Do You Know What Gout Looks Like?

Have you ever wondered what gout looks like? Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that causes swelling and pain in the joints, usually occurring as flares that last for more than a week. Gout flares often start from the big toe. Gout occurs when high amount of uric acid build up in the body, which then forms needle-shaped crystals in and around a joint. This leads to inflammation of the joint.

The joint of the big toe is the most affected site of an acute gout attack. Unless gout is treated, these attacks can recur. Other sites like fingers, elbows, and knees are where people may experience gout (2). Gout attacks are characterized by swelling, warmth, reddish discoloration, marked tenderness, and rapid onset of pain at the affected joint. Consult a physician even if the pain is gone. Over time, they can harm tendons, joints, and other tissues.

Gout moves through several stages, which include:

• – Hyperuricemia- elevated levels of Uric acid in the blood and crystals forming in the joint, but without any symptoms.
• – Gout flares- This is when you experience an attack of intense pain and inflammation in your joints.
• – Interval gout- This is the time between gout attacks with no symptoms.
• – Tophi is a late stage of gout where Uric acid crystals build up in areas of the body. Tophi can cause permanent damage to your joints and kidneys. Proper treatment of gout can prevent the development of tophi.

What Gout Looks Like For Leg And Neck

Gout can be awfully painful and incapacitating but treatable in almost all patients. Gout is a major foot problem, but it can also involve several other joints. It is important to know how to identify and treat it early to prevent complications.

When the body makes high amount of uric acid, also known as urate, or gets rid of too little, urate builds up in the body. Uric acid is produced daily when our bodies disintegrate purines. Purines are natural chemicals produced in the body, but they are also found in certain foods. However, not all people with high levels of Uric acid will not develop gout.

Gout and arthritis are often intercepted. Gout is a more complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone, and it is the most common form of arthritis.

The joint mostly involved in gout is the big toe (the first metacarpals) and is called podagra. More than one joint may be involved in a gout attack (and it can be any joint in the body), with the most common sites being in the feet, knees, elbows, and ankles. Rarely, gout neck occurs. They are uncommon manifestations of gout which involves tophaceous deposits in the larynx and auricular helix, as well as gouty arthritis of the temporomandibular, cricoarytenoid, and sternoclavicular, joints (1).

How Is Gout Diagnosed? 

A physical exam, medical history, and tests can help diagnose gout. Gout tests to be done include:

• – Gout blood test to check uric acid levels. However, not everyone who has high blood uric acid develops gout, and some people with normal uric acid levels may develop gout.
• – Joint fluid analysis- fluid from the painful joint(s) is withdrawn and examined under a microscope for the presence of uric acid crystals. This is the accurate way to diagnose gout.
• – Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging, X-rays, dual-energy computerized tomography, and ultrasound visualizes uric acid crystals in joints.

How Is gout treated?

Gout can be efficiently managed and treated with self-management strategies and medical treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend a medical treatment plan to

• – Manage the pain of a flare. Treatment for flares consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, ibuprofen, Diclofenac, etc. NSAIDs are generally prescribed for people below 65 who do not take blood thinners or have any history of bleeding because NSAIDs can induce intestinal bleeding and ulcers. Corticosteroids and the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine can help decrease pain and swelling. Lower doses of colchicine produce fewer side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Colchicine is best taken at the onset of an attack.
• – Prevent future flares- changes to your lifestyle and diet, such as losing weight, reducing alcohol intake, and eating less purine-rich food (like organ meat or red meat), can help avoid future attacks. Emphasis on veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and other whole, unprocessed foods. Changing medications like diuretics associated with hyperuricemia can also help.
• – Prevent the formation of tophi due to increased levels of uric acid in the body. Tophi are hard, uric acid crystals below the skin. For people with frequent acute flares or chronic gout, preventive therapy is recommended to decrease the level of Uric acid in the blood using drugs like febuxostat, allopurinol, and pegloticase.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gout?

Symptoms of gout are not usually obvious unless there is a gout attack. These attacks usually last between four to seven days. Below are some common gout symptoms:

• – Attacks

When you have gout, Uric acid crystals build up in your joints for years without you being aware they are there. Over time, excess crystals in the joint start to leak from the cartilage into the space in a joint.

The tiny, hard, sharp Uric acid crystals rub against the soft lining of the joint, causing a lot of pain and inflammation. This is known as a flare or attack of gout. A flare is a period in which the symptoms come back or get worse.

When an attack of gout occurs, the affected joint becomes very painful, red, and hot and appears swollen.

The onset of a gout Attack is very quick, mostly during the night.

If a gout leg is left untreated, attacks may become frequent and can spread to other joints. Although gout mostly affects the big toe, other joints include the ankles, knees, elbow, wrist, and fingers.

A gout attack can occur in several joints at the same time.

• – Tophi (bumps under the skin)

When Uric acid crystals form outside of the joints and are seen under the skin, forming small, hard lumps, it is called tophi. the white color of the crystals can sometimes be visible beneath the skin. The most common areas for tophi are:

• – back of the heel
• – over the top of the toes
• – front of the knee
• – around the elbow
• – backs of the fingers and wrists
• – the ears

Although tophi are not usually painful, they can obstruct one’s daily activities. They sometimes become inflamed, open up and leak fluid with gritty white substances – these are the uric acid crystals.

Tophi also grows within the joints and cause damage to the cartilage and bone. Complications of tophi when not properly treated include a decrease in joint mobility, necrosis of the skin (cell death), ulcerations, compression of nearby nerves when it occurs in the spine, wrist, or elbow (3)

• – Fever

The inflammation that occurs during a gout flare can become severe enough to cause gout with fever, fatigue, and malaise. These symptoms often occur when there is a gout attack on two or more joints.

Risk Factors Of Gout

There are many risk factors for gout that increases your chance of developing it.

• – Family history

This is the most common risk factor for developing gout, especially when many family members already have it, such as your parents or grandparents. Even though your kidneys are healthy, sometimes inherited genes make it difficult for your kidneys to flush uric acid as well as they should.

 – Obesity

Gout is more common in people who are overweight. The obese you are, the more uric acid your body produces. This causes your body to produce more uric acid than your kidneys can cope with.

Being obese also makes it more likely that you will develop:

• – type 2 diabetes
•  – fats in your blood.
• – high blood pressure
• – high cholesterol

These conditions can all reduce how much Uric acid is filtered by your kidneys.

• – Gender and age 

Gout is four times more rampant in men than women. It affects men of any age, but the risk is higher in older men. Gout rarely occurs in women before menopause. This is because the estrogen in women increases how much uric acid is filtered out by the kidneys. After reaching menopause, estrogen levels go reduced and uric acid levels go up.

• – Medications 

Some medications can increase your risk of developing gout, examples include:

• – Low-dose aspirin.
• – Diuretics, which remove excess fluid.
• – Niacin (Vitamin B3), when taken in large amounts.
• – Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant for people who treat autoimmune diseases or have organ transplants
• – Another risk factor for developing gout is eating foods rich in purines (usually from animal sources), a substance that breaks down into urate. Examples include trout, mussels, and codfish.

What Triggers Gout? 

Gout and Tomatoes

Some studies have shown that there is a correlation between eating gout and tomatoes triggers. Any food that increases the levels of uric acid in the body is a risk for people with gout. Since one’s diet can play a huge role in increased levels of uric acid in the blood, it is important to pay attention to the foods that trigger a gout flare.

Many people with gout have identified tomatoes as one food that triggers gout flare-ups. Tomatoes contain two potential gout triggers: phenolic acid and glutamate (4). Although they are only present in minute quantities, some people have reported tomatoes as their gout triggers. Tomatoes may be worth removing from your diet if you believe they cause gout flare-ups.

Examples of food with highly concentrated levels of tomatoes include ketchup, pasta sauces, and vegetable juices.

Caffeine and Gout Risk 

Studies have shown that caffeine can precipitate gout flare in some people. Coffee might help prevent gout in people who do not already have the disease, but the caffeine it contains could spell doom if you already live with gout especially if you are not a consistent coffee drinker. The reason is that caffeine has a similar structure to allopurinol, a drug used in the treatment of gout.

When you first start taking allopurinol, there is an increased risk of gout attacks since the uric acid is been mobilized from body tissues. Consequently, an inconsistent coffee drinker will activate this pathway, causing more gout attacks. Over time, taking allopurinol consistently reduces the uric acid in the blood, such that attacks no longer occur.

Turf Toe vs Gout

Turf toe can be easily mistaken for gout. Turf toe, also known as hyperextension, occurs when the big toe is far too bent towards the top of your foot (5). This can cause a sprain of your ligaments or toe.

How are gout and turf toe different?

In gout arthritis, damage to the joint occurs internally, which means there is uric acid buildup and urate crystals at the joint. But with turf toe, the injury to the joint is from an external force that bent the foot in a type of way.

The symptoms of gout arthritis are due to the formation of uric acid crystals at the joints or around the soft tissue, making it painful and difficult to move joints. In turf toe, the symptoms are due to hyperextension of the toe and surrounding ligaments and joints. Another difference between gout and turf toe is that

Gout can be managed with medications, diet, and lifestyle changes. While in turf toe, none of these treatment strategies help with turf toe.

Septic arthritis is a serious complication of gout arthritis. It is a painful joint infection that is caused by germs traveling through the bloodstream from another part of the body. Septic arthritis also occurs when a penetrating injury, such as trauma or an animal bite delivers germs directly into the joint.

gout and septic arthritis are major diseases that are clinically similar and often cannot be distinguished without a synovial fluid analysis.

Reference 

1. 1. https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/500514
2. 2. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/ss/slideshow-gout-diet
3. 3. https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/gout/5-unusual-gout-symptoms
4. 4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4541734/
5. 5. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/turf-toe-symptoms-causes-and-treatments
6. 6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-and-joint-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20350755

My Shoulder Pain: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Do you often question yourself what to do for my shoulder pain and whether I should see a shoulder pain chiropractor? You might be having shoulder pain from lifting at work or shoulder pain while sleeping at home. Sometimes, home care can take care of shoulder pain, and other times, it will involve the use of medications prescribed by health workers, and most times physical therapy. This article will explore all you need to know about the causes of shoulder pain, the associated symptoms, and how to treat, and prevent subsequent shoulder pain (1).

