Arthritis is more common in women than men

Arthritis, a disease that causes swelling in the joints, affects millions of people year after year. It is more common in women than men due to fluctuation of hormones in their body.

Wear and tear on the joints can also lead to Arthritis, which is a common condition affecting 20 to 25 per cent of the elderly.

Arthritis can be divided into two main types: degenerative and inflammatory arthritis. Degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis is caused by joint wear and tear due to ageing.

This disease is more common in people over forty and mainly affects the knee, neck, and waist joints. In some people, arthritis can also affect the joints in the fingers.

Osteoarthritis is caused by age-related wear and tear of the cartilage that covers the bones. This wear and tear decreases the distance between the bones. There is pain when walking and getting up from a sitting position. The pain increases when doing something, and it decreases when resting.

Obesity is the leading cause of knee arthritis. Knee pain can be relieved with regular exercise and medication. However, knee replacement surgery may be required if the cartilage is significantly worn down.

Inflammatory arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, is a less severe disease. It is also known as goitre. This rheumatism is peculiar in that it can affect any age group. It is seen in both children and adults, but it is more common in women.

The main symptom is pain in the small joints, i.e. the joints of the toes, wrists and ankles. Swelling may also be seen in the painful area. These same joints may also feel stiff when you wake up in the morning.

Some patients also experience pain in large joints such as the knee, hip, and ankle. This is called seronegative arthritis. It is most common in young people between 15 and 40. The main symptoms are tightness in the lower back, swelling, and pain when the foot is pressed on the ground when waking up in the morning. It is important that people who experience these symptoms get medical tests done to ensure they don’t have arthritis.

Gout is also a rheumatism associated with uric acid. The cause of this disease is an increase in the amount of uric acid in the blood. Excess uric acid can build up in the joints, causing swelling. The condition is more common in men. However, not everyone with high uric acid needs to get it. The disease can be controlled with medication, dietary changes, and exercise.

Arthritis in women 

In India, it is estimated that one in three women over the age of 60 suffer from arthritis. It is now being seen in women in their 20s and 30s. Women have smaller joints than men and have less cartilage, which increases the risk of arthritis in women.

High levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in women can affect joint health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also contribute to arthritis and joint tension. Genetics can also be an important factor in arthritis. People with a family history of arthritis are more likely to develop the disease.

Dr. Harish Chandran 

MS (Ortho), FASM, FAA (Italy)