Health Factors
Hepatitis, Malaria
High Blood Pressure
Arthritis
Detect Arthritis Early
If you think you are too young to worry about arthritis, you’re mistaken. Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common type of arthritis (there are several kinds), strikes in the 30s and is genetic in origin. So if you have a history of the disease in the family, be doubly alert.
Also, know that arthritis can be a result of one or more other conditions or diseases. For instance, you may have a uric acid metabolism problem (protein metabolism disorder) leading to urate crystal (metabolic by-product) deposition in the joints, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. So when you visit a doctor tell him your complete medical history.
Arthritis Signs and Symptoms
Early morning joint stiffness, swelling of the joints after physical activity, pain in the joints while climbing stairs. Don’t ignore recurring joint pain; get to your doctor. He may recommend tests, such as checks for your rheumatoid factor and an immunological blood test (to detect dip in immunity).
You can control rheumatoid arthritis through medication (disease modifying drugs), physiotherapy and diet (consumption of anti-oxidants especially in fresh fruits and vegetables).