Shoulder Pain Background

The shoulder joint consists of broad and many motion ranges. When there is an issue with the shoulder joint, it obstructs the ability to move which will result in pain, swelling, and a whole lot of discomfort. Aside from the femur bone, the shoulder is another example of a ball, and socket joint, it is made up of three major bones which are, the humerus bone, which is a long bone, the clavicle bone, also called the collar bone because of its anterior location, and the scapula called the shoulder blade also located at the back posteriorly. There are cartilages around the bones that help to prevent friction because they serve as cushions (1).

It is interesting to note that the shoulder joint is also made up of two sub-joints, namely, the acromioclavicular joint made up of the clavicle, and the scapula. Second is the glenohumeral joint comprising the ball of the humerus and the external part of the scapula. Surgeons refer to the shoulder joint as the joint with the highest mobility range in the body, with the help of the rotator cuff muscle (1). The supporting group of muscle around the shoulder joint is the rotator cuff muscle, and it consists of four tendons. Tendons are tissues in the body that attach the muscles to the bones (1).

Patients often complain of shoulder pain lifting objects or the arm when there is damage to the tendons or the bones surrounding the joint, which can manifest as pain, and swelling around the joint. Injury to the shoulder joint can result from different activities such as contact sports, falls, or manual labor putting pressure on the joint.

There can also be pains radiating from other parts of the body to the shoulder joint, as a result of certain diseases, examples of such, are diseases affecting the heart, liver, and spine. Old age is another factor that predisposes one to shoulder pain, the older, the more susceptible one is to shoulder, which can be explained as a result of degeneration of soft tissues occurring with age.

Symptoms Of Shoulder Pain

Pain to the shoulder joint can present in various dimensions, depending on the etiology, that is the cause. The following are the different clinical manifestations of shoulder pain and common shoulder problems.

• – Intensity: The intensity of shoulder pain differs. Pain can become very severe after exercise or on exertion, and gets relieved after taking medications, and another pain might be very severe all through both at rest and on exertion.
• – Radiation: shoulder pain is the pain that will radiate down your arm, and can go up to the hand.
• – Stiffness: it can get stiffed at times.
• – Immobility: patient can experience difficulty in moving the shoulder, or an inability to complete the range of motion.
• – Swelling: There can be associated swelling, as a result of fluid collection in the joint.
• – Loss of function: this is often the complication of shoulder pain, at times the patient experience inability to move the arm, and hand, which can translate to an inability to use the such limb.
• – Snapping sensation (2).

The pain in the shoulder joint can get severe, and will need the attention of health personnel. The following symptoms are warning signs that it is time to see a doctor for shoulder pain:

• – Immobility or reduced motion.
• – Pain with edema along the shoulder joint.
• – A pain that does not get relieved with the use of medication.
• – A pain that wakes the patient up from sleep or causes difficulty in falling asleep.
• – The pain getting worse despite the medication.
• – Shoulder pain with sharp pain describes as being sudden by the patient (3).

Causes Of My Shoulder Pain

The following are the common causes of shoulder pain responsible for pain and stiffness in the shoulder.

1. 1. Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff is the muscle group surrounding the shoulder joint, it is made up of four small muscles that come together to aid the movement of the arm, and lifting. Sometimes, shoulder pain from lifting is traceable to injuries to the rotator cuff muscles. The muscles, alongside the tendon, work together to keep the ball and socket joint in position, which is a tough task. Injuries to the rotator cuff muscles can lead to:

2. Rotator cuff tears

Just as the name implies, it is a tear to the rotator cuff muscles, which can either be a complete tear or a partial tear of the rotator cuff muscles. The tear of the muscle can happen due to a single accident such as a fall on the arm, it may also be gradual in its onset as a repeat motion on the arm, a bricklayer will repeatedly use the shovel in a single direction, and can lead to raising of the arm frequently.

Shoulder pain while sleeping, at times can be a result of a tear to the rotator cuff muscle, or/and the tendons. Shoulder pain from lifting, in some cases, can be a pointer to a tear to the rotator cuff, or pains felt while trying to pick up high objects or comb the hair. In the past, immobility, and rest is sufficient alongside ice. But, patients are now advised to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes, physical therapy is employed (3).

3. Rotator cuff tendonitis

Rotator cuff tendonitis is said to occur when there is inflammation affecting the tendon surrounding the joint, this will cause the patient to be irritable, and if it happens in a child, such a child will cry at every slight provocation. The pain is always more at the front and side, there are times the shoulder joint can also appear stiff and difficult to move. Regular people at yoga studios often complain of features of rotator cuff tendonitis. The treatment is similar to that of a rotator cuff tear, rest, application of ice, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (3).

4. Bursitis

Inflammation affecting the bursae, that is the sac in between the joints, containing fluids that help prevent friction, and serve as a cushion, is called bursitis. A lot of time, this result from continuous use of the joint for a long period, arthritis of the joint, and the pathogenic microorganisms causing infection, which also leads to bursitis.

Studies have revealed that recently, gout has been counted as one of the commonest causes of bursitis. Subacromial bursitis is a term used when this inflammation happens at the shoulder blade area, just before the rotator cuff group of muscles. Uninterestingly, bursitis can happen alongside inflammation of the tendons around the joint. This will manifest as severe pain, pain enough to disturb or distract the patient from going on with their normal daily activities (4).

5. Shoulder dislocation

Shoulder dislocation is one of the common disorders of the shoulder joint, and causes severe pain at the shoulder joint. Shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball and socket joint of the shoulder is disrupted, that is the ball head of the humerus slips out of the socket, when this occurs, the pain is sufficient enough to disturb motion at the affected joint.

Depending on the severity of the dislocation, the shoulder can appear to be different in shape from the other normal shoulder, and sometimes, the bone can distort the skin too. Most shoulder dislocations occur as a result of injuries such as contact sports, accidents, or even falls. A previous shoulder dislocation is a risk factor for another shoulder dislocation in the future, and when this happens, orthopedics refers to it as chronic shoulder instability (4).

6. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a disorder that affects the shoulder joint leading to a degeneration of the cartilage of the joint. Several joints of the body can be affected by osteoarthritides, such as the shoulder joint, the hips, and the spine. Other joints prone to osteoarthritis are the knee joints.

Pain is the major clinical manifestation of osteoarthritis, others are edema, redness, hotness or differential warmth, and joint stiffness, and when severe, there can be loss of function in the affected arm of the body, and this is a warning sign to see a doctor.Some people may also complain of some sensation when they try to lift or move the affected joint, such sensation is referred to as a grinding sensation. Other things can also predispose one to osteoarthritis of the joint, such as a previous injury to the shoulder joint (4).

7. Shoulder impingement syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome is one of the causes of shoulder pain while sleeping, it occurs as a result of friction occurring between the soft tissues of the joint and the bones, the rubbing occurring can be as a result of any of the following:

• – Inflammation of the tendons
• – Swelling and pains in the bursae
• – Bone spurs which occur with aging
• – A malformed acromion bone, assuming a curved shape.

Shoulder impingement syndrome can result in pain felt at the outer part of the shoulder joint, shoulder pain lifting, shoulder pain worse at night, shoulder pain while sleeping, weakness of the arm, and sometimes, swelling is inevitable.

The treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome includes adequate rest of the shoulder joint, immobility, the use of anti-inflammatory medications, and exercises recommended by a physical therapist. Some doctors use corticosteroids on the affected joint to relieve the pain, and the swelling (5).

8. Frozen shoulder

A frozen shoulder often occurs as a result of the thickness of the connective tissues around the shoulder joint, which can reduce the range of motion around the joint. The pain from the frozen shoulder is enough to disturb the patient from sleeping well at night, causing shoulder pain while sleeping. The exact etiology of frozen shoulder is not known, but studies revealed that it occurs as a result of prolonged immobility a long time, however, some conditions like diabetes mellitus increase the susceptibility to frozen shoulder.

The clinical manifestation of a frozen shoulder is in stages, the first stage is the freezing of the shoulder, resulting in pain while moving the joint, causing a reduced range of motion. The second stage is the frozen stage, where the pain is reduced, while the joint gets stiffened and the patient finds it difficult to move the affected limb. The third stage is tagged thawing, it is like a convalescence stage where motion improves and the patient can move the joint better.

The pain resulting from a frozen shoulder is usually worse in the evening, and it causes shoulder pain while sleeping. The best remedy is to treat the pain using pain-relieving medications, and exercises recommended by a physical therapist, and on rare occasions, steroids and surgical interventions are used (5).

9. Shoulder pain from lifting

Weightlifters often experience shoulder pain lifting weights during their workout sessions. Studies have revealed that shoulder pain from lifting occurs as a result of three factors, weightlifters lifting heavy weights than they can carry, lifting weights without breaks in between, that is, too often, or a wrong technique of lifting. Any of the three is responsible for shoulder pain from lifting. Rotator cuff tear, tendinopathy, and impingement are the leading causes of shoulder pain from lifting.

Treatment For My Shoulder Pain

Most often than not, the cause of shoulder pain will dictate the treatment option, but there are general guidelines for the treatment of shoulder pain. These are:

• Home care: This includes the use of the following
• – Rest the affected joint
• – Apply ice to the affected area
• – Gradual return to physical activities
• – Use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen

• Clinic care: At the hospital or clinic, the following can be done to help the patient
• – Use of medications, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• – Injection of corticosteroids to relieve associated swelling
• – Referral to a physical therapist to recommend the needed exercises
• – Surgical manipulations, for cases such as dislocation (6)

When To See a Shoulder Pain Chiropractor

Shoulder pain may be characterized by pain or stiffness in the shoulder area. It is a common cause of complaints in orthopedic clinics for shoulder injuries, especially in the elderly. Common shoulder problems that cause pain in your shoulder include rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, frozen shoulder, and tendinitis.

The pain is commonly felt when lifting the arm above your head, reaching behind your back, or when trying to lift an object. The pain can manifest as a dull ache or a crushing pain in your shoulder. It can significantly affect a person’s daily activities and quality of life. To help reduce the symptoms of shoulder pain at home, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers can be recommended by healthcare providers for pain relief. However, if the pain is persistent or aggravating, it is advisable to seek medical attention to obtain physical exam and treatment.

A chiropractor is a primary caregiver that takes care of the musculoskeletal system. They use various manipulations to treat joints and muscular issues with exercises to stretch and strengthen. A patient can visit a shoulder pain chiropractor directly for their shoulder pain treatment because they are also primary caregivers. The doctor may refer directly to a shoulder pain chiropractor when the patient presents with conditions such as :

• – Frozen shoulder
• – Rotator cuff tears
• – Tendonitis
• – Others are Sprains at the joint. Bursitis, and unbelieving arthritis (7).

