Types of Obesity & The Different Types Of Obesity Surgeries

Have you ever been going through social media- say, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube- and seen someone call someone else “obese”? From moderately slim women to healthy men, we have all been through it. The word gets thrown around but there are a lot of people who don’t know what it means and are happy to use it as an insult.

So today, let’s go over what obesity really is and how we can classify it.

WHAT IT IS?

WHO- World Health Organisation- defines Obesity as follows:  

“Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.” 

In the same vein, BMI is defined as follows:

“BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can indicate high body fatness.”

Calculate your BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI Index Chart.

• If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.
• If your BMI is 18.5 to 25, it falls within the healthy weight range.
• If your BMI is 25.0 to 30, it falls within the overweight range.
• If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obesity range.

 

CLASSIFICATION

Thus, we come to the subdivisions of obesity: 

• Class 1: BMI of 30 to 35 
• Class 2: BMI of 35 to 40
• Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher. Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorized as “morbid” obesity.

That said, you must always remember that a healthy BMI is not the end-all of your indicators. The risks of obesity are only due to excess body fat, particularly visceral fat i.e. fat that collects in the stomach. Among the risks of obesity include increased blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol, all of which can increase your risk of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In fact, according to the CDC- Center for Disease Control, the USA- BMI is just a correlation, because the greater your BMI figure, the more fat you’re likely to carry about.

According to the CDC, age, gender, ethnicity, and muscle mass may all distort BMI in terms of body fat. For example, if you’re really athletic and have a lot of muscle mass, your BMI may imply that you’re fat while in fact, you’re fit.

A qualified health care professional must conduct proper evaluations to determine a person’s overall health status including threats. Consult our expert doctors if you have any concerns about your BMI.

This brings us to the next question: 

If we are obese, how exactly can we achieve long-term health and weight-loss? Fortunately, there are several solutions available for reducing weight in a healthy manner. Obesity surgeries are one of these solutions. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OBESITY SURGERIES?

You may need to lose weight, which will likely lower your BMI if your BMI is in the upper tier and your body composition suggests you’re at risk for adverse health challenges. A woman’s waist circumference should be under 35 inches; a man’s waist circumference should measure less than 40 inches, ideally.

Here are the surgeries you can undergo to get results that last, supported by science and industry experts.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The majority of your stomach is removed during gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, leaving just a banana-shaped piece that is stapled shut. As a result of the operation, your stomach can hold less food, causing you to feel full more quickly. The hormones or bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract that control hunger and metabolism may also be impacted by having part of your stomach removed causing long-term weight loss.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, often known as gastric bypass surgery, has three stages. Your stomach is first stapled, resulting in a tiny pouch in the top portion. You eat less because you feel full more quickly due to the much smaller stomach caused by the staples.

The bottom portion of your small intestine is then surgically connected to the little stomach pouch after the surgeon separates it into two pieces. Your body will absorb fewer calories since food will bypass the majority of your stomach and the top section of your small intestine.

The top portion of the small intestine is then reconnected to a new spot on the lower portion of the small intestine that is located farther down. This enables the stomach’s bypassed region to release digestive juices into the stomach. In order for food to be completely digested, this enables the digestive fluids in the stomach to move from the upper region of the small intestine to the lower part of the small intestine. Hormones, bacteria, and other elements in the gastrointestinal system are altered by the bypass, which may have an impact on metabolism and hunger. This also results in long-term weight loss and habits and behaviours are corrected over time. 

Mini Gastric Bypass

This is a minimally invasive and minimally scarring procedure. A pouch is positioned under the diaphragm during surgery, and its bottom edge is subsequently tightened to reduce the size of the stomach.

Intragastric Balloon

An intragastric balloon implantation technique helps you lose weight by inserting a silicone balloon filled with saline into your stomach. By restricting how much you can eat and quickening the feeling of fullness, this aids in weight loss.

During the operation, the doctor inserts a tiny tube (catheter) into your stomach that is loaded with an intragastric balloon. A flexible tube with a camera attached called an endoscope is then advanced by the doctor down your neck and into your stomach. Your doctor can observe the balloon while filling it with saline thanks to the webcam. Up to six months are allowed for intragastric balloons before they are removed with an endoscopy. Depending on the strategy decided upon by you and your doctor, a new balloon may or may not be implanted at that time.

