Early Warning Signs of Arthritis
Early Warning Signs of Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain inflammation within a joint.
About 10 million people have arthritis in the UK. Many people struggle with pain during the early stages of arthritis, often waiting until the pain becomes unbearable before seeking advice and treatment. However,the symptoms are easier to treat when caught as early as possible.
Did you Know?
Although arthritis commonly affects people over the age 50 years, there are around 27,000 people under 25 living with arthritis in the UK.
1. Joint Pain and Stiffness
Joint stiffness often occurs after a period of inactivity; this is why stiffness in the morning is common, joints stiffness and pain can reduce mobility and the range of movement.
About 81% of osteoarthritis sufferers say they are in constant pain or unable to perform daily tasks.
What to do:
Placing something cold on the affected joint will help to contract the surrounding blood vessels and numb some of the pain.
2. Pain in the Big Toe
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs because of a problem in the way our bodies metabolize uric acid. It commonly swelling and the surrounding skin is reddened and hot to touch.
Gout affects approximately 1 in 200 people in the UK, the majority of which are men over the aged 40.
What to do:
Resting and elevating the affected area will ensure you avoid damaging the joint. Applying ice can also help to reduce the pain. Early treatment can help to reduce the frequency and severity of pain.
3. Bumps on the Fingers
Bumps, known as ‘bony spurs’, may appear on the finger joints. This is one of the leading symptoms of osteoarthritis and often affects women. The resultant swelling and pain reduce mobility and make simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces tricky. Arthritis in the hands can also be symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, if both hands and feet are affected simultaneously.
It is believed that over a million people is the UK suffer from osteoarthritis of hand.
What to do:
Physiotherapy and stretching the affected area can help to soothe pain.
4. Trouble Sleeping
Many painful joint conditions also affect sleeping patterns and result in us being awakened by pain through out the night. The firsdt signs of Gout often occur at night and this is generally considered to be one of the most painful forms of arthritis.
Around 63% of arthritis sufferers say they don’t get a regular good night’s sleep.
What to do:
A warming bath before bed can help to relax the joints.
5. Fatigue Symptoms
Fatigue and flu symptoms can be indication of rheumatoid arthritis. in these cases joint pain and swelling often affects the entire body rather than one specific joint. Other symptoms of RA include weight loss, chronic tiredness and anaemia.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, and affects around 400,000 people in the UK.
What to do:
Try to strike a balance between work and rest, so as not to overload yourself. Visit your doctor if you think you may have developed fatigue or flu symptoms.
6. Red, Patchy or Scaly Skin
This could be due to the development of psoriatic arthritis; a type of arthritis that is also associated with psoriasis. In addition to the painful joints commonly associated with arthritis, the skin also becomes red and inflamed making it appear patchy or scaly. This can affect any joint in the body and the severity of pain can vary.
Approximately 1 in 10 people suffering from psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis at some point during their lives.
What to do:
If you suffer from these symptoms, consult your doctor. In the meantime, applying hot or cold packs to affected areas can help to numb pain and relax muscles.
Supplements to Support Joint Maintenance
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Supplements can help to repair and protect joints from further wear and tear damage. They are popular to combination with arthritis sufferers worldwide. - Celadrin
Is a patented bled of fatty acids. Studies suggest it boosts the performance of Glucosamine in reducing inflammation when taken together. Celadin also acts as a lubricant to improve movement and flexibility - Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Have been shown by studies to be powerful anti inflammatory. Studies have focused on parents suffering with rheumatoid arthritis and have found they can reduce pain and stiffness in joints, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. - GreenShell Mussel Extract
Is Popularly taken to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis joints for fast pain relief.
