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Ouch! My joints ache
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WOMEN & WELLNESS The impact of arthritis on women depends on the type, but many conditions can be painful and debilitating
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Sandipta hates waking up in the morning. Early in the day, her joints are stiff and painful, and she has to hobble around till the discomfort eases a bit. She is unable to grasp her coffee cup without pain. Sandipta has arthritis. She is learning to
cope with arthritis so that she can lead as normal a life as possible.
Women are more likely to get arthritis than men, but the reasons for this are not exactly known. Arthritis often causes pain in the joints, and medications may be necessary for pain relief. Joint-related arthritis problems are the most common form of arthritis. Many forms of arthritis are more of an annoyance than serious. The impact of arthritis on women depends on the type of arthritis, but many arthritic conditions may be very painful and debilitating.
Common types of arthritis affecting women
Osteoarthritis, which is also known as degenerative joint disease. This type of arthritis usually occurs in older people. The wear and tear of the cartilages which cushion the bones in a joint, results in osteoarthritis. With the cartilage worn away, the bones come into contact with each other and this can be excruciatingly painful. The commonest joint to be affected is the knee joint. Excessive weight can cause or worsen the condition. Overweight women have nearly 4 times the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. It occurs most often in women between the ages of 15 and 45. It can cause pain, swelling and stiffness and in severe cases can deform joints. While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness (meaning it can last for years) patients may experience long periods without symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that creates pain in the tissues that support bones and joints.
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons. It may be caused by overuse (as in tennis elbow), injury or a rheumatic condition.
Symptoms of arthritis in women
Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints.
Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterised by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.
Many women with arthritis feel worsening symptoms before and during their monthly menstrual periods. This is due to the effect of oestrogen and progesterone on the disease.
Diagnosing arthritis
A doctor with special training in arthritis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist. The diagnosis of arthritis is based on a thorough review of the symptoms that the woman is feeling. The joints are examined for inflammation and deformity. Certain tests will be performed on the blood, urine, and in some cases, the joint fluid.
X-rays might be ordered. The diagnosis will be based on the pattern of symptoms, the distribution of the inflamed joints, and any blood and x-ray findings. More than one visit might be necessary for the doctor to arrive at the specific diagnosis. Earlier and accurate diagnosis can help to prevent irreversible damage and disability.
Living with arthritis
Like any chronic disease, the best way to deal with arthritis is to establish coping mechanisms which will help in carrying on routine tasks. Any type of arthritis can affect strength, balance, stamina and flexibility. Strategies for managing arthritis are all about reducing the stress on the particular joints that are affected, avoiding worsening of the disease and maintaining flexibility.
Gripping an object might be painful so use foam rubber or bubble-wrap to build up the bulk of handles of spoons, toothbrush, etc.
Safety devices in the bathroom like metal bars to hold will make it easier for you to move around without the fear of falling.
Exercise is an important tool as it can protect joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles. Yoga is great for improving flexibility.
Dressing can be made easy with front openings and clasps or hooks in the front.
Properly guided programs of exercise and rest, medications, and physical therapy can improve long-term outcomes for arthritis patients. Some patients may have to resort to surgical joint replacement to achieve relief from pain.
(The author is a Chennai-based obstetrician and gynaecologist with a special interest in women’s health issues.)
GITA ARJUN
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