• Women are more likely to develop arthritis due to hormonal changes, being overweight, having lax joints, and being less likely to exercise than men.
• Venous treatment, medications (NSAIDs or corticosteroids), lifestyle changes (maintaining a healthy weight, and more are all excellent treatments for arthritis.
• Regular physical therapy is also recommended to help improve the range of motion and reduce pain.
• By understanding the factors that can increase your risk and taking the proper steps to reduce them, you can significantly improve your chances of living an active and pain-free life.
Arthritis is a common condition affecting over 50 million people in the United States alone. Although this condition affects both men and women, studies have shown that women are more likely to develop arthritis than men. Here are some reasons for this and how women can reduce their risk of developing this condition.
Gender Differences in Risk Factors for Arthritis
Several factors influence a person’s likelihood of developing arthritis. These include age, weight, family history, and gender. Studies have found that women are more likely to suffer from arthritis than men. This is due to several factors, including hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are the primary culprit behind women’s higher risk of arthritis. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes dramatic hormonal changes that can cause inflammation in the joints and soft tissues. This inflammation can lead to joint damage and ultimately result in arthritis.
The same is true for menopause, when female hormones are depleted, and the body is more prone to inflammation.
Weight
Women are also more likely to be overweight than men, which can contribute to the risk of arthritis. Being heavy strains joints and increases inflammation, making them more vulnerable to damage and pain associated with arthritis. Studies have found that women who are obese are up to four times more likely to develop arthritis than those of a healthy weight.
Less Likely to Exercise
Women are less likely to exercise than men, and physical activity is one of the most important ways to reduce your risk of arthritis. Exercise helps maintain healthy joints by strengthening the muscles around them and reducing inflammation.
Lax Joints
Women are also more likely to have lax joints than men, meaning their ligaments are looser, which can cause instability in the joints and make them more prone to wear and tear. Ultimately, these joints can become inflamed and develop arthritis.
Treatments to Deal With Arthritis
Fortunately, there are treatments for arthritis. Here are some of them.
Venous Treatment
Your veins play a massive role in arthritis. Poor circulation can cause inflammation and pain, so improving your vein health is a great way to manage your arthritis symptoms. You can figure out how to treat vein disease on the internet. There are various options you can find out, and this can drastically reduce your chances of getting arthritis in the future.
Medications
While exercise and diet changes are essential to managing your arthritis symptoms, medications may sometimes be necessary to relieve pain or inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and soreness associated with arthritis.
If NSAIDs don’t provide enough relief, more potent medications such as corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling around the joints or even slow down the progression of joint damage caused by arthritis. However, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before starting any new medications so they can best determine what will work for you specifically.
Lifestyle Changes
There are also several lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk factor for developing arthritis or managing existing symptoms if you already have it: try to maintain a healthy weight since being overweight puts extra strain on weight-bearing joints; avoid smoking since nicotine reduces blood flow throughout the body which can lead to joint deterioration; limit alcohol intake since this too affects blood flow; wear supportive shoes that fit correctly; use assistive devices such as walking sticks if necessary; and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3 fatty acids which help keep joints lubricated and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Regular physical therapy is also recommended for those living with arthritis. A qualified physical therapist will create an exercise program tailored specifically for you, helping to alleviate pain and improve flexibility in affected joints.
Exercises should focus on improving range of motion without causing further damage or strain; low-impact activities such as swimming or Tai Chi are typically recommended as they don’t put too much stress on the body but still provide excellent results when it comes to strengthening muscles and relieving pain or stiffness.
Arthritis is a common condition, but it doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. Understanding the factors that can increase your risk and taking the proper steps to reduce them can significantly improve your chances of living an active and pain-free life.
