Many people think arthritis is a single, chronic disease. Actually, arthritis refers to more than one hundred different conditions, some of which are acute and temporary while others are chronic. Various types of arthritis cause symptoms such as stiff, swollen or achy joints. Other arthritic conditions have wide-ranging symptoms and causes.

Understanding the types of arthritis and common symptoms allows patients to get treatment sooner, and therefore, avoid worse pain and further joint damage. In some cases, patients can avoid surgery if arthritis is diagnosed early.

Here are some common types of arthritis and symptoms:

• Ankylosing spondylitis: A chronic condition that affects joints near the center of the body, often the spine and sacroiliac joints (found at the base of the spine). People often experience back pain and stiffness, as well as buttock pain.
• Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs in the joints (bursae) become inflamed, achy or stiff. Bursitis most commonly occurs in the elbow, shoulder, hip and knee, and often, the area becomes swollen, red and tender.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: A repetitive stress injury that causes tingling and numbness in the thumb, first finger and middle finger. Patients may experience hand weakness or shooting pain.
• DeQuervain’s tendinitis: A condition that causes pain on the side of the wrist and the base of the thumb.
• Dupuytren’s contracture: This form of arthritis causes the tissue beneath the hand to develop nodules in the fingers and palms. These lumps can cause the fingers to stick in place.
• Gout: Gout typically attacks one joint at a time, often the joint of the big toe. Gout usually causes sudden, severe pain and swelling.
• Infectious arthritis (septic arthritis): If an infection gets into the bloodstream, it can cause the tissues and fluid in the joints to become infected as well. Infectious arthritis causes the joints to appear red and feel warm and may also result in fever and chills.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: This is a term used to describe several conditions that affect children younger than 16. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, skin rashes and eye pain.
• Lupus arthritis (systemic lupus erythematous): A condition in which the immune system attacks the tissues of the body. Symptoms can be mild to severe and can include joint stiffness and a butterfly-shaped rash on the face.
• Osteoarthritis: One of the most common forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis results from a breakdown in cartilage. This causes bone to rub against bone, resulting in pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion in the joint.
• Osteoporosis: This condition causes the bones to become fragile. Common symptoms include a decrease in height, a stooped over appearance and back pain.
• Polymyalgia rheumatica: This form of arthritis happens only in the shoulder, causing stiffness and achiness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s tissues in error. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
• Spinal stenosis: This is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. When this happens, it can compress the nerves and spinal cord which can cause numbness, tingling and weakness.
• Traumatic arthritis: Traumatic arthritis develops after an injury or physical trauma. Swelling and joint pain are common.

For More Information

For an A-Z listing of all forms of arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation.

A simple way to get enough calcium is to drink three eight-ounce glasses of milk every day. While milk can be a great choice for some, for others it is not. Whether they simply do not like the taste of milk or other dairy products or they are lactose-intolerant, many people choose not to consume dairy products.

Fortunately, there are many non-dairy foods that are high in calcium. Many high-calcium choices are not always that obvious. Some leafy green vegetables, like kale, actually contain more calcium than milk. Other leafy greens, like spinach, have almost no calcium.

Why is Calcium Important?

Calcium is essential for bone health and overall well-being. The amount our bodies need changes over a lifetime. Check below to find your age and see if you are reaching the recommended daily allowance:

• Children
  • 1-3 years old: 700 mg
  • 4-8 years old: 1,000 mg
  • 9-18 years old: 1,300 mg
• Adults 19-50 years old: 1,000 mg
• Women 51 to 70 years old: 1,200 mg
• Men 51 to 70 years old: 1,000 mg
• Women and Men 71 and older: 1,200 mg (International Osteoporosis Foundation)

Non-Dairy Foods High in Calcium

If you do not like the taste of milk or your digestive system cannot tolerate it, there are other ways you can add calcium to your diet. Below are some non-dairy choices to consider:

• Almonds: An ounce of almonds (approximately 20 whole) offers 75 milligrams of calcium.
• Bok Choy: One cup of raw, shredded bok choy provides approximately 75 milligrams of calcium. You can find it year-round at many grocery stores.
• Breakfast Cereal: Many breakfast cereals fortify their products with calcium. In fact, some popular brands contain 200-600 milligrams per serving, so check the labels. If you have it with soymilk, you will boost the calcium content even more.
• Broccoli: Two cups of raw broccoli provide about 85 milligrams of calcium.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds offer more than double what almonds offer, at nearly 180 milligrams of calcium per ounce.
• Edamame: Not only is edamame high in calcium, it is also high in protein and fiber.
• Figs: Figs offer calcium — 120 milligrams per serving — and potassium, fiber and magnesium.
• Kale: One cup of raw kale provides 100 milligrams of calcium.
• Oranges: A large orange contains 75 milligrams of calcium. Calcium-fortified orange juice can contain nearly 350 milligrams per cup but be sure to check the label before you buy.
• Sardines: A 3.75-ounce can of sardines packs in nearly 350 milligrams of calcium. Try eating them with mustard and crackers or adding them to a salad.
• Soymilk: Because soymilk is calcium-fortified, it can provide as much calcium as milk.
• Tofu: Tofu can help you reach the daily calcium requirement quickly. One-half of a cup offers approximately 435 milligrams of calcium.
• White Beans: White beans contain fiber, iron and potassium — plus nearly 65 milligrams of calcium per serving.

