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Arthritis is a common joint- problem that can cause swelling, pain and difficulty in movement. It is important to recognize it at the right time.

Arthritis is mainly of two types: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Inflammatory arthritis, often caused by autoimmune causes, causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints that lasts for more than 45 minutes upon waking in the morning, especially in the small joints of the hands, although any joint may be affected and sometimes more than one joint is affected at once. For its identification, inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP are seen in blood tests, and when these are increased, further tests like Cr factor and Anti-CCP confirm the autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, while the final decision is always made on the basis of symptoms, history and clinical examination.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis caused by wear and tear, in which the bones rub due to wear and tear of the cartilage, causing pain, stiffness and difficulty in movement. It can be primary (age-) and secondary (due to injury, fracture, gout or inflammation). Its symptoms usually appear after 40 years. Mild stiffness in the morning, relieved by walking, but increasing pain over time and difficulty climbing stairs. Sudden severe pain or locking of the knee can often be a sign of other injuries, so it is a progressive disease.

knee pain check up

In the examination of knee pain, first history is taken to find out whether it is inflammatory or to osteoarthritis, after this physical examination is done for swelling, water in the joint, movement, muscle strength and ability to walk and stand, along with signs like wear of knees, crackling or crooked legs are also seen.

Which habits can spoil the knees quickly?

Some habits can put extra pressure on joints in the long run. As

1. Standing continuously for a long time
2. Sitting on the ground again and again
3. Constantly climbing up and down stairs
4. Suddenly starting jogging, jumping or skipping
5. Working without rest for a long time

How to start exercising after the age of 40

Sudden jogging, high-impact workouts or climbing a lot of stairs after being inactive for a long time can increase the pressure on the knees, so it is better to start with light walks, stretching and low-impact exercises first. If a person can do normal activities comfortably for about 45 minutes, then he can be considered fit for his age.

Which exercise is considered necessary in arthritis?

In arthritis, knee exercises alone are not considered sufficient. It is important to pay attention to the fitness of the entire body. For this, different types of exercises are required, such as-

Cardio Exercise: These improve the fitness of heart and lungs. This may include activities like walking.
Aerobics and floor exercises: It helps in improving the flexibility and movement of the body.

Why is muscle strengthening important?

Weakness of muscles and bones is common with increasing age and in women, hence light strength and weight training as per doctor’s advice is beneficial. Weak muscles can also slow recovery after surgery, so muscle strengthening is an important part of treatment.

What are the biggest myths about knee surgery?

It is not considered right to consider knee surgery as the last resort. If pain, difficulty in walking and quality of life are continuously deteriorating, then postponing surgery for too long can make the body further weak.

adopt good habits

Only right lifestyle and good habits can control arthritis. Often these work as medicines but maintain these habits regularly.