Think it’s just age? Your aching joints may be saying more

From newindianexpress.com

Doctors explain which everyday aches and stiffness should raise concern, and when it is time to seek medical advice

We often have a way of brushing off the little things our bodies tell us — a stiff knee after getting out of bed, fingers that take a while to loosen up, or a familiar ache that returns every few days. ‘It’s just age,’ many tell themselves, or blame it on a long walk, too many stairs or a busy day. But when these everyday aches begin to repeat themselves, linger longer or quietly interfere with things we do without thinking, they may be worth paying attention to. Ahead of World Arthritis Day on October 12, doctors explain the early signs of arthritis that are often mistaken for normal ageing, and when an ordinary ache deserves a closer look.

“One of the commonest things people tend to overlook is a gradual change in how a joint feels or functions,” says Dr Aruna S Malipeddi, senior consultant, rheumatology, KIMS-Arete Hospital. Stiff fingers in the morning, knee pain while getting up from a chair or climbing stairs, or a joint that does not move as freely as it used to can all be subtle changes. Recurrent swelling or tenderness, she adds, may also be attributed to age, overuse or lack of exercise.

Dr Behera Sanjib Kumar, clinical director and head of department - CARE Bone and Joint Institute, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, shares that the pattern of pain can give doctors useful clues. “Pain that gradually increases with activity and improves with rest is commonly seen with wear-and-tear conditions such as osteoarthritis. On the other hand, prolonged morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting or resting for a long time can sometimes point towards an inflammatory form of arthritis,” he says.

However, he cautions that these patterns are not enough to diagnose the condition on their own. “A doctor’s examination, and sometimes blood tests or imaging, may be needed to understand the actual cause.”

Morning stiffness is another symptom people can easily dismiss. Dr Aruna says it is an important clue, particularly when it is persistent. She notes, “The duration and what happens to the stiffness after getting up can help us understand whether the problem is more likely to be inflammatory or mechanical. If someone is regularly waking up with significant stiffness, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling, pain in several joints or difficulty making a fist or walking normally, it is worth getting assessed rather than assuming it is simply age-related.”

Dr Behera also highlights, “Prolonged stiffness after periods of rest as a pattern worth noticing. But neither the duration nor the pattern alone establishes a diagnosis.”

Clicking and cracking sounds can be alarming, but they do not automatically indicate arthritis. “Clicking or cracking by itself does not necessarily mean that a joint is damaged or that a person has arthritis. It can occur in otherwise healthy joints,” says Dr Aruna.

Dr Behera further explains that such sounds can occur due to changes in pressure within the joint or movement of tendons and ligaments. He adds, “However, if the sounds are persistent and are accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness, locking of the joint or difficulty moving it, they should be evaluated. A sudden change in the joint after an injury should also not be ignored.”

One of the clearest signs that joint pain may be more than a routine ache is when it begins interfering with normal life.

Dr Behera explains, “If someone finds it difficult to climb stairs, walk for their usual distance, squat, open a bottle, get dressed or perform other routine activities, it suggests that the problem may be affecting joint function. When pain is persistent and gradually limits movement, it is better to seek medical advice rather than simply adjusting one’s daily activities around the pain,” he adds.

Mild pain which is clearly related to unusual activity and settles with rest may be managed with a short period of self-care. “But recurring pain or pain that does not settle should not be repeatedly self-managed. If swelling keeps recurring, morning stiffness lasts beyond 30 minutes, several joints hurt, or movement is becoming difficult, it is time to see a doctor,” shares Dr Aruna. The same applies if the pain is affecting sleep or day-to-day activities.

Both doctors point to ignoring persistent symptoms as a common mistake. “A common mistake is assuming that joint pain is simply a normal part of ageing and continuing to ignore it,” explains Dr Behera. Repeatedly relying on painkillers or home remedies without finding out what is causing the pain is another.

“Some people also stop physical activity completely because they are worried about making the pain worse,” he adds.

Dr Aruna stresses the importance of not waiting until symptoms become severe. “The important point is not to wait until the pain becomes severe or the joint is significantly restricted,” she concludes.