Finally, if you are still low on calcium — even after adding more of these foods to your diet — check with your doctor to see if a calcium supplement might be right for you.

For More Information

The International Osteoporosis Foundation offers a calcium calculator you can use to determine if you are getting enough calcium. Try it now.

Research shows that women are at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders — in fact, women are twice as likely to develop some of them.

These orthopedic disorders often cause joint or muscle pain and inflammation — and can seriously impact not only a woman’s quality of life, but sometimes even her ability to walk or perform normal daily activities.

About Musculoskeletal Disorders

Here are some terms to better understand musculoskeletal issues:

• Musculoskeletal System: The body’s joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, as well as the structures that support the neck, back and limbs.
• Musculoskeletal Disorder: An injury or pain that impacts this system, hampering the functioning of the body’s movements. Pain from musculoskeletal disorders can be felt in different areas of the body, such as the upper and lower back, shoulders, neck, feet, legs, arms and hands. Examples of musculoskeletal disorders include osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus.

Higher Risks for Women

Awareness is key to reducing musculoskeletal disorders in women. Women have a higher risk of:

• Tearing a knee ligament
• Spraining an ankle
• Developing osteoarthritis of the knee
• Fracturing a hip due to osteoporosis
• Tearing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

 

Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices can reduce a woman’s risk of osteoporosis. Steps to take include eating foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D, avoiding caffeine, stopping smoking, exercising daily, and limiting alcohol intake. For more tips, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
• Female athletes tear their ACLs more often than males primarily because they use their muscles and ligaments differently when jumping, pivoting and landing. However, through proper training, most women can learn to land differently to reduce the risk of tearing an ACL. The Santa Monica ACL Prevention Project developed the PEP training program (Prevent injury, Enhance Performance) to help female soccer players avoid ACL injuries. Click here to see the full PEP Program.
• Take care when lifting heavy objects, since some musculoskeletal disorders can be triggered by improper lifting. For safe lifting practices, visit the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA website.
• Work that is highly repetitive, or involves exposure to repeated force, vibration or an awkward posture can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. Since every workplace is unique, talk to your doctor or employer about ways you can make adjustments to reduce your risk at work.

For More Information

If you are a woman who has a musculoskeletal disorder, contact an orthopedic doctor to see what pain-relieving options may be available to you. Keep in mind that seeking care sooner rather than later is always wise, since you may be able to avoid increased pain, further joint damage or the need for surgery.

Finally, why not take a step today, and share this article to help the women in your life reduce their own risk of musculoskeletal disorders? Just one small tip could help them avoid joint pain in the future.

Ankle braces are commonly used to treat injuries or provide relief from the pain of arthritis.

While it is possible to purchase ankle braces online or at a local drugstore, it is important to know the types that are available and to consult with a doctor to determine which treatment is best for you.

Types of Ankle Braces

• Compression braces: Also known as elastic braces, compression braces are often used to treat mild ankle sprains and tendonitis. These types of braces are made of lightweight stretchable materials which allow normal rotation and movement of the ankle. They are designed to provide joint support, enhance balance and reduce swelling. Compression braces also help keep the ankle joint warm and decrease muscle stiffness. They can usually be worn on either the right or left ankle, and are typically sold by shoe size.
• Lace-up braces: Lace-up braces are semi-rigid. They are used to treat mild to moderate ankle sprains. Lace-up braces limit side-to-side and up-and-down movement of the joint. They provide more support than compression braces, and most types will fit into the shoe. Like compression braces, they are designed to be used on either the right or left ankle.
• Hinged braces: Hinged braces are also semi-rigid. They prevent the ankle from rolling from side to side but do not hinder up-and-down movement. Hinged braces typically have padded sides for comfort and Velcro straps so they can be easily adjusted or removed. Unlike lace-up or compression ankle braces, hinged braces are specifically made to fit either the right or left ankle.
• Rigid braces: Doctors often prescribe rigid braces to athletes or active people to help them recover from an ankle sprain or stress fracture. This type of ankle brace is made from hard plastic that extends up either side of the ankle and is secured with Velcro straps. While rigid braces provide excellent support, they may not fit inside shoes. Depending on the condition, a doctor may recommend that a patient switch to a less limiting type of brace after the ankle begins to heal.

While ankle braces can provide a temporary solution, they should only be used during the initial phase of recovery unless a doctor recommends otherwise. Be sure to make an appointment if you have had an injury or are experiencing ankle pain.

If you are currently experiencing wrist or hand pain, you may wonder whether you are developing carpal tunnel syndrome. But how can you know?

