Arthritis You Don't Know
Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases, with over 100 types, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While arthritis is often considered a disease of the elderly, it can actually affect people of all ages, including children. Data shows that the overall incidence of arthritis is approximately 13%. Since there is currently no cure in mainstream medicine, it should be taken seriously by everyone. Early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of arthritis are crucial to prevent disability!
The principle of "use it or lose it" applies to biological evolution and is similar to the function of joints. The joint capsule consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner synovial layer. The fibrous layer is richly supplied with blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels, while the synovial layer secretes synovial fluid, which, in addition to its lubricating function, also serves as a medium for the metabolism of materials in articular cartilage and the articular disc. For people who sit in offices for long periods, insufficient joint movement slows down blood and lymphatic circulation around the joints. This not only affects the strength of the muscles and ligaments around the joints but also the secretion of synovial fluid. Increased friction between the joint surfaces accelerates wear and tear, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as joint pain.
Protecting your joints is all about health maintenance
Health Tip 1: Properly Place Keyboard and Mouse
Because osteoarthritis represents the aging of joints, it is called senile arthritis, and its incidence increases rapidly with age. Influenced by this, many people mistakenly believe that arthritis is only a "patent" of the elderly; however, an increasing number of cases are proving that this is not the case.
According to reports, medical research has found that laptop users experience greater hand injuries. This is because the laptop keyboard sits directly on the desk, which is relatively high. A higher wrist position leads to greater wrist strain; similarly, the higher the mouse is positioned and the further it is from the body, the greater the damage to the hands and shoulder joints. The ideal mouse placement is when the upper arm is parallel to the ground when seated.
In addition, studies have shown that residents of buildings without elevators have a higher incidence of knee pain and knee osteoarthritis than residents of single-story houses.
Health Tip 2: Wear high heels less often
Experts say that while it's not currently possible to completely prevent osteoarthritis, its onset can be reduced or delayed through certain measures. These measures include losing weight, avoiding wearing high heels as much as possible, protecting joints from injury (such as avoiding repetitive impacts or twisting forces), and minimizing frequent climbing activities.
For patients, it is important to avoid excessive weight-bearing on the joints, as well as exposure to dampness and cold. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and do not keep the joints in one position for too long.
At the same time, pay attention to eliminating factors that cause joint strain, such as appropriate weight loss for obese patients, reducing car use and walking, and minimizing activities like mountain climbing and stair climbing. Depending on the specific situation and within the limits of the condition, engage in correct and appropriate physical exercise to improve the metabolism of nerves, muscles, and joints, and slow down the aging process. It is absolutely wrong to assume that only rest and inactivity can protect joints.
Health Care 3: Protect Joints Through Micro-Motion
Finger exercise: Bend your fingers and use your other hand to bring your fingertips as close to your palm as possible. Then push the entire bent finger down toward your palm to stretch the back of the finger joint.
Finger strengthening: Place your hand flat on a table, move your fingers towards your thumb, and use your other hand to pull your fingers in the opposite direction. This can strengthen the muscles in your fingers.
Knee exercise: Sit on a chair and place your feet on another chair of similar height, then gently press your bent knee down.
Knee joint strengthening: Sit on a chair and straighten the lower leg, hold for 6 seconds. Alternate legs and repeat 5-10 times to strengthen leg muscles.
Hip exercise: Lie flat on a medium-firm mat, raise your legs with your knees bent, and gently pull your knees as close to your chest as possible. Repeat 5-10 times on each leg. This exercise can improve hip joint mobility.
Hip joint strengthening: Lie flat on a medium-firm mat, lift one leg off the ground, hold for 6 seconds, then relax and place it flat on the ground. The other leg can be slightly bent. Repeat 5-10 times for each leg.