No matter which surgery you choose after close consideration with our experts, always remember: Even if you don’t see results right away, keep up your consistency. Yes, even if it seems like the weight isn’t coming off quickly enough. The only way to lose weight permanently is to make persistent attempts to eat healthily, walk more, and maintain other good weight-controlling behaviours including getting enough sleep. Researchers discovered that people were more prone to give up on their objectives when their weight fluctuated, probably as a result of inconsistent efforts. Keep in mind: You can do this.

More importantly, the fight against obesity is a war. You lose some battles, you win some battles- but it is never the end. And always keep in mind that there is always help available. Come to Radiance Hospitals and get expert advice on what would work for you and what wouldn’t. We can tell you everything you need to know about weight loss and more.

The greatest weapon you can have at your side is the phone. We are your allies and we are only a call away. 

With Radiance Hospitals, we fight with you to make sure you never lose.

What to Do and What Not to Do After Hip Replacement Surgery 

Hip replacement surgery, commonly known as hip arthroplasty, is used to treat hip discomfort. Artificial implants are used to replace sections of the hip joint during surgery. A ball at the head of the femur, commonly known as the thigh bone, and a socket make up the hip joint in the pelvis, also known as the hip bone. Hip replacement surgery involves the replacement of one or both sections of the hip. The procedure’s aim is to allow you to continue normal everyday activities and exercises with minimal pain. 

For a lot of people, hip replacement surgery becomes a crucial step in getting back to good health. The majority of patients feel the pain reduction by itself makes it worthwhile, and the enhanced mobility and hip function drastically enhance a person’s quality of life by returning freedom and the ability to engage in activities. According to studies, more than 80% of hip replacements last at least 15 years and more than 70% last at least 20 years, making it an excellent alternative for the long-term treatment of hip issues caused by severe arthritis. 

However, every medical procedure brings with it risks and a lot of those are complications on the patient’s end. Here are some ways to avoid that the surgery remains successful for a long time: 

DON’Ts: 

1. Do not bend more than 90 degrees at the waist. 

Try to remember that a recent surgery means that you are far more vulnerable, medically. Even a procedure as generally successful as hip replacement comes with limitations. It doesn’t take you back to being young and you no longer heal that quickly.  

Bending at the waist can cause permanent damage to the body. Bending down to tie your shoes, sitting in a low chair, or any other action that requires bending at the waist is an example of this. These exercises increase the likelihood of the replacement hip dislocating. 

1. Do not extend your knees past your hips. 

Another risk is bending your knee past your hips. Bending over too much at the waist can dislocate the hip from its socket, and elevating your knees such that they are higher than your hip can do the same. 

1. You should not cross your legs. 

Crossing your legs, especially crossing the operated leg over the non-operated leg, may be restricted merely for a few days or weeks following your operation, or for much longer, depending on the type of hip replacement surgery you’ve had. A displaced hip joint might also arise from this motion. 

1. Don’t rotate or twist at the hips. 

Try to maintain your chest and hips pointed in the same direction as much as possible. Any action taken too quickly that jerks the new hip or causes too much distress to the operated area should be avoided at all costs. Some action is unavoidable and it is usually okay, but try to minimise it as much as you can. The lesser you obstruct the healing process, the quicker the joint will heal. 

1. You should not rotate your feet too far inward or outward. 

Make an effort to maintain your toes and feet pointed in the same direction as your hips. This applies whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down. 

1. Do not drive until your doctor has cleared you. 

Driving after hip replacement is unique to each individual. Some people can drive after a few weeks of having hip replacement surgery, while others require longer time to recuperate and drive safely. Before you drive, consult with your doctor to ensure that you’re safe on the road and that it won’t interfere with your recovery process. 

1. Avoid heavy activities and sports. 

Without first seeking permission, do not play tennis, downhill ski, water ski, run, jog, or engage in other physically demanding sports that need fast starts and pauses. Weightlifting is also not recommended. 