First, recognize that it is always wise to see a doctor early on if you are experiencing any type of joint pain so you can be properly diagnosed. Second, keep in mind that it can be very helpful to document your symptoms — that way, you will have helpful information your doctor can consider when he or she is examining you to determine whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the nerve which runs down the inside of the arm and hand. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome vary, but include:

• Tingling or numbness in the fingers, particularly the first and middle finger, and the thumb
• Pins and needles sensation
• Impaired thumb and finger dexterity
• Pain that extends up to the shoulder
• Swelling or weakness in the hand
• Pain in the thumb that extends into the wrist area
• Inability to move fingers without wrist pain
• Gradual onset of symptoms
• Symptoms that worsen at night

People at Higher Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

People who are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome include those who frequently use hand tools that vibrate, such as drills, or perform work that requires repetitive motion, such as cleaning, sewing, meat packing or data entry. Women are more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment

Here are some tests a physician may use to determine whether a patient has carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Tapping on the wrist with a reflex hammer to determine if there is tingling in the fingers
• Having patient grip an object to check thumb strength and movement
• Having patient press the backs of hands and fingers together for several minutes to check for tingling

If you are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may recommend a non-surgical treatment, such as icing the area or taking an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen. If these treatments do not help, your doctor may recommend a cortisone injection, or if your condition is severe, carpal tunnel release surgery.

Patients often delay knee replacement surgery because of fear of the procedure or concerns about the recovery process. Interestingly, while many people worry about what could possibly happen if they undergo knee replacement surgery, fewer stop to think about what will likely happen if they wait:

• Increased knee pain
• Further damage to the joint
• Reduced mobility and ability to use the knee

Continuing to delay knee replacement surgery can bring about serious consequences, such as the inability to walk, work and perform normal daily tasks.

Knee Replacement Surgery May Be More Complex the Longer You Wait

The longer a patient waits to have knee surgery, the more complicated the surgery can become. Here are some ways the procedure can become more complex when a person delays knee replacement surgery:

• The knee may become deformed and therefore harder to replace
• The surgical procedure can take longer
• Kneecap resurfacing may be required
• Options may become more limited. For instance, early on, a patient may only need a “partial” knee replacement, but if they wait, they may need “total” knee replacement — which is a more complex procedure.

Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery May Diminish Health

Patients who are relatively healthy when they have a knee replaced are more likely to recover sooner. The longer patients wait and allow their knee issues to affect them, the more it impacts overall health. For instance, an inability to walk without pain may lead to avoidance of exercise and weight gain which will put even more pressure on the painful knee.

Make a Knee Replacement Surgery Appointment

So, what’s the smart choice? If you are experiencing knee pain, make an appointment with your doctor and find out if knee replacement surgery or another type of treatment is right for you. Knee replacement may not be the only option, and there may be a different therapy such as a cortisone injection or medication that can help.

Most patients who have had knee replacement surgery not only report positive outcomes including reduced pain or complete freedom from knee pain, many say they would have had knee replacement surgery sooner.

A herniated spinal disc can be extremely painful and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. When a disc is herniated or ruptured, the gel-like, inner substance can leak into the surrounding area and aggravate the spinal nerves.

Fortunately, though, many people with pain from herniated discs experience relief from non-surgical treatment. If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, here are some of the non-surgical treatment options your orthopedic surgeon may offer:

Short-Term Non-Surgical Treatments for Herniated Disc Pain Relief

• Ice: Pain and inflammation often accompany a herniated disc. Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend an ice pack to reduce swelling. After 48 hours, treatment with ice is less effective, so use it soon after the onset of back pain for optimum relief.
• Heat, or heat and ice: For some, heat or a combination of heat and ice is the best short-term solution to relieve herniated disc symptoms. Like ice, however, treatment with heat is less effective after the first 48 hours.
• Pain medication: As an initial non-surgical treatment for herniated disc pain, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Long-term use of NSAIDS has been linked to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems, so limit your use of these medicines.
• Steroids: Another non-surgical option for herniated disc pain is steroids. Your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe an oral steroid to help you. Like NSAIDs, they should not be used over the long term.
• Muscle relaxants: Some people with herniated disc pain experience painful muscle spasms. If this is true for you, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe a muscle relaxant that can help.

Long-Term Non-Surgical Treatments for Herniated Disc Pain

• Physical therapy: Spinal issues like herniated discs are often caused by weak back muscles. Because of this, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe physical therapy, which can strengthen the back muscles reducing strain on the spine. Additionally, a physical therapist may teach you new and better ways to perform certain activities, such as lifting items, to help you avoid future herniated disc pain.
• Epidural injections: Another non-surgical treatment to relieve herniated disc pain is an epidural injection, which contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. Epidurals are injected directly into the painful area to reduce swelling and bring pain relief.

Although there is a good chance a non-surgical treatment can help reduce herniated disc pain, it can sometimes take several weeks or months to establish a personalized treatment plan. Treatment will likely involve a combination of non-surgical methods.

If you have tried non-surgical treatments for herniated disc pain that have not helped or are no longer working, there may be a minimally invasive a spine surgery option that could benefit you. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon to find out more.