Early diagnosis is important because the cause of joint pain can vary widely, and treatment depends on the condition.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2026/Oct/07/think-its-just-age-your-aching-joints-may-be-saying-more 

Rheumatologists Agree—You Should Stop Doing These 4 Things for Joint Health

From eatingwell.com

By Kelsey Kunik, RDN

Spoiler: Sitting still and hoping it goes away isn’t the answer

KEY POINTS

• Light exercise and strength training can ease joint pain and improve function over time.
• Long-term NSAID use may mask pain but risks serious side effects and worsens joint issues.
• Early treatment for joint pain prevents lasting damage and improves outcomes significantly.

Aching, swollen joints can turn everyday activities into overwhelming hurdles. With about one in five adults living with arthritis, and the chronic or occasional joint pain that can come with it, the advice out there ranges from helpful to downright harmful. To help you sort fact from fiction, rheumatologists let us in on the four things you may want to stop doing for achy joints, and what to do instead. 

Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell Design

1. Avoid Activity

When your knees are swollen or your ankles are aching, relaxing in an easy chair sounds like the best solution, but experts warn that avoiding all activity can actually make things worse. “It feels right to avoid activity when you have pain,” says Siddharth Tambar, M.D. “But even light exercise and stretching are good for blood flow and your joint health.”

“The muscles around a joint are its shock absorbers, and they weaken quickly with disuse, so the joint itself absorbs more of every step,” explains Gregg J. Silverman, M.D. It’s easy to fall into a cycle where reduced movement leads to weaker muscles, stiffer joints, more pain and even less movement. But not every type of exercise may be appropriate. While research suggests 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day may help prevent and treat osteoarthritis, you may need to experiment with different types of exercise and increase the time or intensity as your tolerance builds.

2. Rely on NSAIDs

Popping a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like naproxen or ibuprofen at the first sign of stiffness or pain may provide immediate relief, but relying on them long term can come with risks. “If utilized long term, it increases the risk of stomach, liver, bleeding, and cardiac side effects,” says Dr. Tambar.

Research suggests that long-term NSAID use may be associated with ongoing pain, stiffness and disability in people with arthritis. Dr. Tambar emphasizes that long-term use avoids “addressing the longer-term issues driving your pain, which is typically either chronic inflammation, instability, or neuropathic issues.”

3. Ignore Pain & Swelling

When aching joints first start to interrupt your busy schedule, it can be easy to put off making an appointment. But when it comes to joint pain, waiting it out can lead to worse pain and even lasting joint damage. Seeking evaluation and treatment at the first signs of joint pain, stiffness, or swelling can help you identify the type of arthritis you’re dealing with and take the best course of action to relieve the pain and prevent further damage. 

For example, rheumatoid arthritis can quickly lead to lasting damage that can’t be reversed. “The same treatment started within the first few months does better than that treatment started a year later — and a year is roughly how long people wait when they assume stiff, swollen hands are just age,” says Dr. Silverman.

4. Rely on Supplements Instead of Proven Treatments

Glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and turmeric are often touted as miracle cures for joint pain, but the research behind these supplements varies considerably. In the case of glucosamine, the American College of Rheumatology’s guidelines clearly recommend against it. According to Dr. Silverman, “‘Supports joint health’ is a marketing phrase, not a finding.”

Turmeric and collagen aren’t necessarily harmful, especially when used as part of a varied diet, but taking a supplement shouldn’t replace treatments with stronger evidence. Depending on the cause of your joint pain, those may include exercise, strengthening, prescribed medications or other therapies recommended by your health care provider. 

