03 Sep The Impact of Arthritis on Physical Health
Arthritis, or joint inflammation, is a condition that affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Beyond joint discomfort, arthritis can impact overall physical health by limiting activity, weakening muscles, and contributing to fatigue. Here’s more information on the impact of arthritis on physical health:
Affects Joints and Mobility
Arthritis directly targets the joints where bones meet and move together. The condition causes inflammation in the tissues surrounding these joints, leading to swelling and pain. The inflammation can damage the cartilage that cushions your joints over time, creating bone-on-bone contact that increases discomfort.
Joint stiffness develops as inflammation persists, making simple movements challenging. Your range of motion decreases, affecting activities like reaching overhead, bending down, or walking up stairs. Some joints may lock or buckle unexpectedly, creating instability during movement.
The commonly affected areas include hands, knees, hips, and spine. These joints bear significant weight or perform repetitive motions throughout the day. As arthritis progresses, the affected joints may develop visible swelling and feel warm to the touch.
Causes Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is one of the most significant ways arthritis impacts physical health. Unlike acute pain that signals immediate injury, chronic arthritis pain persists for a long time. This ongoing discomfort stems from inflammation pressing against nerve endings within and around affected joints.
Pain levels often fluctuate throughout the day, with some people experiencing increased stiffness and discomfort in the morning. Weather changes can also intensify symptoms, as barometric pressure shifts affect joint pressure. The unpredictable nature of arthritis pain makes planning daily activities difficult. Chronic pain from arthritis can alter how you sleep, move, and interact with your environment. Your body may naturally compensate for painful joints by changing posture or movement patterns, which can create further strain on other body parts.
Triggers Secondary Health Issues
Arthritis often triggers a cascade of other physical health problems. Reduced mobility leads to muscle weakness as you use affected joints less frequently. This muscle loss, called atrophy, further decreases joint stability and increases the risk of injury.
Sleep disturbances commonly develop when joint pain interferes with comfortable rest positions. Poor sleep quality affects your body’s ability to heal and manage inflammation, creating a cycle where arthritis symptoms worsen due to inadequate rest. Weight gain may occur as physical activity becomes difficult and painful. Extra weight places further stress on weight-bearing joints like knees and hips, accelerating joint damage. Also, decreased physical activity can affect cardiovascular health and overall fitness levels.
Explore Management Tips
Effective arthritis management focuses on reducing inflammation and maintaining joint function. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles around affected joints while improving flexibility and range of motion. Regular movement, even when joints are painful, prevents further stiffness and maintains mobility.
Treatment approaches vary based on the type and severity of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the common form, responds well to anti-inflammatory medications and joint protection strategies. Rheumatoid arthritis may require immune-suppressing medications to control the autoimmune response causing inflammation.
Cold therapy can reduce acute inflammation and numb pain, while heat application helps relax stiff joints and muscles. Alternating between cold and heat treatments provides relief. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints, particularly in the knees and hips.
Schedule Your Arthritis Consultation Today
Arthritis significantly impacts physical health through chronic pain and related complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression and maintain your quality of life. Contact a pain management practice near you to schedule your consultation with a specialist and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
No Comments