Do not engage in sexual activity until your six-week follow-up appointment has passed and your doctor has granted you permission; intercourse will be unpleasant in the first few weeks after surgery. Do not hurry the healing process. 

1. Do not hurry the healing process. 

We understand how important it is for you to regain your independence, but the last thing you want is to injure yourself again- this time worse or permanently. If you do not feel ready to resume everyday activities after being discharged from the hospital, you have the option of recuperating at our highly skilled facility. You will get the rehabilitative treatment you need to mend and heal at your own speed. 

 

Now that we know what not to do, here are the things you should necessarily do. 

 

DOs: 

1. Use Assistive Devices 

Use crutches or a walker to help you walk. Despite those, always be careful, a fall may lead to further, permanent, injuries. To keep your operated leg out to the side, use cushions between your legs or under your knee on the side of your new hip replacement in bed. When putting on shoes and socks, always use assistance gadgets. 

1. Exercise 

Post-surgery our specialist will provide you specific instructions on what exercise you need to do everyday. Make sure you follow all her instructions. Daily movement and exercise can help you restore joint and muscle function. We can offer strengthening and mobility exercises, as per your individual needs, as well as teach you how to use a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches. You will be able to progressively increase the amount of weight you put on your leg as therapy advances until you are able to walk without assistance. 

1. Use elevated seating. 

As mentioned before, bending during the early days of post-surgical freedom, you will need to use elevated seating to ensure you don’t hurt yourself or dislocate the new joint. Your body is still getting used to it and it is not ideal to have low seats. Make sure all your chairs, sofas and so forth are high. 

This includes your toilet seat. Under no circumstances should you use an Indian style toilet. Use a raised toilet seat or a bedside commode. You may get one from a local medical supply store or borrow one from a local community organisation. 

We understand how hard it can be to have a replaced hip. Surgeries can develop complications and even when successful, they can cause you some pain before they make you feel better. While most people are able to re-join normal life, for others it may be quite tough to live with. We at Radiance Hospitals understand how difficult it may be. This is why we have specialists at Radiance Hospitals who have the knowledge, education, training and licence to assist you during this difficult time. We work hard to ensure that while you may face hard struggles, you are never alone and always have a team that is ready to guide you and care for you through your journey. Book your appointment with Radiance Hospitals for the further guidance for surgery or post-hip replacement instructions.  

 

How Long You Should Wait to Have Hernia Surgery

Do you have a pain in your abdomen or groin that doesn’t seem to go away, even with meds? Do you think it might be a hernia?

To answer that, we first need to understand what a hernia is and how it happens.

WHAT IS A HERNIA

When an internal organ or other body part pushes through the muscle or tissue that surrounds it ordinarily, it develops a hernia. The majority of hernias develop in the abdomen, between the chest and the hips. If you have swelling and a protrusion that may be “pushed back” into your abdomen, you may have a hernia. If it continues to expand, hernia surgery will be required to treat it.

So, how long can you wait to have hernia surgery?

Unfortunately, it is more complicated than that. Hernias come in a variety of common forms. Let’s go over the common types of Hernias.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HERNIA

1. Inguinal hernia:

In men, the spermatic cord and blood arteries that travel to the testicles enter through the inguinal canal. The circular ligament that supports the womb in women is located in the inguinal canal. Fatty tissue or a portion of the intestine protrudes into the groin near the top of the inner thigh in an inguinal hernia. Men are more frequently affected by this sort of hernia than women are.

2. Femoral hernia:

At the top of the inner thigh, fatty tissue or a portion of the intestine protrudes into the groin. Femoral hernias, which mostly affect older women, are far less common than inguinal hernias.

3. Umbilical hernia: 

An umbilical hernia occurs when fatty tissue or a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdomen close to the navel (belly button).

4. Hiatal (hiatus) hernia:

An opening in the diaphragm, the horizontal muscle sheet separating the chest from the belly, causes a Hiatal (hiatus) hernia, in which a portion of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity.

 

HOW LONG CAN YOU WAIT TO HAVE HERNIA SURGERY

Now, you might wonder, “How long can I wait to have hernia surgery?” Some small hernias, that do not grow, can be left alone. However, it is important to remember that most hernias get larger and more dangerous as time passes. While it may not be creating any problems right now, it is quite possible that if it is not treated, it will cause more major problems later.

