Fatigue

Top Arthritis Symptoms Treated in Wellington

Arthritis is a common condition, yet it is frequently underestimated and misunderstood. Many people tend to shrug it off as “just a bit of wear and tear” or chalk it up to aging. In reality, arthritis is far from the usual aches and pains, and it is not an inevitable part of getting old—it has no cure and, without proper medical care, it can lead to permanent disability.

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not just one disease: it is an umbrella term for 100 different joint conditions, each with its own set of challenges. Despite their differences, many types of arthritis share common warning signs. It is important to pay attention when your body starts dropping clues and take action right away. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of avoiding irreversible joint damage and preserving your mobility and overall quality of life.

Below, you will learn about the common symptoms of arthritis and where to find treatment for it in Wellington, FL.

Joint Pain

Joint pain, also known as arthralgia, is the most common symptom of arthritis. Depending on the type you have, you may experience either a dull ache that is gradual and persistent, or sharp, severe pain out of nowhere. You might feel it in your hands, shoulders, knees, hips, or even your feet, and it can manifest after periods of rest and exercise.

If you are finding yourself constantly reaching for painkillers or skipping activities because of sudden or recurrent attacks of joint pain, it is definitely worth getting checked.

Swelling

Swelling is another hallmark sign of arthritis, and its cause depends on the type of arthritis you are dealing with.

With wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis), swelling occurs due to friction, which happens when the cushion (cartilage) lining your joints wears down and your bones grind against each other.

With inflammatory types of arthritis like gout and rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system goes into overdrive, mistakenly attacking the tissues in your joints. This triggers an inflammatory response, which is essentially part of your body’s healing mechanism. Inflammation causes the lining of your joints to swell up and produce excess fluid. This buildup of fluid leads to visible swelling around the joint.

Unlike swelling caused by minor injuries, arthritis-related swelling tends to linger or ebb and flow. If the area around a joint looks visibly enlarged or feels puffy for more than three days, and rest and ice do not bring relief, see your healthcare provider to find out its underlying cause.

Stiffness

Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after a long period of inactivity, is another common sign of arthritis.

Like swelling, stiffness related to osteoarthritis (OA) is a result of cartilage damage, while stiffness in inflammatory types of arthritis is due to swelling of the joint lining and excess fluid buildup.

If you find yourself struggling to move a joint, or needing time to loosen it up before you can function normally, it could be a sign that arthritis is at play.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another common symptom of arthritis, albeit lesser-known. Arthritis-related fatigue has a number of potential causes, namely:

  • Sleep deprivation: The nagging pain related to the condition can make restful sleep elusive, leaving you feeling spent the next day.

 

  • Stress: Unrelenting arthritis symptoms can lead to stress, which triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline. While helpful in short bursts, constant elevation of these hormones can disrupt your natural energy cycle. This results in physical burnout.

 

  • Inflammation: The inflammatory response is an energy-intensive process in itself. Your body requires energy to ward off what it perceives as a potential threat.

 

  • Inactivity: The pain and stiffness associated with arthritis can make movement seem like a tall order. However, without it, your energy levels can take a hit. When you are sedentary, your blood flow slows down. Reduced blood flow deprives your cells of oxygen, which drives your metabolism, a process in which your body turns food into energy.

 

Treatment for Arthritis in Wellington, FL

Arthritis is one of those conditions that you are never meant to tackle alone. You need an expert by your side to help you rein in your symptoms, slow its progression, and maintain your independence.

For top-tier treatment for arthritis in Wellington, FL, partner with us here at Advanced Medical Clinic. Our providers specialize in chronic disease management and have helped countless men and women feel, move, and live better despite their conditions—they can help you, too.

To request an appointment with Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, our board-certified internist, or Shariffa Gunawardene, our board-certified family nurse practitioner, call us at (561) 434-1935. You may also fill out this secure online form.

 

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Staying Hydrated in the South Florida Summer

The high summer temperatures of South Florida bring hazards. Being aware and taking appropriate precautions will prevent serious health issues, and help you enjoy the summer in a carefree manner.

Hydration isn’t just important during physical activity. When the temperatures rise, getting enough to drink is important whether you’re playing sports, traveling or just sitting in the sun. Being exposed to the sun or humidity even if you aren’t exercising, can cause your body to need more fluids.