Other Strategies to Support Joint Health

Rheumatologists are clear on what not to do for joint pain, but that’s not necessarily helpful when you’re in pain and looking for relief. To support your joints and manage symptoms, here’s what they recommend: 

• Avoid smoking. If you smoke, taking steps to stop should be the highest priority for protecting your joints. “Smoking is among the strongest environmental risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis, and it makes the medications we use for it work less well,” says Dr. Silverman.
• Eat a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients and plants could significantly improve joint pain and function. “A whole-food, fibre-rich, Mediterranean-style diet — fish, olive oil, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and not much ultra-processed food — is the version of “anti-inflammatory eating” that has real support behind it, and it also addresses the cardiovascular and metabolic risk that travels with arthritis,” says Dr. Silverman.
• Prioritize strength training. Routine strength training and regular movement are the best tools to keep your joints healthy. “Progressive strength training is the only intervention that both reduces osteoarthritis pain and improves function over the long run, which is why it is first-line in every major guideline,” says Dr. Silverman.  
• If your plan isn’t working, seek help. “If you are not reaching your goals, then either alter your treatment regimen or escalate to a stronger option,” says Dr. Tambar, who recommends seeing your physician at the first sign of pain and swelling, and following up to change your treatment plan as needed. 

Our Expert Take

While there’s no single solution for sore joints, rheumatologists warn that some of our most common instincts — resting more, reaching for ibuprofen, waiting it out or hoping a supplement will do the work — tend to make joint pain worse in the long run. Joints stay healthiest when kept in motion, when the muscles around them stay strong and when inflammation is treated rather than masked. So keep moving in whatever way your joints allow, add strength training as you’re able, lean on a fibre-rich Mediterranean style of eating and see your doctor at the first sign of joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.

https://www.eatingwell.com/things-to-stop-doing-for-joint-health-12127555

A New Study Links Everyday Foods to Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares

From mensjournal.com

Medical experts break down how your daily food choices directly impact joint stiffness and unexpected autoimmune flare-ups 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful inflammation, swelling, and potential bone damage. The inflammation can also damage other parts of the body as the immune system turns against its own tissues. While there is currently no cure, a recent review published in Nutrients reveals a direct link between what you eat and the symptoms you experience.

Changing your diet cannot replace conventional rheumatoid arthritis medications like DMARDs, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids, but adjusting your daily meals can help manage systemic inflammation and improve overall well-being.

“The study suggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may benefit from an eating pattern that provides more omega-3 fats and antioxidant-rich nutrients, while limiting an excess of omega-6 fats,” says Jamie Schwartz, RD, LDN, who was not involved in the study. “In practical terms, that could mean putting foods such as fatty fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, along with walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds on the menu regularly. Colourful fruits and vegetables, which provide nutrients such as carotenoids and vitamin E, are also consistent with the study’s findings.”

The Simple Foods That Worsen Joint Pain

The review also found that eating high amounts of processed carbohydrates and added sugars can actively worsen inflammation throughout the body. Using an anti-inflammatory eating plan works as a supportive, complementary tool alongside standard medical care to boost your daily quality of life.

However, while food choice helps reduce inflammation, it is crucial to recognize that diet will not replace medical treatments altogether. There is currently no evidence that changing your meals can safely take the place of disease-modifying medication.

How to Tell If a Specific Food Is Triggering Your Flares

Pinpointing individual food triggers can be tricky because RA flare-ups stem from many different culprits beyond food sensitivities. Factors like rising stress levels, sudden illness, and poor sleep can all cause symptoms to spike.

“To determine if certain foods are difficult to digest for you, and therefore trigger a flare, keep a food and symptom record, but make sure you track everything that you are feeling,” says Alexia Beauregard, MS, RD. “How are you sleeping? What is your stress level, and how are you managing your stress? Do you feel like you are getting sick with something like a cold? Another option is to eat a very simple, basic diet for one or two weeks of food that is easy for you to digest.”

Beauregard suggests choosing a calm week when your life is predictable, and you’re not sick, to test foods you suspect are problematic. Food sensitivity reactions are dose-dependent, meaning you might need to eat the food several times over a few days before your body reacts.

Why Food Choice Is a Powerful Companion, Not a Magic Cure

At the same time, keep your expectations grounded regarding what diet can prove. Eating an anti-inflammatory meal plan is a supportive lifestyle choice rather than an instant remedy for painful flare-ups.