A shoulder pain chiropractor may recommend to lift your arm and move your shoulder to reduce pain in the shoulder muscles. If you feel sudden pain in the muscles and bones of your shoulder, you should see a doctor right away to get medical advice and an appropriate medical condition treatment.

References:

1. 1. https://www.healthline.com/health/shoulder-numbness
2. 2. https://www.omron-healthcare.ng/health-and-lifestyle/pain-management/body-aches-and-pains/shoulder-pain-causes-symptoms-and-treatment.html
3. 3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shoulder-pain-most-common-causes-and-how-to-fix-it/
4. 4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325231#impingement
5. 5. https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-when-sleeping-on-shoulder#when-to-get-care
6. 6. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/shoulder-pain
7. 7. https://www.laurelmdchiropractor.com/blog/should-you-see-a-chiropractor-for-shoulder-pain#:~:text=Yes%2C%20chiropractors%20work%20on%20shoulders,that%20make%20up%20the%20spine.

Inflammation Types, Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

What Are The Inflammation Types

There are two main inflammation types, that is acute inflammation and chronic inflammation (4). Acute inflammation is often regarded as positive inflammation because it is involved with the healing process while chronic inflammation is seen as negative inflammation because it is often seen with chronic diseases. It is interesting to know that the two types of inflammation have different causes and different clinical manifestations (3).

• – Acute inflammation: This is the immediate, and first response of the body to injury, and it is done by the transportation of the white blood cells, and plasma to the affected area in the body. This process is a combined action of both the blood cells and the immune cells to aid repair.
• – Chronic inflammation: This is also known as prolonged inflammation, is characterized by changes in the kind of cells at the inflammatory site, and it involves repair and damage going on together at the same time. Most times, chronic inflammation is associated with chronic and autoimmune diseases (1).

Background Knowledge About Inflammation

Inflammation refers to the way the body responds to harmful stimuli such as pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and irritants such as chemicals. The process of inflammation is a complex body response biologically, that involves the immune system, the blood cells, vessels, and molecular mediators (1).

The major reason for inflammation in the body is to eradicate cellular injury, remove the dead cells, that is the unredeemable damaged tissues from insults, and cause the process of tissue repair to start (1).

When there is an insult to the body system, which most time is an offending microorganism, such as bacteria and viruses, the immune system gets activated, which leads to the release of cytokines and other substances called inflammatory cells to start the process of curbing the pathogenic microorganisms or to heal the damaged body tissue, which can manifest as pain, edema, heat in the affected area, and sometimes loss of function on that part (2).

A lot of people mistake inflammation for infection when in the real sense they are two different entities. Infection is the terminology explaining the interaction between the microorganisms and the inflammatory cells. While inflammation strictly defines the immunology response of the body to the microorganisms irrespective of the cause. Clinically, words ending with the suffix -itis are used to describe the inflammation of that particular thing.

For instance, urethritis which denotes inflammation of the urethral is also referred to as infection of the urethral by some healthcare professionals because the cause is traceable to pathogenic microorganisms (1).

Interestingly, there are times the immune system causes inflammation without a trigger or stimuli, which means the body’s immune cells are attacking the normal body cells refers to as autoimmunity. Examples of such are type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease (3).

Signs And Symptoms Of Inflammation

Clinically, there are four cardinal signs of inflammation, and these include redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Inflammation can cause following conditions:

• – Redness: Redness is gotten from the Latin word which means rubor and it results from blood vessels dilatation at the site of inflammation
• – Heat: this result from the exaggerated movement of blood through the injury site and it is mostly felt in the skin. Fever, that is, elevated body temperature occurs as a result of the effects of the chemical mediators on the inflamed area.
• – Swelling: clinically referred to as edema is mainly due to the retention of fluid in the tissues.
• – Pain: pain is brought about by chemicals released during the inflammation process. Examples of such chemicals are serotonin, prostaglandins, and bradykinin (5).

Symptoms Of Acute Inflammation

Acute inflammation may result in the following manifestations:

• – Change in skin color to red
• – Pain at the inflamed site
• – Swelling/edema
• – Heat (2).

A classical acute inflammation manifests the general signs of inflammation.

Symptoms Of Chronic Inflammation

A chronic inflammatory process is sometimes difficult to identify when compared to acute inflammation. A chronic inflammation may result in the following inflammatory disorders:

• – Generalized body weakness as in lupus
• – Hyperthermia (fever) as in tuberculosis
• – Joint pain – Joint stiffness
• – Chest pain
• – Others are skin rashes, and mouth ulcers (2).

Acute inflammation usually lasts for a few days, subacute inflammation extends to weeks, between two to six weeks, and chronic inflammation can be ongoing for months or years and is usually associated with recurrence (4).

Causes Of Inflammation

Inflammation results when injury triggers the immune system, causing an immune reaction to occur. When inflammation occurs, it does not translate to mean there is an active infection, although an infection process can lead to inflammation.

Causes Of Acute Inflammation

The process of acute inflammation can result from physical injury, an infection, insect bites, stings, and dust. The acute inflammation reactions are:

• – The body tissues build up plasma proteins that will cause fluid to be retained in the tissues. This usually manifests as swelling.
• – The white blood cells, mainly neutrophils, move towards the inflamed area to fight the pathogenic microorganisms
• – Dilatation of the blood vessels occurs around the inflamed area and this ensures there is adequate transportation of the white blood cells and plasma proteins to the area.

Examples of conditions associated with acute inflammation are enteritis, tonsilitis, appendicitis, common cold, sore throat, physical injury, burns, and other illnesses ending with the suffix -itis (4).

Causes Of Chronic Inflammation

The following are the known causes of chronic inflammation

• – Physical inactivity: physical inactivity is a risk factor for a lot of chronic diseases and age-related diseases. For anti-inflammatory processes to take place, it requires your muscles to be in active motion, and if you don’t meet this requirement, it will be difficult. Hence, chronic inflammation occurs.
• – Diet: In overweight and obese people, taking diets containing high sugar levels, and high fatty acids increases the susceptibility to inflammation.
• – Obesity: Central obesity is the most dangerous form of obesity, and this refers to increase visceral fat around the abdomen. Visceral obesity enhances the secretion of pro-inflammatory agents (3).
• – Hormonal level: low level of sex hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of inflammatory diseases. Ordinarily, sex hormones reduce or decrease the inflammatory process
• – Stress: high-stress level, especially psychological stress increases inflammatory chemicals in the body.
• – Inadequate sleep: studies have shown that people with inadequate and irregular sleep are more prone to high inflammatory markers than those with regular sleep of eight hours or more per night.
• – Age: age is a non-modifiable risk factor for getting chronic inflammatory conditions. The older the more one is at risk (3).
• – Persistent acute inflammation: studies have shown that some people do not get total healing from acute inflammation, and in some cases, it translates to chronic inflammation.
• – Exposure: continuous exposure to certain irritants, especially industrial chemicals result in chronic lung and skin inflammations.
• – Sensitivity: allergy results when the body gets hypersensitive to an external trigger. The external trigger present stimulates the inflammatory process because the body sees it as something foreign that should not be there (4).

Conditions Associated With Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is responsible for the majority of chronic diseases and their associated complications. The most common link conditions to chronic inflammation have been typed 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertensive heart diseases.

Other conditions associated with chronic inflammation are:

• – Hypertension
• – Elevated cholesterol
• – Acute and chronic kidney diseases
• – Cancers
• – Alzheimer’s disease
• – Autoimmune diseases (e.g, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• – Others are Liver diseases, depression, and osteoporosis (3).

Inflammation Breast Cancer

Inflammation breast cancer, otherwise known as inflammatory breast cancer, is one of the chronic diseases in women traceable to chronic inflammation. Inflammation breast cancer is not common and it rapidly progresses with the signs of inflammation present. The patient often complains of pain and swelling on the affected breast, and on examination, the breast appears red and tender when touched (6).

This chronic disease result from the cancer cells obstructing the lymphatic drainage of the skin above the breast (6). When this blockage occurs, it results in inflammation, which if not adequately investigated will be mistaken for infection.

Who Is Prone To Inflammation Breast Cancer?

There is no restriction as to who can develop inflammatory breast cancer but certain factors make some people at more risk of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) than the rest. Such factors are:

• – Age: Younger women are more prone to inflammation breast cancer compared to the remaining types of breast cancer where the older, the risk exist. The average age of diagnosis recorded from studies is 57 years.
• – Weight: women with obesity, that is, BMI greater than 30, are more at risk of inflammatory breast cancer than the normal weight women.
• – Gender: inflammation breast cancer is commonly seen in females, although breast cancer is associated with both genders.
• – Race: Black race is a non-modifiable risk factor for having inflammation breast cancer, and more mortality has been recorded in blacks (7).

Symptoms Of Inflammation Breast Cancer

Unlike the other forms of breast cancer where a breast lump is usually the first sign observed, inflammation breast cancer does not usually form a lump (3). The following are signs and symptoms observed in patients presenting with inflammation breast cancer:

• – Physical swelling of the affected beast
• – The heaviness of the affected beast
• – Change in color of the affected breast, usually appearing as color red or pink on examination.
• – Orange peel appearance of the skin over the breast
• – Painful breast or tenderness on examination
• – Differential warmth when compared to the other breast
• – Lymphadenopathy, is an enlargement of lymph nodes around the breast, for example, the armpit, and above or below the collar bone.
• – The nipple becomes flat or turns inward (6).

Some or all of the above symptoms must be present for at least six months before a clinical diagnosis of inflammation breast cancer can be made (6). If after treatment with antibiotics, the symptoms persist, the doctor should request a mammogram and other investigations to assess the patient. A definitive diagnosis is made after a breast biopsy is done and histopathology results confirm it to be inflammatory breast cancer (6).

Treatment Of Inflammation

There are varieties of treatments available for the management of patients with inflammation. These may include rest, adequate exercises, and the use of medications, and in some cases, surgical and radiotherapy may be employed.

The treatment of each patient will be dependent on the type of inflammatory disease, the age of the patient, and the presence or absence of other co-morbidities. For every treatment, the aim is to achieve the following:

• – Slow the cancer progression to the bearest minimum
• – Remove and decrease pain, and pain radiation to other parts of the body
• – Enhance joint stability and remove immobility
• – Help patients get more comfortable by employing the use of splints, and braces (8).

Medications

The following medications are used to reduce inflammation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Although taking NSAIDS will not eliminate the etiology of the inflammation but it will help alleviate the pain resulting from the inflammation. Examples of such drugs are ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin. The doctor should ensure there is no contraindication to the use of any of the drugs before prescribing such to the patient. For example, diclofenac is not encouraged in patients with peptic ulcer disease, and aspirin should not be used in patients with blood thinners (4).

