1. Home
2. Blogs

World Arthritis Day – Simple and Effective Tips to Keep Arthritis at Bay

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

Published on October 07, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

To live a happy life, you need to be healthy. But a condition like arthritis can foil your plans. It involves the inflammation of joints and causes extreme pain, stiffness, and discomfort. It may also limit mobility and restrictyour daily activities. As per experts, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. However, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, gout and lupus are the common types. While osteoarthritis canaffect young adults, rheumatoid arthritis usually develops at any age.

Considering the seriousness of the condition, World Arthritis Day is observed on 12th October every year. On this day, the Arthritis Foundation of the world endeavours to share information and raise awareness about different types of arthritis.

In some cases, arthritis management and treatment can be expensive. But luckily, health insurance in India covers arthritis-related in-patient treatments and procedures. Hence, if you or a loved one is suffering from arthritis or any other chronic condition, make sure you take the right health plan and stay covered. Like, HDFC ERGO provides health coverage between 5 lacs to 1 crore, and they even have the option of cashless home healthcare^^.

Arthritis in women

Studies have shown that arthritis is more common in women than men. Also, women suffering from the condition experience severe pain in different joints around the body. Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most serious forms of the condition, affects women the most.

Also, women who are obese and less active are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis. According to experts, obesity reduces progesterone levels in this body. Since the hormone exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, obese women with low progesterone levels are at a greater risk of developing arthritis.

Both oestrogen and progesterone hormones protect against rheumatoid arthritis. Since the production of these hormones reduces after a certain age, the chances of developing the condition are higher.

Common causes of arthritis

Being aware of the common causes can help you stay safe:

• Cartilage reduction:

Cartilage is an important connective tissue present in the joints. This tissue protects the joints by absorbing shocks and pressures when you move or perform strenuous activities. Hence, a reduction in the cartilage tissue can cause arthritis.

• Wear and tear:

Normal wear and tear of the joints can cause osteoarthritis in some cases.

• Injury:

An injury to the joints can accelerate the breakdown of the cartilage tissue. This can gradually lead to arthritis.

• Family history:

Those with a family history of arthritis are at a greater risk of developing the condition.

• High contact sports:

Knee osteoarthritis can affect those who play football or any other high contact sport.

• High heels:

This is another common cause of osteoarthritis in women. Besides these, obesity, inactive lifestyle, excessive consumption of junk food and vitamin D deficiency can also lead to arthritis.

Lifestyle tips for people with arthritis

Although arthritis is a serious condition, making certain changes to your lifestyle can help ease the symptoms. Here are some tips:

1. Follow a healthy diet:

A balanced diet provides vital nutrients that keep your joints supple and healthy. It also prevents obesity, which is an important cause of arthritis. A diet containing different fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes, eggs, milk and other nutritious foods is important for people with arthritis.

2. Exercise regularly:

Although this may be painful initially, exercising is important to keep your joints strong and supple. Regular workout builds muscle strength, and this helps ease excessive weight off the joints. It also promotes joint mobility and alleviates pain and stiffness.

You can start with simple motion exercises, like stretching, walking, yoga and cycling and move to weight training gradually. Tai chi and Pilates are also good for arthritis patients.However, make sure you do weight training and high-intensity exercises under the guidance of a fitness trainer to prevent the condition from worsening. Exercising will also keep your weight in check and ease pressure on the joints.

3. Take care of your posture:

Remember to maintain a proper posture when you are sitting, walking, or running. Poor posture, carrying excessive load, sitting for long hours and wearing the wrong footwear can worsen the condition.

4. Make necessary modifications at home:

Simple at-home modifications, such as installing handrails at the stairs and washrooms can help. You can also use large taps and specialised kitchen equipment to reduce stress on your joints. If you clean the house on your own, make sure you use long-levered cleaning supplies that will not put any pressure on the joints.

5. Go for physical therapy:

Certain types of physical therapy, such as hot or cold compress can help ease arthritis pain. You can also talk to your doctor or a reputed physical therapist and go for swimming or hydrotherapy to improve joint mobility. Deep tissue massage done by a professional can also help.

6. Medical options:

Certain anti-inflammatory drugs can help ease arthritis pain and discomfort. So, you can talk to your doctor and take the right medications. In case of severe arthritis, Arthroplasty or Joint Replacement can help improve mobility.

Conclusion

While managing arthritis can be challenging at times, the right approach can go a long way in easing the symptoms. You must also work with a specialist and make necessary changes to your home and lifestyle to prevent the condition from worsening. Since arthritis is a chronic condition and its treatment can be expensive, make sure you take a health plan and stay covered. Usually, health insurance in India covers arthritis-related procedures. So, you can shortlist a few reputed insurers, compare their health plans and choose one that best matches your requirements.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

^^Home health care facility is available in selected cities.

RELATED ARTICLES

8 Things to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance

Make Health Insurance a Crucial Part of Your Financial Planning

6 Simple and Effective Home Exercises to Stay Fit and Active

---

• 
• 
• 
•