be added to the salads, smoothies, or sautéed. Fruits that have intense colours are considered a sign to contain ample antioxidants and fibre. Firstly, you should look for purples and dark blues such as plums, grapes, and blackberries. You can next go for bright reds, yellows, and oranges such as papaya, apples, or pineapple.
- Ginger and turmeric
This great flavour adding an ingredient to your dish is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory properties. In case you don’t like turmeric in your food, you can choose to take a curcumin supplement to reap similar anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Nuts
Pondering on nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and many others helps to decrease inflammation and other heart-related disease. Moreover, nuts have healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibre that aids the body to overcome inflammation like a pro.
- Green Tea
There is too much research conducted to understand the health benefits of green tea. The research clearly indicates green tea has a high number of antioxidants that help the body deal with inflammatory issues.
- Chia seeds and flaxseeds
Flaxseeds and chia are excellently fuelled with omega-3 fatty acids that have shown a proven effect on inflammation. Simply add a spoon full of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to your yogurt, cereal, smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods to reap anti-inflammatory benefits.
It can be managed by relieving pain, increasing joint movement, and preventing further joint damage. Other therapies, lifestyle changes, pain relievers, and weight management can play a positive role in managing symptoms and alleviate pain.
If you are dealing with any kind of symptoms, the first thing you should be doing is, see a healthcare expert for an accurate diagnosis and suitable management of arthritis. Specific joint pains including inflamed muscles can be minimized with Ortho Pain Relievers. To buy pain reliving cream and oil online, visit www.healingpharmaonline.com or amazon.in!