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are synthetic steroid hormones in form of drugs, such as prednisolone, and dexamethasone. They are important drugs that alter the pathway of inflammation. They help to relieve the swelling in the affected part. They are also useful in the management of conditions associated with chronic inflammation such as lupus, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Corticosteroids should not be used for a long time because of the side effects such as immunosuppression. Therefore, its duration of use should be based on the doctor’s prescription (4).

Lifestyle modification

Inflammation management is not only based on the use of drugs. The following lifestyle changes will help relieve the symptoms of inflammation:

• – Diet: studies reveal that patients with inflammation should take foods rich in olive oil, tomatoes, and fatty fish like mackerel, and salmon. Others are almonds, blueberries, and spinach (4).

• – Exercises: in some chronic diseases associated with inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, exercises will be required to aid movement and stability. The physical therapist will prescribe the required exercise to the patient (4).
• – Surgery: In some cases, surgery will be required to aid recovery. If inflammation breast cancer is not amendable to medications, surgery alongside radiotherapy may be required to help the patient get better and for a better prognosis (8).

Conclusion

Inflammation is part of our body’s immune system to shield us against infections. An infection can cause inflammation, resulting into acute and chronic inflammation. An inflammatory response may vary from person to person. Signs of acute inflammation may include redness, swelling and pain. A prolonged inflammation may result in chronic inflammation leading to chronic inflammatory diseases, such as hypertension, cancer, kidney disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment for inflammation includes medications, synthetic steroid hormones, and diet and lifestyle modifications.

References:

1. 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflammation
2. 2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation
3. 3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-inflammation-187934
4. 4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423#causes
5. 5. https://www.britannica.com/science/inflammation/Cellular-changes
6. 6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355413#:~:text=Inflammatory+breast+cancer+is+a,swollen+appearance+of+the+breast.
7. 7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17925-inflammatory-breast-cancer
8. 8. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation

An Introduction To Arthritis

People understand Arthritis to be a disease of the joints. Indeed, the symptoms of the disease manifest in the joints. But, it should be considered a disease of the entire body. Although the symptoms may appear in a particular part of the body, no disease is exclusive to that specific part. When a part of the body suffers, the rest of the body does get affected. Appreciation of this fact will help us take a holistic view of our bodies rather than treating it as an assembly of various organs and tissues.

Any disease ending in ‘tis’ at the end of its name indicates Inflammation. So, Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. One may ask if Inflammation is the cause of Arthritis or vice-versa?

We will discuss Osteoarthritis (OA) as this form of Arthritis is most common. The old concept of OA was that it is a wear and tear disease, which happens to people in older age. We will discuss the new findings on the causes of Osteoarthritis.

At Perfect Svasthya we do not associate a disease with old age. You may say that a disease is more common in old age, but you should not call any disease an “old age disease”. It is presumptuous that people in older age are unhealthy and prone to several diseases. The disease may be more common because most people do not lead a healthy lifestyle when young and hence experience health issues in their mature years.

Osteoarthritis Background

In the 1980s, histopathology of the synovium in Osteoarthritis demonstrated abundant Inflammation in Osteoarthritic patients. Goldenberg et al. (1982) noted that inflammatory synovitis is often present in osteoarthritis (1).

Modern imaging modalities demonstrate that osteoarthritis is a complex of multi-tissue pathologies. It involves Inflammation of synovium, cartilage, and subchondral bone. The changes in synovium appear before visible cartilage degeneration has occurred. The synovium lining layer thickens, and it produces inflammatory cytokines. The modern imaging modalities and synovium examination has confirmed that synovium remains inflamed in all stages of Osteoarthritis. Several studies also demonstrate that synovitis (Inflammation of synovium) causes pain and poor function. We can therefore infer that synovitis is the first stage in the development of Osteoarthritis.

A 2017 review published in ‘Arthritis Research & Therapy’ by Alexander Mathiessen and Philip G. Connaghan indicates that synovitis is essentially osteoarthritis (2).

Role of Inflammation in causing Osteoarthritis

The Inflammation of the synovium naturally affects the functions of synovium, one of which is the secretion of synovial fluid. If the synovial fluid becomes insufficient, the friction between the bones will damage the articular cartilages.

Many scientific studies demonstrate that synovitis (inflammation of synovial membrane) is the cause of pain. What seems clear is that the solution for osteoarthritis is in addressing inflammation. Reduction of Inflammation reduces pain.

The top priority in treating Osteoarthritis is pain and inflammation. Two enzymes predominantly promote inflammation. They are cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO). By inhibiting the pathways of these enzymes, we can reduce pain and inflammation. The Inhibition should be only of COX-2 and not COX-1 because the latter produces prostaglandins that activate platelets and protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Several natural anti-inflammatory substances have been evaluated scientifically for their efficacy in alleviating pain and inflammation. They inhibit COX-2 without inhibiting COX-1. The most effective of the natural anti-inflammatory substances is Perna canaliculus – also known as Green Lipped Mussel. This species is from New Zealand.

What causes Osteoarthritis (OA)?

OA is a lifestyle inflammatory disease of the joints. It is painful and restricts free movements.

What are synovial or diarthrosis joints?

Synovial joints are the most flexible joints. A synovial membrane called synovium surrounds the joint creating a cavity.  The synovium secretes synovial fluid into the joint cavity for lubricating the joint. Examples of synovial joints are knees, hips, elbows, wrists, neck etc.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a protective response of the immune system to an injury or an invasion by a pathogen.

There are two types of inflammation

• – Acute inflammation
• – Chronic inflammation

Acute inflammation is temporary. It is a part of the immune response to achieve the following objectives:

• – To eliminate the agent that causes injury to the cells. It does so by destroying and neutralizing the harmful agent.
• – To remove the damaged tissue
• – To generate a new tissue

Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation continues to persist because the causing agents do not disappear. This type of inflammation is a lifestyle condition, and it is associated with all chronic diseases, including arthritis.

Principal causes of chronic inflammation

1. 1. Foods are the principal cause of inflammation.
2. 2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. 3. Improper sleeping habits
4. 4. Inability to handle stress

Foods That Cause Osteoarthritis

What you eat, how you eat and when you eat can indicate the causes of chronic inflammation.

List of pro-inflammatory foods:

• – Refined carbs
• – Excessive sugar consumption
• – Deep-fried foods and junk food
• – Industrially produced foods with synthetic colors, flavors and preservatives
• – Excessive alcohol consumption

Eating improperly can cause inflammation

• – Eating in a hurry without completing mechanical digestion and without initiating the process of chemical digestion in the mouth
• – Irregular eating habit
• – Drinking water while eating (dilutes the digestive juices in the stomach, disrupting protein digestion)
• – Viewing TV, mobile, newspapers etc. while eating; interferes with the digestive process

Eating at odd hours can cause inflammation

• – Irregular timings; not eating when hungry or eating when not hungry
• – Odd hour eating; midnight snacking

 [Real hunger is the body’s need for energy. Fake hunger is an addiction to a specific food.]

Other factors leading to Osteoarthritis

A sedentary lifestyle is a significant contributor

Joints do need loading and moving for the nourishment of the articular cartilages. A sedentary lifestyle can cause low-grade inflammation and bring you the misery of OA.

Poor sleeping habits lead to inflammation

Sleep is to restore your organs, tissues and cells that have slogged through the day. Not sleeping enough and sleeping at irregular hours are significant causes of inflammation.

Inability to handle stress

Stress is a causative factor in chronic inflammation. Low-grade inflammation can affect all parts of the body, including the synovium. Inflamed synovium is osteoarthritis (1), and it causes pain.

OA is preventable and reversible!

Osteoarthritis is a life spoiler. It can cause untold miseries. You must proactively make sincere efforts to free yourself from this debilitating condition.

Solution for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a lifestyle disease. Making corrections in your lifestyle can reverse OA. Perfect Svasthya can provide you with a guideline on how to change the “Four Verticals” of lifestyle.

Lifestyle changes are also essential because they are responsible for causing Osteoarthritis (OA). Avoid eating inflammation producing foods as described above.

Include physical activities in your daily routine. Walking and Yoga are excellent. Stress can also cause inflammation. Meditation may help in managing stress.

To enjoy restorative sleep, make your dinner light and free from proteins. Maintain a gap of a minimum of 3 hours between your dinner and bedtime. Do not watch TV, cellular and computer screens at least an hour before you go to bed. All of them interfere with the production of melatonin in the brain that is essential for your quality sleep.

Movement is essential for joyful living. Do all you can to restore the wellness for your joints.

References

1. 1. Inflammatory synovitis in degenerative joint disease. D L Goldenberg, M S Egan, A S Cohen. J Rheumatol. Mar-Apr 1982;9(2):204-9.
2. 2. Synovitis in osteoarthritis: current understanding with therapeutic implications. Alexander Mathiessen, Philip G Conaghan. Arthritis Res Ther. 2017 Feb 2;19(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s13075-017-1229-9.

Introduction To Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder that shows itself through symptoms like joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The extent of the symptoms can range from mild to severe, making it difficult to perform activities of daily living at times. Rheumatoid arthritis does not have a cure, however there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you might wonder what treatments are available to help relieve your symptoms. In this blog article, we’ll go over some of the options that are available and some other related disorders.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a protracted inflammatory disease that affects more than just your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the lining of your lungs and heart. This disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means that your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis has no known treatment, but treatments available can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

What is the Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor?

Rheumatoid arthritis factor is an autoantibody found in the blood of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Autoantibodies are proteins that attack healthy cells and tissues by mistake. Rheumatoid factor is a type of autoantibody that attacks the lining of the joints (synovium). Because of this, the joints may swell and become painful. Rheumatoid factor is found in about 70% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it can also be found in people who don’t have rheumatoid arthritis.

The different types of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are four main types of rheumatoid arthritis, each with its symptoms and treatment options:

1. 1. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 16 million Americans. If the cartilage that covers your bone ends begins to deteriorate, you will experience this condition. Joint pain, rigidity, and swelling are all common symptoms. Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and weight loss.
2. 2. Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects about 1.3 million Americans. It happens when the immune system of the body attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and damage to the bones and cartilage. Treatment typically involves disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological agents, and corticosteroids.
3. 3. Juvenile arthritis: Children under 16 are mostly affected by this form of arthritis. It might be difficult to identify because symptoms vary greatly amongst children. Treatment typically involves a combination of DMARDs, biological agents, corticosteroids, and physical therapy.
4. 4. Psoriatic arthritis: This is a form of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis. It causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints, as well as damage to the nails and skin. Treatment typically involves DMARDs, biological agents, and corticosteroids.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout

Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are two of the most common forms of arthritis. They are both caused by an inflammatory response in the body and can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness in the joints.

