Understanding Arthritis Part 1 – 2 Main Types and Risk Factors
It has been found that about 50% of adults 65 years old or older have arthritis.
There are 2 main types of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These damage joints in different ways.
Arthritis is caused by inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that worsen as one ages. It impacts a senior’s daily life, making normal activities difficult such as getting up from bed, opening a bottle, writing a note and so on.
In order to assist seniors with arthritis, it is important to understand its nature and risk factors.
2 Main Types of Arthritis
There are 2 main types of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
These damage joints in different ways.
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, which involves wear-and-tear damage to a joint’s cartilage. Once cartilage, which cushions in between joints, is damaged, this can result in bone grinding and cause pain in movement. The wearing and tearing occur over many years, which can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.
Another negative impact osteoarthritis gives is to connective tissues in bones. These attach muscles to bones, holding joints together. However, once cartilage is damaged, the joint lining and its tissues become inflamed and swollen.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, it is the body’s immune system that disrupts the lining of the joint capsule, synovial membrane. This causes inflammation and eventually destroys cartilage and bone within the joint.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors to consider that cause arthritis:
- Family history: When arthritis runs in families, there is more likelihood to develop arthritis.
- Age: The risk of getting arthritis increases as one ages, typically starting between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Sex: It has been found that women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. As for other types of arthritis such as gout, men are more susceptible.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight in your body places stress on joints, particularly on knees, hips and spine. Therefore, people with obesity have a higher risk of developing arthritis.
- Previous joint injury: Having previous injury to a joint can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis in that joint.
With proper care and attention, arthritis can be effectively managed.
Having an individualised care plan and receiving the appropriate support leads to a better quality of senior life.
Here at Living Waters Aged Care, we provide compassionate assistance to seniors and help them manage and accomplish the life they want.
If you would like more details, please contact us.
Stay tuned for Understanding Arthritis Part 2 in our next blog.
