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Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, impact on women, Osteopathy Treatment & Prevention

Updated: Jul 6



Arthritis results in swelling or inflammation in one or more joints. It may result in restricted mobility, stiffness, edema, and joint pain. While there is currently no known cure for arthritis, which is typically chronic, early intervention can help avoid irreversible joint damage.


Disease, infection, genetic flaws, trauma, or overuse can all result in arthritis. Certain varieties of arthritis may also impact additional organs, such as the skin, heart, or eyes.


There are more than 150 types of arthritis, including Osteoarthritis, Gout, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and more. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most prevalent forms of arthritis. 


Common symptoms of arthritis : Pain, Redness, Heat, Swelling in your joints, Stiffness, Tenderness, Loss of flexibility, Grating sensation, etc.

Gender is a significant factor in osteoarthritis discrimination. It affects women more than men. According to some statistics, the proportion of women with arthritis is over twice that of males. Osteoarthritis symptoms usually first manifest in women in their 40s and 50s. Gender differences in osteoarthritis worsen once women achieve menopause at age 55.

 The particular difficulties women encounter with osteoarthritis go beyond the disease's occurrence. Women who have arthritis have more pain and discomfort in various joints. Additionally, the most severe kind of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, is more common in women.



Why Women Get More Arthritis Than Men


1. Changes in hormone levels: Hormone levels might affect women's sensitivity to osteoarthritis. Hormone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle and during the menopause.


2. Anatomy: Arthritis affects the hip joints of men and knees and hands of women


3. Effect of female hormones on bones: Arthritis is significantly impacted by hormones. The female sex hormone estrogen controls inflammation. Younger ladies have a lower risk of developing arthritis because of this. According to one study, women may have less joint pain during their menstrual cycles, during pregnancy, and post-ovulation. Estrogen and progesterone levels are higher during these periods. Arthritis is more common after menopause because of the drop in estrogen levels. These hormones' levels in the body fluctuate as a woman goes through different phases of life, such as pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Menopause, Postpartum, Ovary Polycystic Syndrome, Contraceptives, etc. 


4. A physique that is too heavy: Obesity increases the risk of arthritis drastically. Compared to males, women are more likely to be overweight. 


5. Genetic Propensity: Your genetics may be the reason you have arthritis. The possibility of developing arthritis may rise if there is a family history of the condition. A woman is more likely to develop arthritis if her mother already has it. She can develop arthritis at the same age in the same joints. 


Women of all ages should take the following precautions to lower their chance of acquiring osteoarthritis or, if they already have it, to effectively manage it:


  • Manage your blood sugar

  • Be mindful of pain

  • Give up smoking.

  • Address any infections.

  • Increase your ergonomics

  • Give up wearing heels

  • Maintain a healthy weight for yourself.

  • Make time for exercise each day.

  • Remain supple and robust to lower your chance of getting hurt.

  • Maintain high vitamin D levels.

  • Remain hydrated.


How osteopathy may decrease arthritic pain when every other options have been tried


An osteopathic physician will ask you several in-depth questions about your medical history to learn more about how your arthritis affects you and your future goals. Your osteopathic doctor will then perform a comprehensive examination to assess your neurological function, circulation, range of motion in your joints, and strength and tenseness of your muscles. They will investigate every cause of why you might have arthritis, including any ankle sprains that could have impacted your gait and any lifestyle choices that might be aggravating the condition's overall effects on you.


Your osteopathic practitioner will work with you to gently articulate and mobilize your joints and minimize stiffness resulting from the stiffness and lack of flexibility in your joints. This will be accomplished through the use of soft tissue and indirect techniques. A practitioner of Osteopathy can also treat muscular weakness that may be linked to joint discomfort; they can guide you through mild exercises and stretches to maintain joint flexibility and address any arising compensating patterns. 



Your osteopathic practitioner can also help with lymphatic drainage to help with any inflammation that may have occurred and promote blood flow and tissue healing.

Since arthritis may cause a heightened pain response, an osteopathic practitioner can work on your nervous system to promote proper cerebral spinal fluid circulation, quiet your nervous system, and promote healing.


Consult a doctor or rheumatologist if you experience signs of arthritis, such as stiffness, swelling, and joint pain. Since arthritis typically causes damage to the joint gradually, the more quickly you seek treatment, the more likely the joint will deteriorate.

Your doctor can recommend therapies or lifestyle changes to prevent further arthritis development and maintain your range of motion. 

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