The Omicron virus is highly transmissible. It is also great at dodging strong immunity. This is a major cause of concern among scientists. Studies have found that a ‘lot of body pain’ is one of the most obvious tell-tale signs of an Omicron infection. Arthralgia is a common symptom that occurs in Covid patients along with fatigue and myalgia. Existing rheumatoid arthritis can also raise your chances of catching the virus quicker than usual. Patients can start experiencing additional complications like cough and breathing troubles.
Arthritis is more common in adults with fair/poor health (40.5%) compared to those who have great health (15.4%) and less common among adults who meet physical workout goals (18.1%). Therefore, it becomes necessary to treat your RA to reduce the risks of the severe impact of Omicron on your health.
Arthritis and health problems
Inflammations and tenderness in bones are common issues post Covid. On the flip side, an underlying infection can increase the severity of the virus attack. This is mostly because the drugs for arthritis might impair your immunity. For example, corticosteroids can modify or suppress the system and boost the chances of illness. Similar other drugs are DMARDs, biologics and biosimilars. Factors like age and other health conditions, if any, are also responsible for poor immune system.
These make you susceptible to viral infections. As a result, your musculoskeletal system is highly affected. You experience a combination of pain, numbness, and stiffness. In fact, Arthritis can put you at greater risk of other health conditions, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that there are several sophisticated treatment methods to manage arthritis.
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, exercising regularly and cortisone shots can help improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles and bones, and relieve stiffness. Work with highly qualified doctors who provide trigger point injections and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with the help of the latest technology for a healthy lifestyle.
How to reduce the chances of Covid adversity?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a common form of Covid treatment. Yet we see the persistence of musculoskeletal complaints. This indicates that the reactions are not managed with these medications. There could be an onset of fresh pain if you have contracted Covid. Patients are likely to suffer from polyarthritis in big and small joints.
This resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Case studies have revealed that intermittent pain shows up especially in the morning. Sensations of swelling, warmth and tenderness also tend to become common. Therefore, it is not recommended to stop any ongoing treatments for RA or else the disease can progress and flare up the existing complications.
Also, try to follow the laid down precautionary measures. For example, staying at home and maintaining infection prevention habits. Schedule a pain management session with your doctor to reduce the chances of widespread discomfort.
Reduce the risk of arthritis
Managing your arthritis pain is a great way to lower the adverse impact of Covid on individuals. Below are a few effective ways to take care of your joints:
- Maintain the right weight according to your BMI. This will avoid excess pressure on your knees and hips.
- Keep your blood sugar under control. It can keep the tissues from stiffening.
- Avoid wounds and injuries by wearing protective gear while cycling or biking.
- Include Omega-3s in your diet. Score these from fishes like trout, mackerel, and salmon. It is a great ingredient to ease inflammations.
Take preventive routine care from doctors. They will suggest minor lifestyle changes that can have a significant impact on your arthritis. Patients are likely to stay protected against other life-threatening conditions like heart complications or type 2 diabetes.
Who is at greater risk?
Anyone aged 65 and above with a long-term illness can be highly affected. Keep a check on symptoms like extra mucus production, fatigue, chills, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These are obvious indications of the coronavirus. The conditions can worsen with existing arthritis. Other emergency warning signs are chest pressure and breathing trouble.
So, ensure medical intervention at the earliest. It can prevent stress on the body and reduce the impact of the COVID-19 attack. Work closely with doctors and track the symptoms.
Managing arthritis is a good way to lower the severity of coronavirus infection. Take suggestions from doctors on how to strengthen bones and muscles. It will go a long way to keep you protected in the coming days.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