“The study actually doesn’t establish food sensitivities as a cause of individual flares. It found correlations between overall nutrient intake and measures of disease activity at a single point in time, says Schwartz. “Because it was cross-sectional, it cannot establish that eating a particular food caused inflammation to rise or fall. The authors themselves call for randomized controlled studies to establish whether dietary changes actually produce these effects.”

The ultimate takeaway is that filling your plate with anti-inflammatory whole foods supports your overall health and can help calm systemic inflammation, but your prescribed treatments remain the primary defence against joint damage.

Sources

• Deseatnicova, E.; Covaliov, E.; Deseatnicova, O.; Siminiuc, R.; Rezus, E.; Groppa, L. Impact of Nutritional Diet Therapy on Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity. Nutrients 2026, 18, 517. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030517

https://www.mensjournal.com/health/new-study-links-everyday-foods-to-rheumatoid-arthritis-flares

Why joint pain may worsen before it rains

From indianexpress.com

Can rainy weather make joint pain worse? A doctor explains how changes in barometric pressure, cold weather and a sensitised nervous system may influence chronic pain and arthritis symptoms

Many people with arthritis, old injuries, or chronic pain say they can predict changes in the weather before the first raindrops fall. In an Instagram video, US-based doctor and content creator Dr Kunal Sood addressed this commonly discussed issue. He said, “Can joint pain or chronic pain really flare when it rains? For some people, the answer comes down to how sensitive the nervous system and irritated tissues have become. After an injury, surgery, or an inflammatory pain condition, the affected area can become more reactive than before. Weather changes can add another layer.” Explaining a possible mechanism, he added, “Before rain, barometric pressure can shift, and that may slightly change pressure around already sensitive joints, tendons, or nerves. Cold weather can also reduce local blood flow and make muscles, tendons, and connected tissue feel stiffer. This can happen with arthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, recent inflammation, or pain after surgery.”

Dr Sood also emphasised that worsening pain during rainy weather does not necessarily indicate that the underlying condition has deteriorated. He explained, “That doesn’t always mean new damage is happening. It may mean the pain system is more sensitive to changes the body used to ignore. That is why some people can feel pain flare before or during rainy weather, even when nothing new has happened structurally.” Summing up, he said, “The weather may not be creating the pain from scratch, but it can amplify pain signals in a body that is already sensitised.” His explanation raises broader questions about the relationship between weather, the nervous system and chronic pain. We asked an expert to explain what current evidence shows.

                                                                Dr Kunal Sood discusses joint pain | Source: Canva

Weather and chronic pain

Dr P C Jagadeesh, senior orthopaedic surgeon at Kauvery Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “While many patients report worsening pain before or during rainy weather, scientific evidence remains mixed. Some studies have found an association between changes in barometric pressure and increased joint discomfort, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, while others have shown only a weak correlation. Clinically, however, it is common to hear patients describe weather-related fluctuations in pain. Conditions most frequently associated with this phenomenon include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, old fractures or ligament injuries, chronic back pain, and fibromyalgia. Some individuals with nerve-related pain may also report increased sensitivity during periods of weather change.”

Managing weather-related joint and muscle pain

Maintaining regular movement is one of the most effective ways to manage weather-related pain. Dr Jagadeesh suggests that gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, walking and physiotherapy-guided routines help keep joints mobile and muscles conditioned. Applying heat, staying physically active indoors, maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring good sleep can also reduce symptom severity. Patients should avoid becoming sedentary during painful periods, as inactivity often worsens stiffness and discomfort.

“Medical evaluation is important if the pain becomes progressively worse, starts interfering significantly with daily activities, is associated with swelling, redness, warmth, weakness or loss of function, or if there is a sudden change in symptoms. Persistent worsening pain may indicate progression of arthritis, a new injury, nerve involvement or another underlying condition that requires proper assessment and treatment,” concludes Dr Jagadeesh.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/doctor-joint-pain-rainy-weather-barometric-pressure-10793509/

 

What doctors want patients to know about osteoarthritis

From ama-assn.org

Joint pain and stiffness may signal osteoarthritis. Learn more about the symptoms of osteoarthritis, risk factors and treatments that can help 

AT A GLANCE: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, causing joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility as cartilage gradually tears down over time. Here are four key things you will learn about osteoarthritis from Alexey Fomin, MD, PhD, a rheumatologist with Hattiesburg Clinic:

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints. 