The main difference between rheumatoid arthritis and gout is that gout is caused by uric acid crystals forming in the joints. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation around the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused by an inflammatory disease that creates inflammation around the joints. Even though it can occur in any joint in your body, it usually starts in your hands and feet. It frequently manifests in other areas of the body, such as the spine or the eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition for which the cause is unknown. Researchers are of the opinion that the sickness could be brought on by the immune system of the body attacking the cells and tissue of the body itself. This produces inflammation around your joints, leading to pain and swelling.

The painful condition known as gout is brought on by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid comes from a protein called purine that builds up inside cells throughout our bodies every day when we digest food like meats or seafood with high purine content like sardines or anchovies (which have more than tuna fish).

When too much uric acid is in our bloodstream, it starts to crystallize into sharp needle-like crystals that can cause inflammation around joints where they form; this causes pain, swelling, and red tendons. The most common gout symptom is sudden and intense pain in one or more joints, usually the big toe but sometimes other joints such as the knees, ankles, or elbows.

What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can present itself in a variety of ways depending on the individual who has it. They may come and go, and they may get worse over time. The most common symptoms include:

1. 1. Pain: This is the symptom of rheumatoid arthritis that is experienced by the majority of patients. The severity might range from mild to severe, and it may appear and disappear at will. In most cases, the discomfort is at its worst first thing in the morning and after prolonged periods of relaxation.
2. 2. Stiffness: This is another common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The joints may feel stiff and difficult to move. In most cases, the stiffness is at its worst first thing in the morning and after prolonged periods of sitting or lying down.
3. 3. Swelling: This occurs when the joints become inflamed. The swelling can cause the joints to feel warm to the touch, making them look red or puffy.
4. 4. Fatigue: This is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, ranging from mild to severe. People with rheumatoid arthritis may feel tired all the time or after periods of activity.
5. 5. Fever: This is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people. The fever may be low-grade and persistent or come and go.
6. 6. Weight loss: This is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people. People with rheumatoid arthritis may lose weight due to inflammation and fatigue.
7. 7. Joint deformity: This is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people. The joints may become deformed over time as the disease progresses.

Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you are living with rheumatoid arthritis, several treatments can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. In addition to medication, physical therapy and exercise are often recommended as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Physical therapy involves exercises that help to strengthen the muscles and joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Physical therapists can also teach you how to properly use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers if needed. Exercise is important for people with rheumatoid arthritis as it helps to maintain joint flexibility and range of motion. Swimming and water aerobics are often recommended as they put minimal joint stress.

In addition to physical therapies, several medications can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biological agents. DMARDs work by slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, while biologic agents target specific parts of the immune system that contribute to the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a difficult disease to live with, However, there are a number of treatments that are currently available that can assist with the management of symptoms and the improvement of one’s quality of life. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should discuss your treatment choices with your primary care physician.

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is not as simple as “having a terrible case of the flu,” as those who suffer from the condition are well aware. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling can all be symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory illness. In addition to this, it may result in despair, exhaustion, and other health issues.

But there is good news! Many people with rheumatoid arthritis can live long, full lives with early diagnosis and treatment. There are also ways to manage the disease, so it does not take over your life.

Here are some tips for living with RA:

1. 1. Get educated about your disease. The more you know about rheumatoid arthritis, the better you will be able to manage it. Talk to your doctor and read reliable sources of information (such as the Arthritis Foundation website).
2. 2. Find a support system. There are a lot of other people in this globe who can empathize with what you are going through right now. Connecting with others who have rheumatoid arthritis can help you feel less alone and provide valuable tips for dealing with the disease.
3. 3. Take care of yourself. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and getting enough sleep are all important for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Also, if you could refrain from smoking, it would be helpful, which can make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worse

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are both autoimmune disorders that can cause joint pain and swelling. Lupus is also characterized by a rash. Both are brought on by the immune system of the body attacking the tissues of the body. This results in inflammation as well as injury to the joints, which makes it difficult to move around.

Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus also share many symptoms, including fatigue, fever, weight loss, and night sweats. However, rheumatoid arthritis is generally more severe than lupus and can affect multiple joints at once, while lupus tends to affect only one joint at a time.

Additionally, while both conditions can cause joint damage, people with lupus experience more damage over time than those with rheumatoid arthritis. It is also important to note that while rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, lupus is not an autoimmune condition; rather, it is an inflammatory condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Ulnar Deviation

A person with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might experience ulnar deviation of the hands. This means that the thumbs are turned out and down, away from the other fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis ulnar deviation does not occur in all patients with the condition, and it can vary in severity among individuals.

The cause of the ulnar deviation is unknown, but it may be related to altered connections between nerves and muscles in hand. It may also be caused by inflammation or scarring in areas of the hand that control movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis ulnar deviation can cause pain and stiffness in the joints of your hands and fingers and changes in sensation. In certain instances, the severity of these symptoms may be such that they prevent the individual from engaging in normal daily tasks such as writing or typing on a computer keyboard.

Rheumatoid arthritis elbow is a painful and debilitating condition in which the joint at the elbow is inflamed, causing stiffness, swelling and pain. There are several causes of arthritis in the elbow, including overuse injuries and genetics. Treatment for an inflamed elbow joint depends on the underlying cause but may include rest from aggravating activities and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis X Ray

The rheumatoid arthritis x ray is variable. There is a spectrum of changes in the early and late phases of the disease. In the early phase, an erosive process with marginal osteophytes occurs in the distal interphalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints. As the disease progresses, there may be erosion of the metacarpophalangeal joints; flattening or loss of joint space, narrowing of the joint space, subchondral sclerosis, and cystic change.

In addition to these changes on plain film x-ray, there may be erosive bony changes in other parts of the skeleton, including vertebrae and ribs. The presence of soft tissue swelling may also be seen on an x-ray examination.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that cannot be cured but can be managed with the use of medicine and by making adjustments to one’s lifestyle. Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis are able to live full and active lives if they receive the appropriate treatment plan. If you have any reason to believe that you may be suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, it is important that you seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner as soon as possible. Only then can you get started on the path toward symptom management.

Fibromyalgia: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition characterized by generalized pain, fatigue, sleeplessness, and mood problems. It commonly affects young or middle-aged women, but it can affect people of any gender regardless of age (1). Fibromyalgia patients might be more vulnerable to pain than non-fibromyalgia patients due to abnormal processing of pain perception.

Fibromyalgia affects around 4 million individuals in the United States, accounting for approximately 2 percent of the total number of adults in the United States (2). Fibromyalgia has no recognized cause, however, it can be treated effectively and controlled. This article will discuss in detail fibromyalgia, including its causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments – including newer complementary treatment, such as fibromyalgia yoga and fibromyalgia VA ratings.

Causes Of Fibromyalgia

Healthcare providers and researchers are yet to provide an exact cause of fibromyalgia. The most recent study indicates that genetic predisposition along with one or more factors such as infection, and stressful events appear to be the cause.

The persistent and widespread pattern of fibromyalgia pain across the body is also poorly understood by experts although a theory also suggested that the brain decreases the threshold for pain. Over time, stimuli that were not painful in the past now become extremely painful.

Another theory also suggests that the brain and nerve cells may perceive typical pain signals incorrectly or overreact to them. These individuals become more sensitive to the point that they inflict pain that is either unneeded or excessive. The suggested causes of fibromyalgia are highlighted below:

• – Gene: Fibromyalgia frequently runs in families. One is more likely to get this ailment if there is a family history of the disease.
• – Infections: A previous disease may have triggered fibromyalgia or worsened its symptoms. Infections that may be associated with fibromyalgia include:
• – Lung infections
• – Common cold
• – Diarrhea disease resulting from bacterial infections such as Shigella and Salmonella.
• – Trauma: Fibromyalgia may occur in those who experience significant physical or mental trauma. A connection between illness and PTSD has been shown.
• – Stress: Stress may have similar long-lasting consequences on your body as trauma. Hormonal changes brought on by stress may play a role in fibromyalgia (3).

Risk Factors Of Fibromyalgia

The following are risk factors that can predispose a patient to fibromyalgia:

• – Age. Children can be affected by fibromyalgia, as can adults of all ages. However, the majority of cases are discovered by middle age and the chances of developing fibromyalgia increases.
• – Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. There is a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia if there is an associated systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• – Sex. Fibromyalgia is twice as common in women as it is in men.
• – Traumatic or stressful occurrence: This includes vehicle accidents, past stressful events, and long-standing wounds. Injuries caused by a joint experiencing repeated stress, such as repetitive knee bending, obesity, and sickness.

Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

A person can have symptoms at any point in their lives, but between the 4th and 6th decade is when they most frequently manifest. The severity of the symptom(s) and response to treatments are the two important factors used to assign a fibromyalgia VA rating to a patient. Pain is the primary feature of fibromyalgia and it is usually described as widespread across the body. Such pains are described below:

• – Chest pain: The discomfort experienced during an event of a heart attack might be comparable to the discomfort of fibromyalgia when the pain is located in the chest. The cartilage that attaches chest ribs to the breastbone is the primary site of chest discomfort in people with fibromyalgia. The pain could be felt in the arms and shoulders as well. A heart attack symptom is often described by those who experienced it as a stabbing or burning feeling that makes it seem like troubled breathing.
• – Backache: This is one of the most typical locations to experience discomfort in fibromyalgia. The majority of people have low back discomfort throughout their lives. However, other conditions like arthritis and or strained muscle can mimic the back pain of fibromyalgia.
• – Leg pain: The leg muscles may hurt from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Leg pain associated with fibromyalgia can be described as similar to either the stiffness of arthritis or even the discomfort of a strained muscle. Intense, burning, or throbbing are some possible words used to describe this discomfort. Leg fatigue might occasionally be felt as well. The legs may feel as though they are being supported by heavy weights (3).

Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are;

• – Headaches with generalized pain
• – Fatigue and weakness
• – Problem with sleeping
• – Memory problems
• – Vision difficulties
• – Chest discomfort
• – Weight increase
• – Depression
• – Anxiety
• – Abnormal sensation in the hand and feet
• – Tiredness (2)

Progression Of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia frequently progresses in an unusual fashion. The majority of patients with fibromyalgia go through a period of intense manifestation and reduced remission of symptoms at various times. While fibromyalgia symptoms may not be completely curable, most people may lessen their symptoms with medication and lifestyle modifications.

