Tag: Arthritis

Categories
Health Lite Blogs

Combating Osteoporosis and Arthritis Together

Natural homeopathic medicines for osteoporosis can aid in the absorption of calcium from the bones as well as the treatment of shattered bones. Homeopathic remedies can also aid with bone pain…writes Dr. Mukesh Batra

Osteoporosis, also known as the “silent disease,” works quietly, gradually eroding bone strength and making people more vulnerable to critical fractures. According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, osteoporosis affects 61 million individuals in India, with women accounting for 80% of those impacted. In India, osteoporosis often strikes 10–20 years earlier than in Western countries. According to a ground-breaking study from this region, the prevalence rate of osteoporosis is 30.50%, which is approximately 14% lower than the rate of osteopenia, which is 44.20%. These findings emphasize the critical need for enhanced awareness and effective steps to tackle India’s growing health crisis.

The Stealthy Intruder: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that gradually weakens bones, rendering them fragile and susceptible to fractures, often referred to as “broken bones.” Tragically, many individuals remain oblivious to their osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. The hip, spine, and wrist are particularly vulnerable to fractures in individuals with osteoporosis, which can lead to chronic pain and a reduced quality of life.

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Treatment and exercises can help prevent bone density loss. People with osteoporosis are frequently unaware of their condition until they break a bone. These seem to have approximately 100 distinct kinds of osteoarthritis along with associated disorders. Osteoarthritis impacts individuals of all ages, races, and genders. Osteoporosis and arthritis can be difficult to treat because they are two different but occasionally crossing disorders. People with osteoporosis and arthritis should exercise on a regular basis to enhance joint flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. Weight-bearing workouts can also help bone strength.

The challenge arises when individuals find themselves grappling with both osteoporosis and arthritis simultaneously. These conditions, despite their distinct etiologies, can occasionally intersect, complicating the management of both. To address these dual diagnoses effectively, individuals must adopt a holistic approach that encompasses both bone and joint health.

Homeopathic Treatment for Bone Health

Homeopathic medicines are alternative treatments for healing weak bones and the issues that can arise as a result of them. Natural homeopathic medicines for osteoporosis can aid in the absorption of calcium from the bones as well as the treatment of shattered bones. Homeopathic remedies can also aid with bone pain.

Calcarea Phos is good medicine for patients who have weak, soft, brittle bones that become crooked, and Symphytum Officinale is the best natural remedy for treating fractures in osteoporosis. Silicea is a good remedy for cases in which bones are sensitive and tender, and Calcarea Carb helps in improving the health and strengthening of bones that are soft and brittle.

Lifestyle changes

Regular exercise is essential for controlling osteoporosis and arthritis. It not only increases joint flexibility, muscle strength, and balance, but it also helps to build bones. Weight-bearing workouts, which are especially beneficial for those with osteoporosis, increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Low-impact workouts such as swimming and yoga can help arthritis patients relieve joint pain and stiffness.

Maintaining a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet is critical for bone health. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified diets are high in these essential elements. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake promotes strong bones and lowers the risk of osteoporosis.

While osteoporosis and arthritis may be distinct health conditions, they occasionally overlap and present unique challenges. Managing both conditions necessitates a holistic approach that incorporates exercise, proper nutrition, and, for some, homeopathic remedies. It is vital for individuals to prioritize their well-being, seek medical attention when necessary, and heed the advice of qualified healthcare professionals. By taking proactive measures to fortify bones and joints, individuals can enhance their quality of life and minimize the risk of fractures. Always prioritize your safety and well-being by seeking adequate medical attention and following the advice of a qualified homeopath.

ALSO READ-Blueberries, the Antioxidant Powerhouse for Brain Health

Categories
Lite Blogs

Complications of Arthritis on different organs?

Long-term implications of arthritis if left untreated.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause interstitial lung disease that presents as chronic cough and breathlessness during exertion. Airway involvement can also lead to reactive airway disease and bronchiectasis…writes DR. CHETHANA D

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease wherein your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues of the body causing inflammation. In RA, joints of the hands, wrists, feet, and knees are mainly affected. Typically, the disease causes your joints to swell and shows an array of symptoms including joint pain and stiffness. RA affects the lining of the joint called synovium, causing inflammation of the synovium, and destruction of the joint cartilage, leading to chronic pain and deformity.

If not treated early, the effects of RA can go beyond your joints and may spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

When RA is not treated properly it can lead to a host of serious complications and can develop in several organs including lungs, eyes, skin, and heart.

Lungs – Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause interstitial lung disease that presents as chronic cough and breathlessness during exertion. Airway involvement can also lead to reactive airway disease and bronchiectasis.

Eyes – When you get diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, you can feel severe dryness or inflammation in your eyes. If you often have dry eyes, it is recommended to get them checked by a doctor and get them properly treated.

Skin – Skin rashes, and ulcers on arms and legs can be seen among people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart – Long-standing untreated rheumatoid arthritis can put patients at a 2-fold risk of developing cardiovascular disease and strokes.

What are the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The signs and symptoms of RA include pain and swelling in multiple joints, severe early morning stiffness in joints, joint tenderness, weight loss, fever, fatigue, weakness, and tiredness. Since RA is a progressive disease, these symptoms typically get worse. However, with timely treatment, the progression of RA can be managed effectively.

What causes RA?

While the exact cause of RA is unknown, certain factors like age, sex, genetics, and illicit habits like smoking, pregnancy, and obesity can increase the risk of developing the disease.

