We all know that flexibility tends to decline as we age. Children seem endlessly bendy and elastic. Adults start to slow and stiffen a bit, but generally maintain a decent range of motion. By the time we’re old, moving our joints can become particularly challenging.
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that can affect flexibility, and it’s often associated with older people. It becomes more of a risk as we age, but young people aren’t necessarily immune.
There are actually many kinds of arthritis. The two most common are rheumatoid arthritis, which is a form of autoimmune disease, and osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative condition affecting the joints. Gout is also a category of arthritis.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the parts of the body that are meant to fight disease and outsider invaders fail to act properly. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints, particularly the hands and wrists. Why it does this isn’t clear, but it may involve both environmental and genetic factors.
In the case of osteoarthritis, the cartilage around the joints breaks down, which is followed by the bone itself wearing away. It’s a condition that can develop over many years with increasingly severe symptoms, often influenced by injury. Sometimes it occurs because of pre-existing abnormalities in limbs and joints, but it can also be due to natural wear and tear.
Despite variations between the different types, there are some arthritic symptoms that are well-known and tend to recur. This includes pain, swelling and stiffness. Sometimes the impact extends from the joints to other parts of the body, causing some organs to not work properly. There’s no cure, so it’s all about management.
Managing arthritis can be tricky. Physical therapy and orthopedic bracing may help, as can medication to treat pain and inflammation. Diet and exercise can both have an impact. In the most severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be an option.
Physical therapy is particularly helpful in the long term. In addition to reducing pain, it may improve the flexibility of the joint and minimize the impact of the arthritis. You could maintain your range of motion for longer, and it is less likely that you will need surgical intervention.
You might not be able to avoid arthritis, but it does not need to mean a complete loss of flexibility.