Complications Of Fibromyalgia

One or more of the following complications might result from fibromyalgia:

• – Increased rate of hospitalization

Individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia are approximately two times more likely than those without the disorder to be hospitalized. Fibromyalgia patients are said to have 10 outpatient services annually and 1 hospitalization every 3 years.

• – Obesity and physical inactivity

Physical deconditioning resulting from fibromyalgia can occur due to a lack of physical exercise, which promotes fast degeneration of the muscles, skeleton, heart, and blood vessels. Obesity is increased by deconditioning and a lack of physical exercise.

• – Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of comorbid medical problems that raises the chance of having type 2 diabetes, strokes, and cardiovascular problems. High glucose levels, hypertension, extra body fat around the waist, and elevated lipid or triglyceride levels are examples of these disorders.

• – Significant functional disability

Fibromyalgia is commonly accompanied by other symptoms such as tiredness, cognitive dysfunction fog, headaches, and insomnia, in addition to pain. These symptoms might make doing daily duties difficult.

• – Anxiety and severe depression

Fibromyalgia patients are nearly three times as likely as non-fibromyalgia patients to suffer from serious depression. Therefore, screening for sadness and anxiety is critical in this group of patients (4). Fibromyalgia yoga helps to focus the mind and reduces the emotional distress associated with the disease.

Diagnosis Of Fibromyalgia

During the examination, the doctor will also test the sensitive sites; if 11 of the 18 most frequent locations are painful and the patient has had generalized pain for a minimum of three months, a fibromyalgia diagnosis could be provided. Furthermore, to be termed generalized, fibromyalgia pain must impact both the left and right sides of one’s body, as well as above and below the waist.

Also, a proper diagnosis is made after fibromyalgia mimics such as lupus are ruled out. The department of veterans also requires a diagnosis of this disease by a rheumatologist before assigning a fibromyalgia VA rating (9).

Treatment For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia has no known treatment. However, both non-drug and drug-based therapies can be used to address the symptoms. Multiple sorts of therapies are frequently used to attain the greatest results. The use of complementary and alternative medicine like fibromyalgia yoga, tai chi, and qigong for the management of fibromyalgia has been employed more in recent times (8).

Non-Drug Therapies

Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia should combine any recommended medications with non-drug therapies.

• – Physical activity is the most effective therapy for fibromyalgia, according to research. Any drug therapy should be supplemented with physical activity. Regular aerobic workouts for patients are most beneficial. Fibromyalgia Yoga and Tai Chi are two more body-based treatments that help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms. Low-impact exercise will not hurt even when one feels to be in discomfort.
• – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to understand how beliefs and actions impact pain and other symptoms. Patients can learn various pain-relieving symptom management techniques with the use of CBT and associated therapies like mindfulness. Mindfulness is a non-religious meditation technique that helps to develop present-moment awareness. It trains patients to focus on the present environment. Fibromyalgia symptoms have been demonstrated to be greatly improved by mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques.
• – Acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage treatment are examples of complementary and alternative therapies (also known as CAM or integrative medicine) that can be effective in treating fibromyalgia symptoms. However, many of these therapies have not been well studied in fibromyalgia patients.
• – Sleep therapy: It’s essential to treat fibromyalgia risk factors and triggers, such as sleep apnea and mood disorders including stress, nervousness, panic disorder, and low mood. Other professionals like a therapist, psychiatrist, or sleep medicine physician may need to be involved in this.

Drug-based therapies

Three medications have gotten the approval of the American Food and Drug Administration for the management of fibromyalgia. They include duloxetine marketed as Cymbalta and milnacipran marketed as Savella. These two medications alter some of the brain chemicals that regulate pain thresholds Fibromyalgia may also be treated with older medications that similarly influence these same brain chemicals. These include cyclobenzaprine and amitriptyline. Some people may or may not benefit from taking additional antidepressants. The medicine has different side effects.

Some pain medications also promote sleep, which helps with sleep issues. These include pregabalin (Pregabalin), amitriptyline (Elavil), gabapentin (Neurontin), and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) (Lyrica). Patients with fibromyalgia are not advised to take benzodiazepines or sleeping pills like zolpidem (Ambien) (5).

Fibromyalgia Yoga Poses For Chronic Pain Relief

Significant musculoskeletal pain is a major symptom of fibromyalgia, which in turn affects sleep, thinking, and memory. Fibromyalgia is frequently seen by physicians as a form of arthritis. It hurts, much like common arthritic ailments do. But unlike arthritis, it doesn’t seriously harm the muscles or joints.

Although fibromyalgia can be treated with medications, there is evidence to support the benefits of exercise, movement and body awareness, and muscular strength training. All of these methods are combined in fibromyalgia yoga, which may help with pain relief and muscular stiffness.

Several yoga positions have the potential to be of help to someone with fibromyalgia, however, a book published by Shoosh Crotzer titled ” Yoga for Fibromyalgia” suggests a few in particular. It is also important that before starting fibromyalgia yoga, it is really essential to speak with a doctor. All of these postures have many modifications to accommodate patients’ skill levels.

Yoga and meditation originated about 5,000 years ago in India and have been practiced in the world since then. Practice of yoga has been seen to help many body ailments, especially related to the pain in muscles and joints. Regular practice of yoga may also help with relaxation. Yoga poses are actually called yoga asana in ancient language Sanskrit. A certified yoga teacher may recommend treatment options to help with fibromyalgia. A supervised yoga therapy done in a yoga class or in a private session may ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome.

The benefits of yoga postures also depend on the type of yoga one is practicing. Where relaxation yoga can help with a good night’s sleep, restorative yoga practice may be beneficial for muscle strength and managing fibromyalgia. If your muscles cause pain, yoga for people with fibromyalgia may help to manage fibromyalgia pain. Below mentioned postures to practice yoga may work on body’s tender points to ease chronic pain:

1. Fibromyalgia Yoga: Bridge Pose

It includes the following steps:

• – Lie on your back on the floor.
• – Bend your knees and place both feet flat on the floor.
• – Straighten the arms and, if feasible, clasp them beneath the body as you exhale and lift the tailbone off the floor, keeping the buttocks taut.
• – Maintain this position for 30-60 seconds.
• – Exhale softly as you roll your lower back and spine toward the floor
• – Place a rolled-up blanket beneath the shoulders to support the neck and prevent pain when laying face-up on the floor. Anyone who has had a neck injury in the past should avoid this position.

2. Yoga For Fibromyalgia: Standing Forward Bend Pose

It entails the following steps:

• – The first step is to place your feet hip-width apart.
• – From the hip joints, bend forward.
• – If feasible, place the palms or the tips of the fingers on the ground. People who are unable to touch the floor with their hands might instead rest their palms on their thighs or calves. After a minimum of 30 to 60 seconds, carefully roll your body up until you are standing straight. It may be preferable for someone with back pain to maintain their bent knees.

3. Yoga Poses For Fibromyalgia: Cobra Pose

The cobra stance enables you to relax the chest muscles and stretch out fatigued legs. To achieve this position

• – Lie face-down on the ground with your palms facing up and your hands under your shoulders.
• – Reposition the elbows towards your body.
• – Take a deep breath in, press into your palms, and extend your arms until your upper body rises off the floor. Avoid raising the pelvis or feet off the ground.
• – Feel the lower back and the stretch over your chest.
• – Maintain the pose for 15–30 seconds, at which point you should drop it and go back to your initial position. Please note that this position should not be performed by anybody who is pregnant or suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, or a lower back in

4. Fibromyalgia Chronic Pain: Corpse pose

To perform the corpse stance, follow these steps:

• – Straighten out on your back.
• – Slowly inhale and exhale while picturing the body being filled with healing air.
• – As you inhale, see the energy reviving your body.
• – As you exhale, feel the stress and discomfort released.
• – Hold the position until you are ready to stop (6).

Fibromyalgia VA Rating

The severity of fibromyalgia in a patient determines the fibromyalgia VA rating by the VA. Percentages are used to represent disability ratings. The VA considers the following factors when determining disability rating:

• – Medical history
• – The outcome of the VA claim test, if one was necessary.
• – Any information obtained from outside sources such as called a Statement in Support of Claim
• – The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, 4.71a diagnostic code 5025, covers the VA disability ratings for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia may be classified as having a 40%, 20%, or 10% disability level.
• – Symptoms that are continuous or almost constant and fail to respond to treatment are assigned a rating of 40%.
• – Episodic symptoms that occur greater than a third of the time and are exacerbated or worsened by particular triggers are assigned a rating of 20%.
• – Symptoms that necessitate ongoing medication are assigned a rating of 10% (7).

References:

1. 1. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
2. 2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147083#treatment
3. 3. https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia#tender-points
4. 4. https://www.painscale.com/article/progression-and-potential-complications-of-fibromyalgia
5. 5. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia
6. 6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315142#poses

7.https://vet.law/va-disability-claims/physical-conditions/fibromyalgia/#:~:text=Fibromyalgia+may+receive+a+disability,%2C+20%25+or+10%25.&text=Some+veterans+have+more+than,This+rating+cannot+exceed+100%25.

8.https://www.verywellhealth.com/yoga-for-fibromyalgia-715782#:~:text=Yoga+is+one+of+the,a+cardiovascular+workout+as+well.

9.https://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/2020/12/15/va-ratings-and-fibromyalgia/

Knee Stiffness: Types, Causes, And Treatment

Knee stiffness is a common ailment that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as injuries, arthritis, or overuse. Although it is not considered a serious medical condition, it can limit mobility and hinder one’s ability to perform daily tasks with ease. Treatment options range from simple exercises to medication or even surgery depending on the severity of the condition. Therefore, it is essential to seek a medical professional’s advice to determine the underlying cause of the knee stiffness and receive proper treatment to alleviate the symptoms. Proper diagnosis and timely intervention can help individuals regain their desired level of functionality and improve their overall quality of life.

Types of Knee Stiffness

There are several different types of knee stiffness. The most common type is pain and stiffness in the lower leg, usually caused by a problem with the muscles or ligaments in the leg. Other types of knee stiffness can be caused by problems with the joints themselves, such as:

Patellofemoral syndrome (PF): This common problem affects the quadriceps muscle (the muscle on the front of your thigh). It is usually caused by overuse or mutations in the gene that controls this muscle. PF can cause pain and disability in the leg.