If any of the following occur, your doctor will most likely suggest it:

• Tissue, like the intestine, becomes caught in the abdominal wall. This is known as incarceration. If untreated, it can result in strangulation.
• Strangulation of the hernia. This happens when the muscular wall squeezes the bulging tissue. As a result, the tissue’s blood supply is cut off, and it begins to die. This is a surgical emergency that can result in lasting harm. Organs that have been strangulated, if not removed soon, will make you extremely sick.
• If you have a fever or nausea, abrupt discomfort that worsens, or a hernia that becomes red, purple, or black, call our expert doctors right away.
• The hernia is causing pain or discomfort, or it is expanding.

Because of the potential for serious complications, doctors normally advise patients with a hernia to undergo a minor procedure to remove the probability of it becoming larger or worsening. How long you can wait to have hernia surgery will depend on all these factors.

 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HERNIA SURGERY

Since there are different types of hernias, they have different types of hernia surgery. During surgery, the tissue that is making a bump is returned to its normal location. The muscle is then sewn back together. If needed, a mesh may be placed to provide support.

Your hernia can be removed in one of two methods, according to your doctor. Both are carried out in a hospital or surgical facility. You’ll generally be able to return home within a few days. In many circumstances, you will be able to leave the hospital on the same day as your surgery.

1. Open Surgery

Before having open surgery, you will be given a general anesthetic. To open your skin, our experienced surgeons make an incision. They will gently reposition the hernia, tie it off, or remove it. Then, sutures will be used to close the weak part of the muscle where the hernia is pushed through. For bigger hernias, our surgeons may insert a piece of flexible mesh to provide additional support. It will help prevent the hernia from returning.

2. Laparoscopic surgery

A general anesthetic will be used during laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery involves inflating your abdomen with a safe gas. This allows our surgeons to have a better view of your organs. A few tiny incisions will be made near the hernia. They will implant a thin tube with a little camera at the end. This is called a ‘laparoscope’. The surgeons treat the hernia with mesh using pictures from the laparoscope as a guide. Laparoscopic surgery frequently results in a speedier recovery. Patients are usually back to their normal routine a week sooner than with open surgery.

The sort of surgery you’ll require is generally determined by the size, nature, and location of your hernia. Our specialist doctors also take into account your lifestyle, health, and age.

The surgery does, in some cases, have alternatives.

ALTERNATIVES  TO SURGERY

When a hernia causes few or no symptoms, “watchful waiting” is considered a viable alternative to surgery. People who postpone surgery, particularly males with inguinal hernias, should be on the lookout for symptoms and consult a doctor on a frequent basis.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 70% of men with an inguinal hernia who delay treatment may develop new or worsened symptoms and will require surgery within five years. A bigger hernia is more difficult to fix if you wait too long.

Moreover, you may be advised to use a corset, binder, or truss. These supportive undergarments hold the hernia in place by applying mild pressure to it. They may provide relief from discomfort or pain. They are used if you are unable to have surgery or for brief relief prior to surgery.

That said, never, ever self-medicate these alternatives. They only work in rare cases and even then, surgery may become vital later. Use these garments only under the guidance of your doctor.

 

All in all, Hernia surgery is a more or less safe procedure with minimal risks. There are more benefits to undergoing the surgery as per the suggestions and recommendations of your doctor.

The fight against hernia is often a painful one. We want you to remember that all bad thighs come to an end. At Radiance Hospitals, we do it all for you. If you choose to come to us for the treatment of your hernia, we will work our hardest to ensure you are always taken care of. With us, you are never alone.

 

Are you tired of your knee hurting at the smallest things? Pain can become a part of our daily life, worsening your standard of living. There can be several reasons why your knee hurts, including injuries like an ACL Tear, Sprain, or fracture; mechanical issues like dislocation; or other medical issues like arthritis. Here’s why you shouldn’t delay knee replacement surgery. These things only worsen over time due to wear and tear. Not only do they hurt your lifestyle but they can be very dangerous in the long term. Do you think you may be delaying knee replacement and if so, what is the next step?

