Arthritis is a term commonly used to describe a group of conditions that affect one’s joints. The bones are cushioned with cartilage, a slippery material that absorbs shocks and enables smooth movement. Arthritis develops when this cartilage wears down due to age or injury and does not function properly, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Here are the types and early warning signs of arthritis that one should be aware of. Types of arthritis The most common types of the condition include: Osteoarthritis It is a type of arthritis that affects the hips, knees, lower back, and other large joints that bear the most body pressure. Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. It attacks the smaller joints first, including the fingers and toes, and gradually the whole body, making it systemic. Psoriatic arthritis Another autoimmune condition, psoriatic arthritis primarily affects those with psoriasis, characterized by skin inflammation and patchy or scaly skin. Psoriasis commonly affects the tips of the elbows and knees, the navel, and the skin around one’s genitalia. Gout This is a relatively rare type of arthritis that develops when the kidneys cannot process excess uric acid, which accumulates in one’s joints.

Eating nutritious food, getting some exercise every day, and ensuring the correct levels of hormones keep the bones healthy. Health conditions like osteoporosis could weaken bones, making them brittle and leading to frequent fractures. While there are management methods, such as therapies and lifestyle changes, to improve weaker bones, identifying the complication at its earliest is crucial. An early diagnosis is only possible if one takes note of these early warning signs of weakening bones. Problems with holding objects An individual with osteoporosis might have trouble holding objects because of weaker grip strength. This is one of the most common signs of osteoporosis that occurs with age. Patients might have trouble pushing heavy doors, standing up, and rotating door knobs. Those with these symptoms must get themselves checked by a healthcare expert. Gum recession Gum recession is when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the underlying roots. Multiple factors, including aggressive brushing, genetics, and unhealthy lifestyle habits, could lead to this. However, sometimes it could be triggered due to the loss of bone mineral density. Since the teeth and jaw bones are connected, if the jaw starts to lose bone mineral density, it could result in receding gums.

Clothes are a reflection of your personality. Do you ever feel like you end up spending too much time looking through your wardrobe but can’t find the perfect outfit for every occasion? It may be a sign that your tastes are changing. Whether it’s a fitting issue or mere boredom, here are some other signs signaling that it’s about time to go on a shopping spree and give yourself a wardrobe makeover. Your clothes no longer fit The human body undergoes changes over time, so the way the clothes fit is also bound to differ. However, if you have too many items that do not fit you well, it may be time to consider a wardrobe makeover. You often wear the same set of clothes Most people have trusty comfortable outfits that they rely on when they struggle to put together other outfits. But if you find yourself wearing the same thing every day, you may feel bored or uninspired. Adding some oomph factor to your fashion sense with a makeover can help you overcome that and look more put together. Your clothes have collected too much lint Your clothes, especially your sweaters, collect a lot of fuzz from repeated wearing and washing.

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent disorders in the country, with approximately 1 in 4 adults diagnosed with some form of the condition. There are over 100 different subtypes of arthritis, with each condition characterized by different symptoms. The most common indicators are joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with age. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help patients manage symptoms. Some early warning signs that indicate arthritis are discussed below. Joint pain Arthritis mainly affects the joints with inflammation, leading to pain and tenderness in major bone and muscle groups. It is often coupled with stiffness that is prevalent in the morning and worsens with prolonged periods of inactivity. These flare-ups mainly trigger pain in the membranes connecting two joints. Skin nodules and lumps Arthritis patients often experience skin nodules or excess tissue growth under the epidermis. Inflammation is one of the main triggers of such growths on the knuckles, fingers, forearms, elbows, knees, and even behind the heels. In the case of osteoarthritis, one of the common subtypes, these lumps or nodules first appear on the big toe. Mobility issues Inflammation and pain affect vital muscle and joint groups, leading to mobility problems. The range of motion for the arms and legs becomes restricted as swelling and stiffness develop in the region.

As we age, it is normal for loose skin elasticity and weakening of the bones, also known as osteoporosis. However, the condition may get noticed sooner if one pays close attention. Weak bones are often seen in elderly patients, but in some cases, people can lose bone density at a young age due to vitamin deficiency, poor eating habits, or cancer. So let’s learn more signs that indicate the weakening of the bones. Brittle fingernails Nails and bones have no direct connection, although brittle nails could indicate a weak bone condition. Also, if you regularly get your nails done, it contributes to the poor condition of your nails. It is better to get tested in time as brittle nails are a sign of weakening bones and developing conditions like osteoporosis. Receding gums Gums are another body part that can tell you how well your bones are doing. For example, receding gums could indicate that your body might lack the required amount of calcium or vitamin D. This is seen because the gums are losing their grip on the jaw bone. Therefore, if you experience receding gums, you should visit the dentist to seek appropriate treatment. Lower back pain A common symptom associated with loss of bone density is lower back pain.

The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder differ significantly depending on various aspects, including the child’s age. The signs could be observed in their behavioral patterns as early as age one. Regardless of whether someone has the condition, all children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular healthcare appointments when they are 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months old. Here are the common autism signs in children in different age groups. Babies between six months and one year A few developmental differences might become more apparent when a baby becomes a toddler. Parents can identify autism by looking out for specific irregularities during this stage. For instance, the baby might: Not like seeing new faces. Not show any form of affection. Dislike being cuddled. Refrain from pointing their fingers at things. Show no response to their names when called. Make limited or no conversation. Shy away from initiating conversations in the form of “chatter” or “babble.” Avoid asking for help even if needed, and struggle with the activity instead. Rarely smile in social situations. Make limited to no eye contact. Not turn their head to locate sounds, nor react to loud noises. Display a lack of social anticipation (such as not understanding the game of “Peek-a-boo” and not reaching out their arms to be picked up).

Whether it is the first visit to the gynecologist or the tenth, it is natural to feel uncomfortable when discussing vaginal health problems. Such issues can seem extremely private and, occasionally, a little scary. However, it helps to know that nearly everyone experiences hesitation while interacting with their gynecologist. So, here are a few questions to ask a gynecologist that can seem uncomfortable but are important for ensuring optimal health: Does the vagina look normal? This is one of the most common questions one might want to ask during a visit to the OB/GYN but skip due to embarrassment. But, it is perfectly okay to ask this question if one feels like they need to know more about the appearance of the vagina. Most of the time, differences in appearance are not a cause for concern, as there is no normal or standard structure of the vagina. No one vagina is like the other, and they are not meant to look alike. This is because the labia length differs from person to person. Moreover, there are differences in clitoral prominence and skin coloration. Why are there bumps down there? It is normal for bumps to develop in the intimate area.

Most people do not give much thought to the way they urinate. But the way this important natural bodily function is carried out has a huge impact on health. A few peeing mistakes can cause bladder and kidney problems, hormonal imbalances, or other urinary tract infections that put health at risk in the long run. So, here are some common peeing mistakes one might be making and ways to avoid them: Holding it in When one is engaged in important activities, they may delay urinating even if they feel the urge. Although the bladder is designed to expand, holding pee for a long time repeatedly can damage the organ and lead to chronic bladder overstretching, disrupting bladder control. Parents or caregivers can help kids understand the importance of taking regular bathroom breaks even when in school. Peeing too frequently If one pees too frequently, even when they don’t need to, the bladder gets trained to respond to smaller volumes of urine. An overactive bladder can hamper daily life, making peeing too much one of the top peeing mistakes to avoid. Further, if one is unable to hold their pee at all, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.