Arthritis is one of the most common joint disorders affecting around 350 million people worldwide. This disorder often causes pain and inflammation, making it difficult for you to move or stay active. If you are constantly experiencing joint discomfort along with swelling, redness, and stiffness, there is a high chance that you have arthritis.
Although arthritis can be treated and is usually not a cause of panic, it is still necessary for you to book an online medical consultation, especially if it already causes chronic pain that lasts at least 3 months long.
To fight off arthritis, gaining a deeper understanding of the disorder is essential. Below are some of the most important things you should know about arthritis.
1. There are over 100 types of arthritis
The word “arthritis” is an umbrella term for numerous conditions related to the joints. Although 100 seems like a huge number, this is the number of arthritis types that can affect you.
Of these 100 types of arthritis, there are classified into two major categories: degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The first one is wear-and-tear on the joints, while the latter involves inflammation around the joints that can cause damage.
2. Injury increases the risk of arthritis
Arthritis can be caused by several risk factors, including family history, age, sex, and obesity. However, aside from these, another major precursor for this type of joint disorder is physical injury.
If you fall, break your finger, or blow out a knee, your risk of developing arthritis becomes relatively higher. This is because any injury can disrupt the mechanics of your joint. So, to avoid arthritis, it is essential to constantly watch your step and immediately see a virtual doctor in Singapore if you have a trouble spot.
3. Arthritis affects more than just the hands and knees
The areas usually affected by arthritis are those in or around joints. Joints are parts of your body where bones meet, such as your knees and hands.
However, apart from these two areas, arthritis can also cause pain or discomfort in your other body parts, including your hips, back, neck, and shoulders. Essentially, you can develop arthritis in any joint.
4. Arthritis does not only develop among the elderly
There is a popular misconception that arthritis is only an illness that affects the elderly. However, this joint disorder does not discriminate when it comes to age.
Just like adults, children can get arthritis too. As a matter of fact, more and more young and active Singaporeans are being reported to be suffering from osteoarthritis, a form of degenerative arthritis that occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees.
5. There is no cure for arthritis
At present, there is still no known cure for arthritis. Nonetheless, treatments for the disease have greatly improved over the years. Today, for many types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory arthritis, there is already a clear advantage in starting treatment early on.
An early and effective treatment plan can help you manage the disorder and prevent it from affecting your lifestyle. The standard treatments for arthritis are medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a manageable disease you can overcome through early diagnosis and regular treatments. Knowing the essential facts about arthritis can increase your chances of responding more quickly and intelligently.
Again, arthritis is not usually a cause of panic. Still, it is always best to undergo an online medical consultation once the disease symptoms start taking a toll on your well-being.
Luckily, consulting a doctor has already been made more accessible and more convenient than ever with the inception of the best app for telemedicine in Singapore – MyCLNQ.
MyCLNQ is a comprehensive tool that can help you with all your healthcare needs, from supervised ART test booking to engaging a private ambulance service in Singapore. By downloading this app, you can already have your medical consultations anytime, without much hassle.