Most people would consider knee- replacement surgery as the last resort when all other options are exhausted and nothing else can be done or more pain becomes unbearable. However, this mindset has proven to be very harmful.

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery discovered that postponing surgery might deprive patients of the full advantages of the procedure. According to the survey, over 90% of patients with knee osteoarthritis are waiting for the surgery for far too long. “People are waiting and waiting to have the procedure and losing the most benefit,” said Hassan Ghomrawi, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor of surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Due to persistent fear of major medical procedures and the potential risks of knee replacement, people have a tendency to highlight only the possible negatives of the surgery. What they fail to take into account are the high risks of not having the surgery. Here are some of the risks of delaying knee replacement:

1. Higher Chances of Complications

The longer a patient waits for knee surgery, the more difficult the procedure might become. When a person delays knee replacement surgery, the process might become more complicated in the following ways:

· The knee may deform and hence be more difficult to repair.

· The surgical process may take longer than expected.

· Kneecap resurfacing may be necessary.

· Options may become increasingly less.

2. Greater Health Issues

Patients who are generally healthy at the time of their knee replacement are more likely to recover faster. The longer individuals wait and let their knee problems influence them, the worse their entire health will be. For example, an inability to walk without discomfort may lead to a lack of activity and weight gain, putting more strain on the affected knee.

SET ASIDE THE FEARS

To relieve the fears of the surgery, let us understand what the surgery is all about and why you shouldn’t delay knee replacement surgery. In damaged knee joints, knee replacement surgery can help reduce discomfort and restore function. Anesthesia is required for knee replacement surgery. Your feedback and preferences assist the doctors in deciding whether to employ general anesthesia, which renders you unconscious or spinal anesthesia, which renders you awake but unable to feel pain from the waist down.

To assist avoid post-surgical infection, you will be given an intravenous antibiotic before, during, and after the surgery. You may also be given a nerve block to numb your knee. The numbness eventually fades after the operation.

The operation entails removing diseased bone and cartilage from your thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with a prosthesis consisting of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.

Your knee will be bent, exposing all surfaces of the joint. Your surgeon will pull your kneecap aside and cut away the damaged joint surfaces after making an incision about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) long.

The surgeon installs the prosthetic joint components after prepping the joint surfaces. He or she bends and rotates your knee before sealing the incision to guarantee correct function. The procedure takes roughly two hours.

RESULTS

Additionally, weigh the results against the risks to determine whether you should get the surgery done. Knee replacement gives pain relief, greater mobility, and a higher quality of life for the majority of patients. Furthermore, most knee replacements are predicted to endure longer than 15 years.

Most daily activities, such as shopping and minor housekeeping, can be resumed three to six weeks after surgery. Driving is also doable after three weeks if you can bend your knee far enough to ride in a car, have sufficient muscular control to use the brakes and accelerator, and are not currently on narcotic pain drugs.

Following your recuperation, you can engage in low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, golfing, or bicycling. However, high-impact activities such as running, skiing, tennis, and contact or leaping sports should be avoided.

In lieu of that, here are some ways you further remove the risk of knee replacement:

Make plans for your rehabilitation.

You may require crutches or a walker for many weeks following the treatment, so plan ahead of time. Ensure you have transport home from the hospital and assistance with daily duties such as cooking, bathing, and washing. If you live alone, your surgeon’s team or a hospital discharge planner may be able to recommend a temporary caregiver.

Consider the following to make your house safer and simpler to manage during your recovery:

· Because climbing stairs might be challenging, create a living area on one level.

· Install a sturdy railing or safety bars in your shower or bath.

· Stairway handrails must be secure.

· Purchase a sturdy chair with a solid seat cushion and back, as well as a footstool to elevate your leg.

· If you have a low toilet, get a toilet-seat riser with arms.

· For your shower, use a sturdy bench or chair.

· Remove any stray carpets or cables.

However, rashly rushing too soon is not very beneficial either. Thus, a question is raised:

WHEN IS THE PERFECT TIME?

There are many factors that go into consideration when it comes to surgery. The older a person gets, the more probable they have various co-existing health concerns, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which can make recovery more difficult.