This common problem affects the quadriceps muscle (the muscle on the front of your thigh). It is usually caused by overuse or mutations in the gene that controls this muscle. PF can cause pain and disability in the leg.

Arthritis: Inflammation and damage to the joints are symptoms of arthritis, an illness that can affect anyone. Many different things could have a role, including genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in different joints, including the knees.

It can be caused by many factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in different joints, including the knees.

Osteoarthritis: The cartilage in the knee joint can get damaged by osteoarthritis. Usually, it results from wear and tears over time. The knee joint may become painful and inflexible due to osteoarthritis.

The Causes of Knee stiffness

Several factors can cause knee stiffness.

1. 1. Genetics
2. 2. Injuries
3. 3. Age
4. 4. Life activities
5. 5. Conditioning

Treatment for Knee Stiffness

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating knee stiffness. However, common treatments for knee stiffness include:

Rest: Resting your knee is an important part of treating knee stiffness. Try to avoid excessive activity or moving your leg too much. This will assist in reducing the edema and inflammation that can contribute to knee stiffness.

Ice: It can help reduce the pain and inflammation in the knee. Every day for 10 to 15 minutes, apply ice to the affected area. Make sure you use a cold pack, not an ice pack that has been in the freezer for too long. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help you learn how to do exercises that can improve your knee function. Exercises can also reduce the pain and stiffness in the knee.

Physical therapy can help you learn how to do exercises that can improve your knee function. Exercises can also reduce the pain and stiffness in the knee. Medications: Some medications may be prescribed to treat knee stiffness. These include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), drugs that block inflammation, and opioids, which are painkillers.

Some medications may be prescribed to treat knee stiffness. These include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), drugs that block inflammation, and opioids, which are painkillers. Surgery: Surgery may be needed to correct underlying problems causing knee stiffness. This might include surgery to remove torn or damaged muscles or ligaments or replace damaged cartilage with artificial materials.

Knee exercises to help reduce stiffness

You can do different knee exercises to help reduce stiffness and improve your range of motion.

The following exercises should be performed three times per day:

1. 1. Quadriceps stretch
2. 2. Hamstring stretch
3. 3. Calf stretch

Home remedies for knee stiffness

Several home remedies can be used to help relieve knee stiffness. Some of these remedies may require only a small amount of time to take effect, while others may need to be used longer.

Here are three home remedies for knee stiffness that you can try:

1. 1. Warm baths: A warm bath can help loosen tight muscles and reduce pain. Add some Epsom salt or lavender oil to the bathwater to enhance the effects. Try soaking for 20-30 minutes each day.
2. 2. Heat packs: Heat packs can also be helpful when it comes to relieving knee stiffness. Place a heat pack on your knee for 15-20 minutes each day, starting early in the morning or late at night when you are most likely to have pain. Ensure the heat pack is not too hot, and be careful not to apply too much pressure.
3. 3. Exercise: Exercise can also help reduce knee stiffness, although this may not be as effective as other methods. Exercise can improve your overall circulation and help reduce inflammation in the area. Try engaging in gentle exercises such as walking or yoga whenever you have pain in your knee.

Surgery options for knee stiffness

Knee stiffness is a common problem that can cause pain and disability. There are different types of knee stiffness, and each requires a different treatment. For treating knee stiffness, there are fortunately numerous choices.

The most popular surgical remedies for knee stiffness include the following:

1. 1. Arthroscopy: This procedure uses a thin tube called an arthroscope to look inside the joint. Arthroscopy can help diagnose and treat problems in the joint, such as arthritis or cartilage damage.
2. 2. Partial knee replacement: Partial knee replacement is a surgery that replaces part of the knee joint. This can enhance performance and lessen pain.
3. 3. Knee reconstruction: Knee reconstruction is a procedure that replaces the entire knee joint. This can be more expensive than other treatments but can provide long-term relief from knee stiffness.
4. 4. Total knee replacement: Total knee replacement is the most common surgery for treating knee stiffness. This surgery replaces the entire knee joint, including the bones, cartilage, and ligaments. It can provide long-term relief from pain and disability.
5. 5. Arthroscopic debridement: Arthroscopic debridement is a procedure that uses an arthroscope to remove debris and infection from the joint. Debris and infection can cause pain and stiffness in the knee.
6. 6. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength in the knee. This can help reduce pain and disability symptoms.
7. 7. Steroid injections: Steroid injections are a common treatment for knee stiffness. These injections contain strong drugs that can reduce inflammation and pain in the joint.
8. 8. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that uses acupuncture needles to treat various medical problems. Acupuncture helps treat knee stiffness.

Knee Stiffness and Pain

Knee stiffness is a condition caused by various factors, including aging, injury, and genetics. In many cases, knee stiffness is a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as arthritis. If you’re experiencing knee stiffness and pain, there are some things you can do to help ease the pain and improve your overall quality of life.

The following are some tips for dealing with knee stiffness and pain:

1. 1. Make sure you’re getting regular exercise. One of the best ways to lessen knee stiffness and pain is through physical exercise. Exercise can help improve your overall cardiovascular health, which can, in turn, reduce your risk of developing other health problems. Exercise also helps loosen up your muscles and tendons, which can help reduce knee stiffness and pain.
2. 2. Try a physical therapy program. Your flexibility, range of motion, strength, and balance can all be improved via physical therapy. You may be able to better control your symptoms with the assistance of physical therapy.
3. 3. Consider making changes to your lifestyle habits. Some lifestyle habits that may contribute to knee stiffness and pain include Smoking, being overweight or obese, having poor posture, and drinking alcohol excessively. Making these changes may take time, but they can significantly impact your overall quality of life.
4. 4. Consider using medication. If the other suggestions fail, there are numerous drugs that can ease pain and stiffness in the knees. Talk to your doctor about which one might be best for you.

If you’re experiencing knee stiffness and pain, don’t hesitate to seek help. You can do many things to improve your quality of life and reduce your symptoms.

Knee Sore from Running

Are you having knee sore from running? It is possible that your injury is serious, but it’s also possible you are just running too much or doing the wrong kind of exercise for your body. Learn about how to protect your knees when running by following these tips:

• – Never wear high heels. Running in heels puts excess stress on the joint and increases the likelihood of falling.
• – Find shoes with proper arch support. Arch supports create a force that assists in maintaining the natural alignment of the feet and help absorb shock, which can reduce risk of falls, injuries, chronic pain and discomfort . You can have inserts custom made to match your unique foot shape at a podiatrist office (See Below).
• – Switch up between walking and jogging. Don’t push yourself too hard as this will only make your knee sore from running worse and will lead to fatigue, so listen to what your body tells you!

If your knee is stiff and swollen, it can be difficult to walk comfortably. You may notice that you are limping or that you cannot bend the knee past a certain point. There are many reasons for this, such as injury, arthritis, or nerve damage. In order to determine the reason for your knee stiffness, visit your doctor to have a physical exam done. They will ask you questions about your knee pain to get an idea of what might be causing the problem. Depending on their findings, they may refer you to a specialist for further treatment options.

Knees are stiff after sitting

Knee is stiff after sitting for a long period. This is because the muscles that extend the knee, namely the quadriceps, become fatigued. If you find that your knees are stiff after sitting for a long period of time, there may be a good reason for it. Knees can become stiff when the ligaments and tendons that attach them to the bone become tight. This is usually caused by prolonged sitting or inactivity, but it can also be induced by various medical conditions.

When these muscles become fatigued, they can no longer generate the same force as before. This means that the kneecap cannot move as freely, and energy is put into maintaining stability instead of moving. The result is stiffness in the joint.

If knees are stiff and swollen after sitting for a long time, this may be due to poor circulation. Raising your feet by propping them up on a low seat, using footrests, or elevating your legs with pillows while resting will help blood flow back to your heart more easily. Painful knee stiffness could also be caused by arthritis, gout, pseudogout, other joint conditions (like bursitis), or swelling due to injury (like tears in ligaments). Seek medical care if knee pain worsens or persists beyond two weeks.

You might need over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce swelling and relieve pain. But if the knee stiffness doesn’t get better with this type of treatment, an orthopedist should examine it as soon as possible because it may require surgery or other medical attention.

Knee sore inside

The most common knee sore inside is patellar tendinitis, which usually begins on the inside of the knee near the shin bone (tibia). The pain caused from knee sore inside may worsen when walking or running, causing a limp. Patellar tendinitis is caused by repeated pounding from activities such as running or jumping. Scar tissue builds up under the tendon, which causes irritation or inflammation. You may take time off your favorite exercise routine for 3-4 weeks until it heals. Here are a few tips:

1. 1. Get moving: Exercise is important for overall health, but it’s especially beneficial for relieving knee stiffness. Exercise can help improve your flexibility and range of motion, reducing the pressure on your knee joint.
2. 2. Reduce the amount of stress on your knees: When you’re feeling stiff or sore in your knee, try to reduce the amount of stress on the joint by avoiding sudden movements or jarring impacts. Instead, try to gently stretch the area before moving on to the next step.
3. 3. Take ibuprofen or other painkillers: If painkillers aren’t providing relief, consider taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter medication. These medications will help reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief from pain.
4. 4. See a doctor: If you’re experiencing significant pain or the above measures haven’t provided relief, see a doctor. A physician can perform an examination and diagnose the cause of your knee stiffness. They may also recommend specific treatments to alleviate the pain.

Conclusion

Knee stiffness is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. Many treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms, but it’s important to consult a doctor to find the best solution for you. Various treatments can relieve knee stiffness, including stretching exercises, pain medications, and surgery.

Lupus Facts: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Lupus

Lupus, otherwise referred to as systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body resulting in pain and edema. An autoimmune disease, simply means that the immune system of the body is attacking itself rather than fighting against only pathogens (2). As a result of its complex immune manifestation, lupus is otherwise referred to as the disease of a thousand faces (3).

Per lupus facts and statistics from the Lupus Foundation of America, at least five million people worldwide and about 1.5 million Americans, have some form of lupus. Out of these, maximum percent of people with lupus are women.

Lupus symptoms include pain, fatigue, hair-loss, cognitive issues, and physical impairments. People with lupus may also suffer from cardiovascular disease, strokes, rashes, and pain in their joints. And there may be no visible symptoms for others.

It is often difficult to make a diagnosis of lupus because it has non-specific symptoms that look like other agents. The butterfly rash on the face is pathognomonic of lupus but not all patients give the classical symptoms. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for lupus, patients with lupus can only be managed (1).

Lupus Facts: Types Of Lupus

There are quite a several kinds of lupus. Of all, systemic lupus erythematosus is the commonest.