Dehydration

Dehydration can be a serious condition that can lead to problems ranging from swollen feet and headaches to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke.

The human body is composed of more than 50% water, which plays an integral role in many bodily functions necessary to sustain life. Adequate water is vital for digestion and organ function.

One of the most serious hazards of summer is dehydration, where the body can lose water at an alarming and dangerous rate. Dehydration causes heat exhaustion and other serious heat-related illnesses. In addition, dehydration can wreak havoc on your electrolytes, causing dangerously low levels of sodium and potassium in your body.

The first thing to ensure during summer is pre-hydrating our bodies, drinking and rehydrating adequately before, during and after any activity.

Water is Critical for Your Heart Health

A well-hydrated body keeps the heart pumping blood through the blood vessels to the muscles more easily. And it helps the muscles work efficiently and ensures the heart doesn’t have to work so hard.

People who have a heart condition, are older than 50 or overweight may also have to take extra precautions when dealing with the summer heat.

Symptoms of Dehydration

If you have become thirsty your body has already lost 1-2% of its fluids, about 1-2 liters of body water.

Here are some signs of dehydration: 

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Flushed skin
  • Chills
  • Heat intolerance
  • Light-headedness
  • Dark colored urine
  • Dry cough
  • Headaches
  • Muscle cramping
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Inability to sweat

Emergency medical attention should be given to those suffering from the more severe symptoms.

How Much Water Do We Lose? 

Weighing yourself before and after an activity (without clothes), and subtracting the difference gives a good estimate of fluid loss. More than 1% loss in body weight indicates dehydration while over 5% indicates severe dehydration.

Well-Hydrated                        -1 to +1%

Minimal Dehydration           -1 to -3%

Significant Dehydration       -3 to -5%

Serious Dehydration             >5%

How Much Water Do You Need?

The amount of water a person needs depends on climatic conditions, clothing, activity, and duration.

Those who perspire heavily need more fluids. Medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease require more water. Cystic fibrosis sufferers have high concentrations of sodium in their sweat, and need to avoid dehydration. Some medications act as diuretics, causing more fluid loss.

Thirst alone is not an accurate symptom, the color of your urine is. Pale and clear signals adequate hydration. The darker it is, the higher the level of dehydration.

Inability to sweat while engaged in vigorous physical activity can be a red flag, pointing to dehydration, to the point of imminent heat exhaustion.

A good guide to hydration is:

16-32 ounces before vigorous activity.

16-20 ounces every 10-15 minutes during activity.

20 ounces for every pound of body weight lost during activity.

Healthy Hydration

Alcohol and carbonated beverages should be consumed in moderation, as the body does not tolerate them well especially in the heat and sun. It is best to hydrate with alternating water with the occasional sports drink, to replace chemicals such as sodium and potassium, as well as fluids.

Fruit juices, sodas or sugary drinks can be hard on the stomach if you’re dehydrated. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and causes more fluid loss.

Water is best to stay hydrated, as it is sugar and calorie-free. Sources of water also include highly water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelons, cucumbers, and strawberries.

Preventing Dehydration this Summer

Dehydration can become a serious problem. Staying hydrated and drinking enough water is vital for digestion and organ functions. The following steps should help:

Exercising: hot, humid conditions can dehydrate a person in 30 to 60 minutes.  Outdoor activities should be done during the cooler parts of day, before 10 am or after 4 pm. Sunscreen with minimum SPF 15 should be used. Stay out of the sun and wear a hat and sunglasses.

Hydration: thirst indicates dehydration. Hydrate yourself before, during and after any activity.

Salt: salty snacks help rehydration during lengthy or intensive workouts. If you lose 2 to 5 percent body weight, take a salt replacement. With moderate exercise, under one hour, normal salt intake with food is sufficient.

Water: over-drinking water during a workout can cause symptoms ranging from nausea to coma. The International Marathon Medical Directors Association recommends that athletes drink 31 ounces of water an hour, rehydrating every 20 minutes.

Acclimating: newcomers not used to the sweltering Florida sun, should limit their sun exposure and activity and get their bodies adjusted slowly over the course of two weeks. Get used to sweating, then cooling down, and practice hydration.

If you think you might be dehydrated, or to learn more about staying safe this summer, call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or you can request an appointment online.