Because lean muscle mass reduces with age, the physical effort of rehabilitation may appear to be more difficult than if the operation was performed earlier in life. Many patients who had knee surgery said that they wish they had done it sooner for a speedier recovery, but also to enjoy more years with less discomfort.

That said, it is not uncommon for untrained surgeons to recommend the treatment too soon. So, now you know why you shouldn’t delay knee replacement surgery but also that you shouldn’t have it too early.

CONSULTATION

The only way to know the ideal time to have the operation is to consult with an expert who takes into account joint function, discomfort, radiological examination, and age to identify the optimum time to have a knee replacement.

CONCLUSION

Knee replacement is one of the most successful surgical operations, and when done correctly, it may bring a lot of benefits in terms of pain reduction and functional rehabilitation, as well as being very cost-effective.

At Radiance Hospitals, we care about you and want you to only get the best treatment that will last a lifetime. Our experts are trained professionals who know just what is the right thing to do for you. They will walk you through the process and even after, there is always support so you are never left confused. So come down and get a consultation. And remember, with Radiance Hospitals, you are never alone.

Stiff Joints: Why Do They Affect You and How Do You Treat Them?

Joint pain is one of the aches that are common to everyone. Studies show that everyone will suffer from joint pain and stiffness  at some point in their life. Joint pain commonly occurs in the hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. There can be many types of joint pain like then stiffening, aching, swelling or feeling sore. Moreover, these pains may be chronic or temporary. In both cases, it may be constant or can fade in and out or come out of nowhere and be felt sharply and then dissipate.

The first step to solving this problem is to take a look at it.

 

Understanding Joint Pain

Joint Pain can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and forms and can be different for different people. The most common types of joint pains can affect a multitude of individuals such as some who:

1. Has sustained an injury
2. Repeatedly overuse a muscle group
3. Repeatedly underuse a muscle group
4. Have arthritis
5. Suffer from mental illnesses like depression, anxiety or stress
6. Suffer from obesity or other weight issues
7. Have poor health
8. Are older than 35

That said, let us get into some kinds of joint pains.

 

Stiff joints: causes

Some of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness that occurs chronically include:

1. Osteoarthritis

It happens as the protective cartilage that supports the ends of the bones deteriorates over a period. While osteoarthritis may affect any joint, it most usually affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease in which your immune system mistakenly assaults healthy cells in your body, producing inflammation (painful swelling) in the afflicted areas. RA primarily affects the joints, often attacking multiple joints at once. The hands, wrists, and knees are the most typically affected joints by RA. The lining of the joint becomes inflamed in RA joints, causing joint tissue destruction. This tissue damage can result in persistent or long-term discomfort, unsteadiness (loss of balance), and deformity (misshapenness). RA can also affect other tissues and organs, including the lungs, heart, and eyes.

3. Gout

Gout is a frequent and complicated kind of arthritis that can afflict anyone at any age. It is distinguished by abrupt, acute episodes of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often the big toe. Gout attacks can be severe, waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The injured joint is heated, swollen, and so sensitive that even the weight of the bedsheet may feel unbearable. Gout symptoms might come and go, but there are strategies to control them and avoid flare-ups.

4. Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful disorder that affects the bursae (bur-SEE), which are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around your joints. Bursitis develops when the bursae become inflamed. Bursitis is most commonly found in the shoulder, elbow, and hip. Bursitis can also affect your knee, heel, and the base of your big toe. Bursitis is frequently found around joints that undergo regular repetitive action.

5. Viral infections

Infections can often lead to the joints being severely affected, especially if it is highly inflamed, swollen or bruised.

6. Rashes

Rashes usually are a reaction to foreign matter that the body did not accept. It could lead to you breaking out in hives and is indicative of an oncoming allergic reaction. They can occur anywhere and may be due to clothes, environment, skin contact or even food.

7. High fever

The body runs a high fever when it detects dangerous elements but sometimes it can also cause joints to ache more and fatigue can make the situation all the more painful.

8. Injuries

Any injury to the joint can cause permanent or temporary problems. Broken bones and sprains are the leading cause of joint pain and stiffness today and can happen at any age to any gender.

9. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is one of the thick fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone. Pain and tenderness are felt right outside a joint as a result of the disorder. Tendinitis can affect any of your tendons, although it is most frequent in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

10. Ageing

As in all other things, ageing brings about wear and tear with time which leads to joint pain and stiffness as the tissues of cartilage and bones suffer damage.

 

Now that we understand the causes, let us move on to the solutions.

 

How to Relieve Joint Stiffness

There are several remedies for joint pain and stiffness, depending on how bad the pain is or how severe the damage is. Joint pain and stiffness treatment can take just as many forms are the problems including:

1. Home remedies

Home remedies are often quick, and simple and they work wonders as joint stiffness treatment. Some home remedies we would recommend that you try include:

• Heating pads or hot water bottles
• Ice packs
• Soaking in a warm bath
• Applying heating oils like ginger oil, eucalyptus oil, yarrow oil, arnica oil and lemongrass oil
• Getting a massage

2. Excercise

When joints are not exercised, they start to lose function. Regularly exercising all your joints will cause them to be much healthier and last much longer. Ensure that you don’t overdo it because that is bad too. Consult our experts to solve any question you may have about what the right amount of exercise is for you. Both joint and muscle pain can be avoided with good exercise, so this is a good joint stiffness treatment.

3. Weight Loss

Usually, obesity or being overweight is the cause for joints to deteriorate because of the extra weight. In such cases, losing that extra weight is good for the joint because it does not have to work harder to accomplish the same task ad it causes lesser wear on the joint. Joint and muscle pain become less with weight loss.

4. Acetaminophen, (Tylenol®) or anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen)

Over-the-counter painkillers are usually strong enough to work. However, if you have a medical history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or liver disease, please ask a physician if this is a good option for you.

5. Ointments and gels

Many ointments and gels available over the counter like Iodex and Move- are good at their job. They will help relieve a lot of the pain in a short time. Do not forget to massage the joint while applying it. These are especially good for joint and muscle pain.

6. Dietary Supplements

Some supplements like glucosamine may help when added to your diet. However, you must ALWAYS consult a doctor before you start including it in the diet.

7. Doctor’s prescriptions for joint stiffness treatment may include:

1. • Supportive aids like braces, cane, shoes etc
   • Physical or Occupational Therapy,
   • Antidepressants
   • Steroids
   • Painkillers

8. Surgery

Finally, surgery. One of the more permanent joint stiffness treatments is surgery. You could go for Arthroscopy- a minimally invasive surgery- or Joint Replacement surgery. Our experts will be happy to investigate and find out which is the best option for you.

 

When to see your doctor

Thus it is clear that joint pain and stiffness all over the body have many facets and actors that make it difficult to categorise it into narrow fields. Home remedies are not bad, and sometimes they can be a good, unharmful option. Anything scientifically viable which has some medical standing is okay to try. It is, however, essential to keep in mind that while some of them can be categorised broadly, everyone’s body works differently and your pain may not be the same as others. Always consult a medical professional if joint pain and stiffness all over the body become worse, or increases or changes from how it used to be, especially if it is so bad that it impairs your ability to perform everyday tasks. There may be many underlying conditions that can be harmful in the long run.

Here are some symptoms that may indicate the need for a visit to the doctor:

1. More swelling than normal, or that is different
2. Stiff or enlarged joints
3. Numbness
4. Noisy joints- including, but not limited to, clicking, grinding or snapping sounds when moving the joint
5. Pain while moving the joint
6. Difficulty bending or straightening the joint
7. Loss of motion
8. A red and hot and swollen joint. This one can be especially concerning because it may indicate the beginning of an infection that should be treated as early as possible to ensure it does not spread anymore or cause further, possibly permanent damage.

 

Joint paint can be an incredibly difficult thing to live with. We at Radiance Hospitals understand how trying it can be, so we have experts trained in helping you go through this journey. This is your fight, but please remember that there are people out there who want to ensure that you are never fighting alone.

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17752-joint-pain

Remedies:
https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/home-remedies-for-arthritis.html

Oils:
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/essential-oils-for-sore-muscles#how-to-use