• – Systemic lupus erythematosus

This is the commonest type of lupus and it consists of approximately 70 percent of cases recorded. Being systemic, multiple organs of the body are at risk and due to this, SLE is the most severe lupus in clinical practice.

Systemic lupus can affect the joints, the kidneys, and the blood. Other areas that can be affected are the skin, and the heart, and the inflammation is capable of affecting multiple organs at the same time.

SLE is associated with active and remission phases. During the active phase, the patient manifests signs and symptoms of the disease and during remission, the patient is asymptomatic, and the cycle continues like that (3).

• – Cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus majorly affects the skin of the affected individual. Patients presenting with cutaneous lupus present with symptoms of hypersensitive skin, sunburns, skin rashes, and sometimes they have alopecia, meaning hair loss (2).

• – Drug-induced lupus

Certain medications can predispose a person to lupus and such is referred to as drug-induced lupus, and it disappears once the patient stops such medications. It has clinical features similar to systemic lupus erythematosus but it has a brief duration of illness (2).

• – Discoid lupus erythematosus

The discoid lupus erythematosus is another type of lupus with cutaneous manifestation. It is characterized by the appearance of a skin lesion usually on the face and scalp of the patient, and this lesion is usually circular. Unfortunately, they can also affect some inner ears which may not be noticed early.

It usually results in discoloration of the skin and leaves scars after treatment. When discoid lupus affects the scalp, hair usually does not grow back in the affected scalp areas. Studies revealed that about 10 percent of patients with DLE, later develop systemic lupus later in life (3).

• – Neonatal lupus

Neonatal lupus is a rare form of lupus seen in a newborn at birth. Studies have shown that it is a result of antibodies detected in the infants which are believed to be inherited from their mothers who had lupus with pregnancy or the children might have solely developed the condition. Not every woman who had lupus with pregnancy will end up having a child with neonatal lupus (2).

Neonatal lupus manifestation includes skin diseases, anemia in children, and hepatic (liver) diseases. The skin features may completely disappear after weeks but this is dependent on the severity of the disease, and sometimes some children have congenital heart diseases that will require the use of assisted devices such as a pacemaker to regulate the heart (3).

• – Lupus nephritic

Lupus nephritic is a type of lupus resulting from the affection of the kidneys by systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients with lupus nephritic have the clinical manifestations of kidney disease (4).

Who Is Affected By Lupus?

Lupus onset age is non-specific as anyone can be affected. Both genders are at risk of lupus as it is not gendered specific but it is commoner in women than men, especially women of reproductive age group (2).

It is very rare for lupus to occur before the age of 5 years but studies reveal that about 20 percent of lupus are seen before 20 years of age. Nephritic lupus affecting the kidneys is also commonly seen in children with more severe manifestations (3).

A lot of cases of lupus go undiagnosed because of similarity in manifestation to other medical conditions.

It is commoner among African-American, Asian, and Hispanic women. It is less common among Caucasians. A family history of lupus predisposes more to the disease (2).

Lupus Facts: Causes Of Lupus

The exact cause of lupus is currently unknown. But, there are identified factors that are known to predispose individuals to lupus. The possible factors are:

• – Genetics or family history

Although researches are still in progress studies have revealed that certain genes predispose an individual to develop lupus. Family history is also a non-modifiable risk factor for developing lupus because of the high tendency of having the disease if it is already present in a family member, especially first-degree relatives.

There is also a 24 percent chance of infection in monozygotic twins in developing lupus. It is important to note that lupus can also occur in people who have a family history of other autoimmune diseases aside from lupus (3)

There are also evidences that lupus is more present in certain ethnic denomination than the others like Native American, Hispanics, Asians, and others which may also strengthen the explanation of genetics being a factor (4).

• – Environmental factor

Certain things in the environment make some people at more risk of developing lupus. Factors such as sunlight, atmospheric microorganisms like viruses, smoking, and even stress predispose an individual to lupus (2).

The possible environmental factors are:

• * Sunlight: Excessive exposure to sunlight worsens the condition of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus but researches are still ongoing if this causes lupus on its own.
• * Smoking: Cigarette contains some toxic chemicals which are capable of altering the genetic changes of individuals. However, these genetic activations have been traced to SLE
• * Infections: Glandular fever caused by the Epstein-Barr virus has been traced down to one of the features seen in patients with SLE. However, individuals at risk of lupus who are solitarily infected by glandular fever are then more predisposed to SLE.
• * Air pollution: In industrialized areas where passive smoking is rampant, individuals at risk of lupus can come down with the disease as a result of the toxic chemicals in the smoke (3).
• – Hormonal factors

The onset of lupus in most women is associated with a period of high estrogen release. And that is why women commonly develop lupus before their monthly flow or during the period of pregnancy. Interestingly, medications that seem to contain estrogen-like birth control pills do not put women at risk of lupus. Researches are currently ongoing regarding the cause of this (4).

• – Drugs

Certain medications predispose an individual to develop lupus. Examples of such are procainamide and hydralazine. Fortunately, there is a resolution of the disease symptoms once the patient stops the use of such drugs. But, on rare occasions, symptoms can persist even after the patient stop taking the medications (4).

Lupus Facts: Signs And Symptoms Of Lupus

Different patients will not necessarily manifest the same signs and symptoms as no two patients have the same manifestations. The manifestations in individuals differ in onset, severity, and duration. The symptoms also have periods of flares when they are very active and, remissions when they subside.

The clinical manifestations in patients with lupus are dependent on which system of the body is affected (1).

The general signs and symptoms of lupus are:

• – tiredness,
• – joint pain,
• – hypersensitivity to light,
• – a butterfly rash on the face and nose called malar rash,
• – mouth ulcers,
• – difficulty in breathing,
• – chest pains, and
• – slow mentation.
• – others are headaches, alopecia (hair loss), depression, confusion, and fever (3).

Facts About Lupus: Effects Of Lupus On The Body

The effects of lupus are widespread in the body and so many organs can be affected at the same time. It often results in body pains and most times severe complications. The parts of the body commonly affected by the autoimmune disease, lupus are the skin, joints, and kidneys. Other parts of the body that can be affected are the blood, the heart, and the lungs (2).

• – Skin

The skin is one of the commonest sites for the manifestation of lupus disease. Patients with lupus have the butterfly, malar rash over their face and bridge of the nose. Other skin issues that can result are discoid rash (red rash with scales and plaques commonly around the ears, the scalp, and the forehead.), hair loss, sores, and scars from previous rashes. Exposure to sunlight complicates the skin rashes (2)

• – Kidneys

When lupus affects the kidneys, it is called nephritic lupus. It results in inflammation of the nephrons of the kidneys preventing the kidneys from functioning properly. Some of the symptoms include leg swelling and early morning facial puffiness, the frothiness of the urine (foaming), and elevated blood pressure (3).

• – Heart

When lupus affects the heart, it results in inflammation of the layers of the heart causing myocarditis when it affects the muscles of the heart and endocarditis when it affects the inner layer of the heart. Patients present with symptoms such as chest pain and sometimes difficulty in breathing. Endocarditis can get complicated and result in a hole in the heart (3).

• – Blood

Lupus is also capable of affecting the blood. It can cause a decrease in the number of blood vessels resulting in anemia or reduced white blood cells called leukopenia. When it affects the platelets and reduces their number, it is called thrombocytopenia (3).

• – Joints

Patients with lupus are at risk of arthritis in the joints. This usually manifests as edema and pain in the affected joint. Sometimes, the patient can also complain of joint stiffness which is worse early in the morning. Arthritis as an effect of lupus can appear and resolve after a while but sometimes it doesn’t (4).

• Lupus versus rheumatoid arthritis

Both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are autoimmune diseases affecting the joints. Comparing lupus vs ra, kidney problems, rashes, and joint pains are more common with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to rheumatoid arthritis, and the joint involvement is more severe in rheumatoid arthritis than lupus. But, both present with joint stiffness and swelling (7).

• – Pregnancy

It is possible to have an uneventful pregnancy with lupus. But, women having lupus with pregnancy are more at risk of complications in pregnancy (6). Such women need to start making preparations with their gynecologist and obstetricians even before the pregnancy journey starts because lupus with pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy.

The risk of complication is much higher for women having lupus with pregnancy who have other co-morbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney diseases, and low platelet count. Flares are not uncommon in pregnancy but are commoner during the first and second trimesters (5).

Lupus Facts: Diagnosis Of Lupus

The following lupus test results are important in making a diagnosis of lupus.

• – Anti-Nuclear antibody (ANA)

The anti-nuclear antibodies are present in the nuclei of the human cells. The majority of patients with lupus are going to test positive for the ANA test. It is seen as the confirmatory or definitive diagnostic test for lupus.

The ANA blood test shows patterns and the patterns are important in the treatment of the disease. For example, the diffuse pattern is restricted to patients with SLE. Other patterns available are peripheral, speckle, and nucleolar patterns. Rarely, there are cases of lupus with negative ANA but this is seen in only about 2 percent of reported cases, but such patients can have antiphospholipid antibodies (8).

• – Anti-dsDNA Antibody

This is another type of antibody for ANA, and it can be seen specifically in about thirty percent of patients with systemic lupus.

• – Anti-Ro/SSA

This antibody is mostly seen in lupus patients who are not reactive to the anti-nuclear antibody (8).

Lupus Facts: Treatment For Lupus

The treatment of lupus involves the use of both medications and lifestyle changes.

Below are medications important for the treatment of lupus:

• – Hydroxychloroquine: This medication assists with the treatment of arthritis and skin rashes that result from lupus
• – Corticosteroids: An example of this drug is oral prednisolone to help resolve inflammation and suppress the activity of the immune system
• – Belimumab: This drug has newly been approved for the treatment of lupus (3).

The lifestyle changes required in the management of lupus are adequate exercise and rest, proper stress management, stopping smoking, and taking less alcohol (3).

References:

1. 1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20365789#:~:text=Overview,%2C%20brain%2C%20heart%20and%20lungs.
2. 2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4875-lupus
3. 3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323653
4. 4. https://www.webmd.com/lupus/arthritis-lupus
5. 5.https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/pregnancy.htm#:~:text=Women%20with%20lupus%20can%20safely,likely%20for%20women%20with%20lupus.
6. 6. https://www.lupus.org/resources/planning-a-pregnancy-when-you-have-lupus
7. 7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lupus-vs-ra
8. 8. https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-tests/lupus-blood-tests/#:~:text=It%20is%20possible%20for%20people,Ro%2FSSA%20or%20antiphospholipid%20antibodies.