Arthritis is one of the most common ailments seen in the country. This disease is difficult to control because it is caused primarily by increasing age and family history. However, one can reduce the risks of developing arthritis by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

While a proper diagnosis can only be given by a trained physician, there are symptoms that you can look out for that may be due to arthritis: 1. Joint pain (especially in the fingers, feet and knees) 2. Joint swelling 3. Fatigue 4. Joint redness and warmth 5. Joint deformity 6. Loss of range of motion of joints 7. Involvement of multiple joints 8. Loss of joint function 9. Joint stiffness 10. Limping 11. The joints on both sides are affected 12. Fever 13. Anemia If you notice any one or more of the above symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Primary osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder due to ageing process. In some cases arthritis is an auto-immune disorder that develops due to genetic & environmental factors. While it is still unclear what is the exact cause of arthritis but you have a higher risk of developing arthritis if a close relative has arthritis.

As of now, there is no cure for arthritis. However, there are drugs and physical therapy regimen that helps with the pain and reduces the chances of further inflammation. According to the severity of your condition, your doctor may prescribe the following: 1. Drugs that reduce the pain: Painkillers such as paracetamol & NSAID’s (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Steroids may be given in injectable or tablet forms for a short period of a time. 2. DMARD’s (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs) & biological response modifiers are used to suppress the inflammatory agents of arthritis. 3. Physical therapy is an important aspect in the treatment of arthritis. Hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy helps in regaining your range of motion and doing daily household work with arthritis.

While the diagnosis of osteoporosis can be only made by a trained physician after a physical examination and medical investigations, there are symptoms that point towards osteoporosis. Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until their first bone fracture. However, patients complain of back pain, gradually loss of height, stooped posture and fractures of hip, spine or wrists may strongly suggest osteoporosis.

Those who have a family history have a higher risk of developing of osteoporosis than those who have no family history.

Adult men over the age of 50 need between 1000-2000mg & adult women need between 1200-2000mg. Calcium supplements help maintain the daily intake of calcium to prevent osteoporosis.