Here's a brief overview of each product and how they may help with arthritis and joint health:
Arthritis is extremely common, especially in people older than 50. It causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. Your provider will help you understand which type of arthritis you have, what’s causing it and which treatments you’ll need. You may need a joint replacement if you have severe arthritis that you can’t manage with other treatments.
Overview
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that causes damage in your joints. Joints are places in your body where two bones meet.
Some joints naturally wear down as you age. Lots of people develop arthritis after that normal, lifelong wear and tear. Some types of arthritis happen after injuries that damage a joint. Certain health conditions also cause arthritis.
Arthritis can affect any joint, but is most common in people’s:
- Hands and wrists.
- Knees.
- Hips.
- Feet and ankles.
- Shoulders.
- Lower back (lumbar spine).
A healthcare provider will help you find ways to manage symptoms like pain and stiffness. Some people with severe arthritis eventually need surgery to replace their affected joints.
Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing joint pain that’s severe enough to affect your daily routine or if it feels like you can’t move or use your joints as well as usual.
Types of arthritis
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most common types include:
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Arthritis that happens when your immune system mistakenly damages your joints.
- Gout: Arthritis that causes sharp uric acid crystals to form in your joints.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Arthritis that affects joints near your lower back.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis.
- Juvenile arthritis: Arthritis in kids and teens younger than 16.
Depending on which type of arthritis you have, it can break down the natural tissue in your joint (degeneration) or cause inflammation (swelling). Some types cause inflammation that leads to degeneration.
How common is arthritis?
Arthritis is extremely common. Experts estimate that more than one-third of Americans have some degree of arthritis in their joints.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. Studies have found that around half of all adults will develop osteoarthritis at some point.
Symptoms and Causes
What are arthritis symptoms and signs?
The most common arthritis symptoms and signs include:
- Joint pain.
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion (how far you can move a joint).
- Swelling (inflammation).
- Skin discoloration.
- Tenderness or sensitivity to touch around a joint.
- A feeling of heat or warmth near your joints.
Where you experience symptoms depends on which type of arthritis you have, and which of your joints it affects.
Some types of arthritis cause symptoms in waves that come and go called flares or flare-ups. Others make your joints feel painful or stiff all the time, or after being physically active.
What is the main cause of arthritis?
What causes arthritis varies depending on which type you have:
- Osteoarthritis happens naturally as you age — a lifetime of using your joints can eventually wear down their cartilage cushioning.
- You may develop gout if you have too much uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia).
- Your immune system can cause arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis) when it damages your joints by mistake.
- Certain viral infections (including COVID-19) can trigger viral arthritis.
- Sometimes, arthritis happens with no cause or trigger. Providers call this idiopathic arthritis.
What are the risk factors?
Anyone can develop arthritis, but some factors may make you more likely to, including:
- Tobacco use: Smoking and using other tobacco products increases your risk.
- Family history: People whose biological family members have arthritis are more likely to develop it.
- Activity level: You might be more likely to have arthritis if you aren’t physically active regularly.
- Other health conditions: Having autoimmune diseases, obesity or any condition that affects your joints increases the chances you’ll develop arthritis.
Some people have a higher arthritis risk, including:
- People older than 50.
- Females.
- Athletes, especially those who play contact sports.
- People who have physically demanding jobs or do work that puts a lot of stress on their joints (standing, crouching, being on your hands and knees for a long time, etc.).
At what age does arthritis usually start?
Arthritis can develop at any age. When it starts depends on which type you have and what’s causing it.
In general, osteoarthritis affects adults older than 50. Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops in adults age 30 to 60.
Other types that have a more direct cause usually start closer to that specific trigger. For example, people with post-traumatic arthritis don’t develop it until after their joints are injured, and gout doesn’t develop until after you’ve had high uric acid levels for at least several months.
Talk to a healthcare provider about your unique arthritis risk, and when you should start watching for signs or changes in your joints.
Diagnosis and Tests
How do healthcare providers diagnose arthritis?
A healthcare provider will diagnose arthritis with a physical exam. They’ll examine your affected joints and ask about your symptoms. Tell your provider when you first noticed symptoms like pain and stiffness, and if any activities or times of day make them worse.
Your provider will probably check your range of motion (how far you can move a joint). They may compare one joint’s range of motion to other, similar joints (your other knee, ankle or fingers, for example).
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Forever Freedom
1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Forever Freedom contains a blend of glucosamine and chondroitin, which may help support joint health and reduce inflammation.
2. Joint Lubrication: The supplement may help lubricate joints, reducing friction and discomfort.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: Forever Freedom may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain.
Active HA
1. Hyaluronic Acid: Active HA contains hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that may help support joint health and reduce inflammation.
2. Joint Cushioning: Hyaluronic acid may help cushion joints, reducing shock and stress.
3. Improved Mobility: Active HA may also help improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
Forever Move
1. Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM: Forever Move contains a blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which may help support joint health and reduce inflammation.
2. Joint Support: The supplement may help support joint health, reducing discomfort and improving mobility.
3. Antioxidant Properties: Forever Move may also have antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Forever Heat Lotion
1. Topical Pain Relief: Forever Heat Lotion is a topical cream that may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
2. Warming Sensation: The lotion provides a soothing, warming sensation that can help relax muscles and ease joint discomfort.
3. Non-Greasy: Forever Heat Lotion is non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin.
Using These Products Together
1. Combine for Enhanced Benefits: Taking Forever Freedom, Active HA, and Forever Move together may provide enhanced benefits for joint health and arthritis.
2. Apply Forever Heat Lotion Topically: Apply Forever Heat Lotion directly to the affected area to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or using topical creams, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.
Precautions
1. Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in these products, so monitor for any adverse reactions.
2. Interactions with Medications: These products may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and hormone replacement therapy.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or using topical creams during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
0 Comments