Aug 09 2019

Every cell, nerve or organ in the human body is designed with a purpose. Each plays its role to help the body perform all the functions it is supposed to. The body is also equipped with various defense mechanisms to protect it and to give out signals when something isn’t right in any of its parts. It is vital to identify and address these early signs of trouble to prevent any severe health condition in the future.

The joints which are the connections made between bones in the body which link the skeletal system into a functional whole. They are constructed to allow for different degrees and types of movement. They play an integral role in the human body by helping you to make each and every movement right from lifting your arm to taking a step forward to being able to hold something as simple as a tea cup in your fingers.

Joints in your shoulders, knee, elbow, hip, and spine offer you the flexibility and scope of carrying out innumerable activities all day long. Any problem associated with Joints can affect the quality of life badly, it is thus imperative to take care of them and identify the initial signs of degeneration or wear and tear in the joints.

Risk Factors That Cause Joint Issues

Like any object which is regularly or excessively used, requires proper maintenance and care. Similarly the joints are among the most actively used parts of the body as they are engaged in every action we perform.

Arthritis is one of the most common joint disorders which causes inflammation and causes joint pains. There are many forms of arthritis where over 100 types have been identified. The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage such as osteoarthritis to those associated with inflammation as a result of an overactive immune system such as Rheumatoid arthritis.
Age, genetics, obesity, infections, injuries, certain occupations and lifestyle are some of the many factors that determine the presence or development of Arthritis in the body.

Warning Signs that Point Towards Joint Trouble

Lifelong joint health is an important part of everyone’s wellness, productivity, quality of life and independence. As all our activities are dependent on health of joints, so it is extremely important to maintain healthy joints for leading a comfortable and pain free life. If you want healthy joints, do not ignore the signs that could spell trouble in the future.. These symptoms can worsen over time and timely attention can help you get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Watch out for the below signs:

Joint Pain – If you experience periodic or constant pain in your joints it can be a cause to worry. The type of pain can vary depending on the various factors like type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. If you experience pain regularly while performing any activity and find it difficult to perform simple daily tasks, visit an orthopedic doctor.
Redness and Tenderness Around The Joint – Inflammation of the joints due to arthritis often causes redness and tenderness. You may also notice swelling, rise in temperature and feel discomfort on touching the joint where probable arthritis may begin to develop.
Stiffness in The Joint – This is often one of the earliest signs of arthritis wherein the joints feel stiff, especially after a period of inactivity. You may find your knees feeling stiff on getting up after sitting for a while, or a general stiffness in your fingers making it difficult to hold or carry objects as light as a coffee mug. This also leads to decreased range or even loss of movement in the joint.

Lumps, Bumps or Deformities – If you notice any physical abnormalities around the bone in any of your joints, sit up and pay attention. Don’t ignore any knobby or nodule formation or change of shape in any of the joints.
Unusual Sound or Sensation – As joint cartilage ( A type of tissue that covers the surface of a bone at a joint and maintains a smooth lining and protects the bones from grinding against each other) wears down, due to the loss of smooth lining the rough surfaces of bone are exposed and bones when come in contact while any movement, they start rubbing against each other leading to wounds on the bone surfaces. The joint may not move smoothly and you may feel or even hear a grinding sensation or creaking noises on moving the joint.
Fever – Often arthritis pain is accompanied with low-grade fever that comes and goes periodically. Keep a look-out for any of these signs.
Constant Fatigue – Fatigue is another sign of joint trouble which not many patients are aware of. Patient normally feels low at energy and depressed.
Loss of weight – Mostly seen in Rheumatoid arthritis Many arthritic individuals also complain loss of appetite in this ailment.
Tingling and Numbness – It is also a common early sign in Rheumatoid Arthritis, due to inflammation of tendons there is pressure on nerves leading to tingling numbness or burning sensation in hands.

Reach Out To Your Orthopedic Doctor

Severe arthritis especially in your hand or arm joints can render it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints particularly the knees or spine can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight.

The earlier you visit your orthopedic doctor to discuss the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing, the sooner your condition will be diagnosed and timely treatment can be started to alleviate your ailment. Your doctor will conduct the required tests to evaluate the reason of pain or difficulties you may be experiencing in your joints. Early treatment can at least slow down the course and progression of the disease if they cannot be eliminated completely and can control the severity of symptoms improving the quality of life. With the advancement in technology there are many treatment modalities available from which you can be benefitted.

Reach out to your trusted orthopedic doctor and surgeon to ensure your joints remain healthy, flexible and in active form.

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