With osteoarthritis, knees, hips, hands and spine are most often affected and can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion. 

Age, prior joint injuries, repetitive stress, excess weight and genetics can all increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. 

Treatment of osteoarthritis focuses on managing symptoms and preserving mobility, often through exercise, weight management, physical therapy and pain relief options.

Before joint pain and stiffness begin to interfere with daily activities, osteoarthritis often develops gradually over time. As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects millions of people and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions joints wears down, making movement more difficult and sometimes painful. While there is no cure, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and treatment can help people manage symptoms, stay active and maintain their quality of life. 

Osteoarthritis is a common disease

“What I usually explain to my patients is that osteoarthritis is pretty common,” Dr. Fomin said, noting that “one in seven adults in the United States actually has osteoarthritis. It is a common disease and it’s one of the leading causes of disability.”

With osteoarthritis, “we are talking about the regular wear and tear changes in the joints. These changes most often affect weight-bearing joints such as the lower back, hips, knees and feet. The joints in the hands are also frequently affected because we rely on them for daily activities,” Dr. Fomin said.

“We predominantly see women rather than men with osteoarthritis, and it is one of the most common diseases after 45 years old,” he said.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis start with pain

With osteoarthritis, a main symptom is “pain at the beginning of the day. That’s what we call starting pain,” Dr. Fomin said. “When you wake up, you may notice pain and stiffness in the joint. As you begin moving and using the joint, it tends to loosen up and feel better.”

“In the morning and at the start of activity, there is pain,” he said. “But as the day goes on and you continue using the joint, the pain often returns. The more stress you put on the joint, the more discomfort you may experience.”

“Morning stiffness associated with osteoarthritis typically does not last long,” Dr. Fomin said. “It’s usually about 15 to 30 minutes, but it can still be quite painful.”

“Other symptoms may include a reduced range of motion, as well as grinding, clicking or popping sensations in the joint. Some people find that a hot shower or warm water helps loosen up stiff joints and improves movement,” he added.

Genetics can play a role in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis “is not just mechanical damage and degeneration. Sometimes osteoarthritis appears as early as age 40, while some women in their 70s or 80s have no issues and their joints still look great,” Dr. Fomin said. “So, it’s not simply a matter of age or getting older. Rather, it results from a combination of different factors.”

For example, “osteoarthritis is influenced in part by genetics,” he said. “If you have strong cartilage and a favourable genetic makeup, your joints are more likely to stay healthy. But if there is a family history of early osteoarthritis, your risk of developing the condition is higher.”

Your risk for osteoarthritis also depends on use of joints

“Osteoarthritis also depends on how much you use your joints. If your job is not physically demanding and you spend most of your time working in an office, you may be less likely to develop significant arthritis,” Dr. Fomin said. “But in physically demanding jobs, such as construction or factory work, we sometimes see younger people who use their hands extensively and experience joint degeneration.”

“So, osteoarthritis is influenced by how much you use your joints, as well as genetics and other factors,” he said. “Some people who eat a healthy diet and stay physically active have relatively few joint problems, while others who pay less attention to diet and exercise may experience more issues. 

“This is especially true for weight-bearing joints—the more weight those joints have to support, the greater the stress and wear on them,” Dr. Fomin added. 

Erosive osteoarthritis is bad joint destruction

“There is one type of osteoarthritis that behaves differently,” Dr. Fomin said. “It is called erosive osteoarthritis, and it primarily affects the hands, causing significant joint damage.”

“On X-rays, we often see severe cartilage loss and extensive bone erosion,” he explained. “It can resemble autoimmune arthritis, but it is actually a degenerative condition.” 

