Complications Of Arthritis And How To Prevent Them

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types of this disease which tends to affect older people. While both types can give you pain and stiff joints, complications of arthritis are most common in the rheumatoid variety.

Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of developing other serious health conditions, such as heart problems, infections, osteoporosis and other conditions. If you suffer from this immune-system-related disease, it is important to get treatment and make lifestyle changes. Rehab therapy, including physical therapy and other treatments prescribed by your doctor, can slow down the onset of this disease.

Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn NY offers rehab and medical care for people with all types of arthritis. Let’s take a look at arthritis complications in a little more detail. Be aware this is for general information only. Please refer to your doctor for personal advice relevant to your specific condition.

Male nursing staff helping black woman facing complications of arthritis in getting physical therapy.

What Are Some Complications Of Arthritis?

  • Rheumatoid nodules

One of the problems with rheumatoid arthritis is that it can lead to rheumatoid nodules. These are knots or lumps of tissue, and often form around pressure points, such as elbows. They can also occur anywhere in the body, including in vital organs such as the heart or lungs. Careful monitoring by your doctor, medication, and physical therapy can help maintain pain-free mobility for longer.

  • Osteoporosis

Another rheumatoid arthritis complication is an increased risk of osteoporosis. This is a condition that makes your bones brittle and more prone to fracture. It tends to be more prevalent in women.

  • Infections

A further complication with rheumatoid arthritis is the increased risk of infections. That’s because the disease itself, and some of the medications used against it, can harm the immune system. A healthy immune system is needed to fight off infections, and rheumatoid arthritis attacks the immune system. Vaccinations can help keep diseases and infections at bay.

  • Hardened or blocked arteries

An increased risk of hardened or blocked arteries is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A further arthritis complication is inflammation of the sac that encloses your heart. Where rheumatoid arthritis affects the wrists, inflammation can also cause loss of movement in the hand and fingers.

Can you prevent the complications?

Treatment and rehab cannot turn the clock back and totally free you of rheumatoid arthritis complications. However, a closely monitored program of therapy and medication can definitely help you manage the diseases and slow down its progress. The aim is to achieve the greatest possible degree of patient mobility, independence, and well-being.

Fairview Adult Day Care Center’s team of nurses, rehab, physical and occupational therapists take great pride in their work. Compassion, efficiency, emotional support, healthy lifestyle are key to successful outcomes. Fairview has a wealth of experience treating the many complications of arthritis.

Clients that have been attending this day care center for years are well aware of the many benefits of the right treatments they had for arthritis and other conditions. Don’t give up and keep using the right tools to slow down your arthritis.

This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.