Even though RA can begin at any age, its incidence increases with age. The onset of RA is highest among senior citizens of the age group 60 years and above. People with a genetic background of RA, smokers, and people who are obese are also at a higher risk of contracting RA.

Several studies have also indicated that women are more prone to develop RA than men and carry a 2-3 times higher risk. These studies have also highlighted that women who have never given birth or have late pregnancies are also at a greater risk of developing RA.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

How is RA diagnosed and what is the treatment method?

If you have the signs and symptoms of RA, you should consult a doctor (Rheumatologist) who will diagnose the disease by reviewing your symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and doing X-rays and lab tests. It is recommended that you get it diagnosed within 6 weeks of the onset of the symptoms, to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatments can suppress or control the inflammation that can help in reducing the damaging effects of RA.

The treatment of the disease involves the use of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that slow the disease and prevent joint deformity. Biologic DMARDs are an effective second-line treatment. Additionally, people can also adopt several self-management strategies that can reduce pain, prevent disability and allow them to pursue the activities that they want to engage in.

How can you manage RA and improve your quality of life?

While RA can significantly affect your daily living, fortunately, there are multiple strategies through which you can improve your quality of life:

Physical Activity – Getting moderate physical activity for 150 minutes per week, like walking, swimming or cycling for 30 minutes a day for five days a week can not only improve your quality of life but can also reduce your risk of developing other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

Participate in self-management education class – You can gain confidence by participating in such classes as they will provide you with information on how you can control the symptoms, and live well with the disease.

Quit Smoking and Maintain a Healthy Weight- Cigarette smoking can make the disease worse, reduce responsiveness to medications, and can further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence, quitting smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight can have a positive impact on you and can help you manage the condition better.

ALSO READ-Benefits of brief and quick exercises

Categories
Health Lite Blogs

Arthritis in childhood?

Various treatments are available to manage Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis effectively and minimize the effects of the condition. The foremost goal of the treatment is to get rid of pain, swelling, and the destruction of joints, and to maintain movement and strength…writes DR. SAGAR BHATTAD

Children are more prone to accidents and diseases. Therefore, symptoms of illness or overexertion, such as fever, swollen and aching joints, rashes, and exhaustion, may be misdiagnosed. Parents may also assume that swollen or painful joints in kids are the consequence of sports-related injuries or typical growing pains. Do you realise that juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may be the cause of these uncomplicated symptoms? The most well-known form of arthritis in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is also among the most prevalent chronic illnesses that afflict children under the age of 16 and affects toddlers.

Studies suggest that in Indian children, the prevalence of JIA is approximately 48/100,000! It’s noteworthy to note that girls tend to have rheumatoid arthritis at an earlier age than boys do.

It is important to know when it is urgent to obtain advice about joint pain. If a child has the following joint pain issues, they must be treated as “warning signs” and urgent consultation and proper assessment is required.

Joint swelling: If the child reports of pain and there is joint swelling/ warmth across the joints.

Morning stiffness: It is difficult for a child to move in the early morning hours when he/she wakes up with joint pains or limps while walking, but gets better as the day passes.

Fever with joint pain: Fever and joint pain may be caused by a viral infection (dengue/chikungunya). However, it may sometime be due a sinister underlying disease (blood cancer).

Joint pain with skin rashes: These needs urgent evaluation. This may be due a simple viral fever or occasionally due to an underlying disease affecting blood vessels (called ‘vasculitis’ in medical terms).

Loss of weight or poor appetite.

Like adults, children can also develop rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory arthritis), which can lead to lifelong joint damage. We refer to it as “Juvenile Arthritis” in kids. These children frequently have one or more swollen joints and complain of joint pain. The morning hours are the worst for pain and stiffness. If they aren’t treated in time, they become deformed.

Despite the fact that there is no orthopaedic concern, it is significant to highlight that parents commonly ask an orthopaedic opinion on such matters. Pediatricians and Paediatric Rheumatologists need to evaluate these kids properly. They should also have blood testing and require ongoing medical care.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues (autoimmune). It is a mystery why this happens. However, it is believed that both heredity and environment have a part in provoking the immune system.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can affect babies who are a few months old to any child who is below 16 years old. If this affects the toddlers, they are too young to explain what is troubling them. Therefore, it is important to recognize these symptoms to get a proper diagnosis from the child’s pediatrician.

There are several types of JIA. Oligoarticular type usually affects toddlers and is more commonly seen in girls. Usually, the large weight-bearing joints such as the ankles and knees are affected. However, occasionally, this type of arthritis may also affect the smaller joints like the fingers and toes.

Various treatments are available to manage Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis effectively and minimize the effects of the condition. The foremost goal of the treatment is to get rid of pain, swelling, and the destruction of joints, and to maintain movement and strength.

To accomplish this, Pediatric Rheumatologists usually recommend a combination of treatments. The treatment that is effective for one child may not necessarily help another one. Therefore, a pediatric rheumatologist and physical therapist work jointly to plan the best method of treatment.

Few health tips to keep your child’s joints and muscles strong:

Vitamins and minerals rich food: Diet must include fresh fruits and vegetables. For those who consume non-vegetarian diet, fish liver oil is a good source of vitamins required for bone health. Let your child consume them daily.

Drink plenty of water: It is good to have 1-2 litres of water every day, it helps avoid muscle aches. Further, this helps in proper digestion and limits constipation; thus water is crucial for a healthy living.

30 min walk/ jog daily for a minimum of 5 days/week.

Developing healthy habits in the daily routines from childhood will help keep your child fit for years.

(Dr. Sagar Bhattad, Consultant – Paediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Aster CMI Hospital)

ALSO READ-Cheat meals and eating disorders