Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the cells of the immune system start attacking the cells of your own body. Unlike osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints and bones. This leads to swelling and pain in the joints. Visit the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata to know more about this condition. Age plays a major role in the development of this disease. However, other risk factors can also be responsible. They are:
- Sex: Research shows that women are more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis than men.
- Age: Arthritis usually affects older people as hormones like estrogens and testosterone decrease. It commonly occurs in people between 40 – 60 years of age,
- Family history- Genetics is highly influential in determining whether you will develop arthritis later. People whose parents and relatives have arthritis are at a greater risk of developing it.
- Smoking – Smoking can cause an abnormality in the calcium deposits on the bones. This, in turn, can weaken them and lead to arthritis.
- Environmental Exposures- Second-hand smoke, food chemicals, air pollution, etc can trigger the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in the body.
- Obesity- Obesity is responsible for a major of diseases and health conditions. Our legs balance the weight of our entire body. So, if there’s an increase in the weight it may weaken the bones or knees.
Prevention of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Since it is an autoimmune disorder, it is usually caused by genetics and there are no definite preventive measures. Visit the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata for an yearly check-up. However, the onset of this disease can be delayed by using the following precautions:
- Do strength training – Strength training builds your muscle and bone strength. It also makes them flexible and lowers the risk of falling. However, excessive training is not recommended.
- Consume Calcium and Vitamin D rich food – Bones are made up of calcium and vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium. Eating lots of calcium-rich dairy products and vegetables can help increase the bone mass and make them stronger.
- Quit smoking – Smoking lowers the estrogen levels in your body which in turn leads to a loss in bone mass density.
- Limit consumption of soda – Soda contains phosphorous which prevents the body from absorbing calcium. Consume less carbonated drinks for ensuring healthy bones.
- Avoid training intensely – Women should avoid training intensely as it may disturb the estrogen levels in their bodies. Also, they may be following a strict diet which may affect the calcium levels in their bodies.
- Avoid excessive alcohol – Alcohol is harmful to all the organs in the body. It is also linked to osteoporosis as it causes hormone deficiencies and interferes with the production of vitamin D in the body as well. Limit your consumption to 1 or 2 glasses a day and try to avoid it as you grow old.
- Get your bone density checked – Getting your bone density checked is the best way to learn whether your bones are healthy or note. It is done using a DXA Scan which passes radiation into a small part of your bone to know its density. Visit the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata to get your bone density checked by professionals.
- Limiting exposure to environmental pollutants– Environmental pollutants are equally responsible for triggering your immune system. Reduce going to places where the air pollution is high and wear masks every time you step out.
Your bones are crucial for the functioning of your body to do daily activities. Exercise, a healthy diet, and regular check-ups are bound to help you improve your bone strength and keep you active!
For further queries, Visit the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata.
