A
rthritis is when your joints, which are like hinges in your body, start to wear out or get damaged. When this happens, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and trouble moving those body parts. Did you know that women are more likely to experience arthritis than men? It’s not because women are doing something wrong; it’s mostly a biological phenomenon. Women’s bodies have some differences in how they work, especially with hormones. These hormones can affect joints and make them more prone to arthritis. Also, we have less cartilage than men, which leads to the bones rubbing each other and causing pain.
Arthritis is commonly found in adults who are about 65 years of age and older. It tends to happen because the condition has accumulated over the years — from childhood into adulthood. However, considering lifestyle choices and other factors, arthritis in women can occur at a younger age.
What are the symptoms of arthritis in women?
- Joint pain: Pain is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. The pain is often worse after periods of inactivity or overuse of the affected joint.
- Stiffness: Arthritis can cause stiffness in the joints, making it difficult to move them, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while. This stiffness typically improves with movement.
- Swelling: Inflammation of the joints can lead to swelling which may cause the affected joint to appear larger or feel warm to the touch.
- Redness and warmth: Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause redness and warmth around affected joints due to increased blood flow and inflammation.
- Decreased range of motion: Arthritis can limit the range of motion in the affected joints, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks or engage in physical activities.
- Fatigue: Many people with arthritis experience fatigue, which can be because of the body’s efforts to combat inflammation and pain.
- Weakness: Muscles around affected joints may become weaker over time due to reduced use or pain associated with movement.
- Joint deformities: In some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, joints can become deformed over time as the disease progresses.
- Fever and weight loss: Inflammatory forms of arthritis may be accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as fever and unexplained weight loss.
Arthritis can affect different joints in the body, including the knees, hips, hands, wrists, and more. The symptoms can also come and go, and their severity can vary from person to person.
See how to prevent arthritis in women…
#1. Maintain a healthy diet
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help prevent arthritis.
- Anti-inflammatory foods: Eat foods like berries, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, and olive oil, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamins and minerals: Ensure you get enough vitamin D and calcium for bone health. Vitamin C is also important for collagen production, which supports joint function.
#2. Exercise regularly
It’s very important to be physically active by doing regular exercises. It helps in the following ways:
- Joint lubrication: Exercise helps distribute synovial fluid which lubricates and nourishes your joints.
- Muscle strength: Strong muscles support your joints, reducing the risk of injury and arthritis.
- Weight control: Exercise helps with weight management, which, as mentioned earlier, can prevent arthritis.
- Flexibility: Stretching and flexibility exercises keep your joints mobile and reduce stiffness.
- Low-impact activities: Choose low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga to protect your joints while staying active.
#3. Maintain healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical in preventing arthritis as every extra pound puts added stress on your joints, especially in the knees, hips, and spine. Also, excess fat can produce inflammatory chemicals that can contribute to arthritis.
#4. Protect joint health
Avoid joint injuries and overuse. Learn and practice proper techniques for lifting, bending, and carrying to avoid joint strain. If necessary, use joint-supportive devices like braces or splints to protect vulnerable joints.
#5. Manage stress
Stress can contribute to inflammation which is linked to arthritis. So, practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Also learn to prioritize sleep to allow your body to repair and regenerate, reducing stress.
#6. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of certain types of arthritis. Smoking has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis and can worsen symptoms in those who already have it. Also, excessive alcohol intake can lead to gout, a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Therefore, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol can help prevent arthritis.
#7. Have regular check-ups
Visit your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups. They can help monitor your joint health and provide early intervention, if necessary. If you have a family history of arthritis or are at a higher risk, your doctor might recommend medications or supplements to support joint health.
Featured image: AaronAmat/iStock
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
This is a Style Rave original content exclusively created for our readers. If reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used by any other publishing house or blogs, such use should provide a direct link to this source article. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
—Read also