“Unlike standard wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, it features an inflammatory component that actively breaks down cartilage and leads to central bone erosion. It mainly affects the finger joints,” Dr. Fomin said.

Osteoarthritis requires a clinical diagnosis

“Osteoarthritis is often a clinical diagnosis, which means blood tests and X-rays are not always necessary,” Dr. Fomin said. “In many cases, the diagnosis can be made by listening to the patient’s symptoms and performing a physical examination. Bloodwork may then be used to help rule out other types of arthritis.”

“An X-ray mainly helps us assess the extent of joint damage,” he said. “Patients often report having joint pain for a long time that may have started intermittently, like at the beginning of the day, but gradually became more constant.”

“During the physical exam, the joint may appear enlarged because of bone spur growth, which can cause some deformity,” Dr. Fomin said. “You may also notice a decreased range of motion. By combining the patient’s history with the physical findings, you can often make the diagnosis.”

Treatment of osteoarthritis is mainly supportive

“Unfortunately, we do not currently have highly effective medications to treat osteoarthritis, so treatment is primarily supportive,” Dr. Fomin said. “By supportive, I mean that there is no medication available that can slow the progression of the disease or reverse the damage that has already occurred. Our focus is on managing symptoms.”

“For patients with osteoarthritis affecting weight-bearing joints, lifestyle changes are often an important part of treatment,” he said. “We encourage patients to lose weight through physical activity and healthy eating because the more weight a joint has to support, the more damage is likely to occur.”

As a first-line treatment, “we typically start with a pain medication such as acetaminophen,” Dr. Fomin said. “It is available over the counter and patients may use up to 4,000 milligrams per day.”

“If that doesn’t work, we can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications,” he said. “These medications can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Unfortunately, they can also cause side effects, including stomach irritation, kidney problems and increased blood pressure.”

Dr. Fomin also noted that many supplements marketed for joint health such as glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids, remain popular among patients. 

“Some patients tell us these supplements help and make their joints feel much better,” he said. “But scientifically speaking, multiple studies have not shown strong evidence that they provide significant benefit.”

“Steroid injections into the joint can sometimes help relieve pain as well,” Dr. Fomin said. “We also strongly recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. Surgery is generally considered a last resort for treating osteoarthritis.”

You can live a normal life with osteoarthritis

“If you compare osteoarthritis with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause severe joint deformities and significantly impair joint function, osteoarthritis is generally less severe,” Dr. Fomin said. “Although it can cause joint problems and discomfort, it tends to progress very slowly, making it easier for many people to live with.”

“Osteoarthritis usually does not cause the same degree of functional impairment seen with other forms of arthritis, so the overall prognosis is often better,” he said. “At the same time, because we do not have treatments that can stop or reverse the disease, it can sometimes lead to permanent disability.”

Prevent osteoarthritis with lifestyle changes

Preventing osteoarthritis “is all about your lifestyle,” Dr. Fomin said. That includes “eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.”

“But if osteoarthritis runs in your family, it can be more difficult to prevent it from developing,” he said. Even so, it is important to “exercise regularly, eat healthy and maintain a healthy body weight.”

With osteoarthritis, listen to your body

“First of all, it’s important to understand what is causing your joint symptoms. If you don’t know what is behind the pain, it can create anxiety,” Dr. Fomin said. “Some patients come into our office worried that they are going to become completely disabled. We have to reassure them that osteoarthritis is a slow-moving process and, for most people, it is not going to have that level of impact.”

“The second thing is that it all comes down to lifestyle,” he said. “Try to stay active, but at the same time avoid overusing your joints. For example, if you have knee pain or hand pain, it may not be a good idea to move heavy furniture or take on physically demanding projects such as home renovations.”

“Sometimes patients tell us their joints are feeling better, so they start running or doing other high-impact activities,” Dr. Fomin said. “But that may not help in the long run. You have to listen to your body. If your pain is increasing, it is probably a sign that you need to rest the joint.”

