Arthritis and Joint Pain

Many forms of arthritis are caused by chronic low lying inflammation. Inflammatory cells called cytokines lead to the production of enzymes that attack the tissues and break down cartilage in joints. The word ‘arthritis’ literally means inflammation (itis) of the joints (arthri).

When the body feels as though it is ‘under attack’, it responds by sending white blood cells to that area in an attempt to repair. In cases of chronic inflammation, when these cells fall victim of misfiring, this ‘repair’ actually becomes the damage. The increase in blood flow to these areas causes tender, red, and swollen joints. In turn, the nerves are stimulated, and pain is the result. The heightened number of cells and inflammatory substances within the joint can cause irritation, wearing of the cartilage, and swelling of the joint lining (synovium).

There’s no immediate cure for arthritis, but many sufferers tend to look into treatments to reduce inflammation and ease the pain to make things more manageable. Searching podiatry kansas city might be of use to someone who lives in that area who is currently struggling with this condition. Something that is commonly used to treat both of these ailments is cannabis; this plant naturally relieves inflammation as well as reduces symptoms of pain. Of course, before using cannabis, you’ll have to check the legality of it in your area and look into the different products available to smoke weed with, including these affordable bongs.

Common Types of Arthritis

• Rheumatoid
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gouty Arthritis
• Lupus

Other painful disorders that still involve joint and muscle discomfort, such as Fibromyalgia, may not contain detectable inflammation, but should still be treated with the same all natural anti-inflammatory approach.

General symptoms often associated with arthritic inflammation include:

• Chronic body aches and pains
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Redness and swelling
• Sensitivity to the touch
• Sometimes Associated Skin Conditions (acne, psoriasis, rash)
• Flu like symptoms- fever, chills, fatigue, appetite loss, headaches

Rheumatoid arthritis

A systemic disease involving multiple joints, typically in a symmetrical pattern. It is not uncommon to have both hands and wrists involved at the same time making simple daily tasks, such as opening jars and turning a door handle, extremely difficult. When the small joints of the feet are affected, walking can be very painful. As the chronic inflammation persists, so does the damage to the tissue, cartilage, and bone. This can easily pave the path to bone and muscle weakness, joint deformity, and loss of function all together.

Psoriatic arthritis

A condition often sighted in patients who suffer with the chronic skin condition, psoriasis. This type of arthritis characteristically affects the tips of the fingers and toes. However, one in five people also experience attacks in their spine, as well. Please see our ‘about psoriasis’ page for more information on the skin affliction side of this condition.

Gouty Arthritis

Gouty Arthritis (metabolic arthritis) is a metabolic disease where uric acid deposits build in the tissue and joints. Overproduction and/or under-excretion of uric acid through the kidneys initiates excess storage in the joints, tissue, and organs resulting in an inflammatory response. This reaction ensues the hot, shiny, often excruciating joint pain known as a gout attack. It is one of the most harrowing forms of arthritis and poses an excessively high risk for joint degeneration and deformity. Please see our ‘about gout’ page for more in depth information on this condition.

Lupus

Lupus is a systemic condition often causing ‘flares’ of symptoms which may diminish over time. No two cases are alike and can range from mild to severe and temporary to permanent. Serious cases can lead to problems with the kidneys, heart, lungs, blood, and the nervous system. Symptoms include skin lesions, swelling, joint pain and stiffness, fatigue, fever, anemia, headache, light sensitivity, hair loss, memory loss/confusion, dry eyes, chest pain, weight changes, shortness of breath, finger and toes discoloration (Reynaud’s phenomenon), and butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.

Osteoarthritis

This form is a localized disease, not systemic like rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms are usually localized to the affected joint with pain worsening during use, while improving with rest. Morning stiffness is common, but typically subsides within 30 minutes. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis can affect any joint, most often seen in the fingers, knees, hips, shoulders, and spine. As the disease progresses, the pain can become rather persistent and difficult to manage. Unfortunately, there is yet to be a known cure for the different types of arthritis, so sufferers tend to look for ways in which the pain can be managed. Some may decide to take medication prescribed from their doctors, and others may find that smoking CBD out of cbd vape pens online is the most effective option for them. Both methods have been known to decrease the amount of pain that someone with arthritis is experiencing, even though it won’t be a long term solution. If smoking CBD out of a vape doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps looking into cbd edibles online may be more preferable. It’s whatever works for you. Severe cartilage loss leading to joint instability can occur.