This World Arthritis Day, know some methods to reduce the effect of the disease
October 12 is celebrated as World Arthritis Day. Medical experts warn how arthritis is causing loss of flexibility in the wrists, hands, knees and ankles of women under 30. It weakens the foundation base of the human body by depleting the power of joints.
Arthritis is a form of the disease which causes painful inflammation and stiffness in the points where the bones meet.
Reports show that cases of arthritis have been on the rise in women compared to men and obese individuals.
Older people should exercise a little to improve arthritis
According to a study, mild exercise might help decrease pain, improve mobility and further add to the quality of life of older adults who are suffering from arthritis which includes other muscle and joint conditions.
“Joints will often stiffen when not used, and muscles weaken further if not exercised. Our bodies are meant to move, and also inactivity leads to some weakness and stiffness, and joints with arthritis often worsen with the inactivity,” said Theodore Fields, Managing Director of the Rheumatology Faculty Practice Plan at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), US.
How was the survey conducted?
A survey was conducted with altogether 256 participants, of which 93 per cent were female; 73% of them belonged to the age group of 60-79 years before the beginning of the classes and then again at the end of the categories to further evaluate pain, physical functioning, fatigue, stiffness, balance and other some health indicators.
There were also some visible differences in the intensity of the pain, physical function, and balance after completing the classes.
Participants have also confirmed their improvement in the ability to perform daily tasks such as lifting or carrying groceries, climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, stooping, and bathing.
Mild exercise might help in decreasing arthritis pain
“The study is consistent with the experience of rheumatologists and with some prior studies showing that exercise, even of a mild degree, helps with the pain. Getting people up and moving does appear to further help with mood, pain, and overall functioning,” Fields added.
The study was presented at the American Public Health Association annual meeting.
So, to improve your arthritis in old age, exercise is the best way.
Green tea can treat rheumatoid arthritis
A team of American researchers have discovered that a compound in green tea may potentially treat joint pain, inflammation and tissue damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The debilitating disease is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints of the hands and feet, causing painful inflammation for patients who can go to cartilage damage, erode the bones and joints and become deformed.
Existing drugs, however, are expensive, can suppress the immune system, and are not always suitable for long-term use.
Their study results showed that EGCG, already known for its anti-inflammatory properties, may have potential as a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis due to its ability to block the signals of TAK1 protein, through which movements to cause inflammation and tissue damage are presented.
World Arthritis Day also creates a community of families, patients, caregivers, and others to voice their experiences. The day brings forward new advancements and treatments for the disease and also celebrates the progress of patients and science defeating it.
Edit- Ayushi Mittal