Visit your doctor if osteoarthritis is interfering with your daily routine

“If osteoarthritis has started to interfere with your daily routine and you’re no longer able to do the things you normally do, it’s a good idea to see your doctor,” Dr. Fomin said. “If it affects your work or your ability to carry out activities at home, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it.”

“Joint swelling is not typically associated with osteoarthritis and may be a sign of inflammatory arthritis, so it should be evaluated by a doctor,” he said. “You should also seek medical attention if you begin experiencing joint pain at night.”

https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/chronic-diseases/what-doctors-want-patients-know-about-osteoarthritis

Joint pain isn’t always arthritis: 7 warning signs women shouldn’t ignore

From healthshots.com

By Dr Sharmila Tulpule 

Joint pain is a warning, not a diagnosis. Checking early signs of join pain will help you identify the cause and get the right treatment 

Joint pain is one of those things that many people think, “Oh, that’s just part of getting older” or “That’s just part of working too hard” or “I may have arthritis”. But for women, when they are in the middle of juggling their careers, keeping their homes running, and taking care of their families, it’s easy for them to sweep their constant discomforts or joint pain issues under the rug. Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of joint pain in women, but there are several other types of medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes, infections, and nutritional deficiencies, among others, that cause this pain.

The sooner these warning signs are recognized, the better the chance of avoiding any long-term problems from these underlying medical conditions, Dr Sharmila Tulpule, orthopaedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist, tells Health Shots.

Persistent joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness may indicate more than arthritis and should be evaluated by a doctor. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Warning signs that women in joint pain should not ignore

1. Stiffness of the joints in the morning for longer than an hour with pain

It is typically normal to experience some stiffness after being inactive, but if, after sleeping, you find that your joints are stiff beyond an hour each day, this could be a sign of an inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or RA) rather than simply a degenerative joint type of arthritis. Early identification of these issues is critically important because if diagnosed quickly, the treatment can prevent severely damaged joints and enable the patient to retain function in those same joints.

2. Swelling, redness, and warmth in the area of the joint

Noticeable swelling, redness, or warmth in a joint can indicate that there is an inflammatory process taking place, or an infection or autoimmunity. They should not be self-treated with just over-the-counter pain relievers, especially if they have occurred recently or have worsened over time.

3. The pain is caused by multiple joints being affected

Arthritis from age is mostly found in the larger bones of the skeleton that bear our body weight—for example, hips and knees. However, when several joints are involved at the same time, especially smaller joints—hands, wrists, ankles, and feet—this might indicate a systemic disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid issues.

4. Feeling tired continuously along with pain in the joints

If you are always tired no matter how well rested you are, it should raise a red flag. Fatigue, when there is joint pain present, could be from an autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, and/or a vitamin deficiency. Many women mistakenly identify fatigue as a stress-related reason. However, if you have had fatigue for an extended period of time, you should consult your doctor.

                                                 Persistent tiredness can be linked to many health problems. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

5. Joint pain following fever or infection

Following a viral or other type of infection, a feverish experience will often leave behind rheumatic joint pain that should be considered very seriously. Some infections can create acute inflammatory reactions in your joints, and if not adequately treated, will potentially lead to chronic inflammatory conditions of your joints.

6. Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

If you experience any unexplained weight loss or a lack of appetite, there may also be a systemic disease process underlying your arthritic joint pain. It should therefore require immediate evaluation to determine if there are serious underlying illnesses.

7. Difficulty performing everyday activities

Difficulty with daily activities due to joint pain is a sign of how poorly the patient’s condition impacts their quality of life as well as their ability to live independently. Obtaining timely medical counsel at this stage should allow for determining the cause and then starting an appropriate treatment course.

In many cases, women place the wellness of their family’s health ahead of their own. Nevertheless, chronic or atypical joint discomfort should not go unrecognized or be treated as a natural consequence of advancing years. Timely evaluation by a qualified physician will assist in evaluating the cause of the problem and potential risk for future development, as well as increase mobility and create an environment that enhances overall quality of life.

https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/joint-pain-isnt-always-arthritis-7-warning-signs-women-shouldnt-ignore/