Among the working class of Canada, there are many who develop severe arthritis as they age. For some, the symptoms are serious enough to impact their ability to complete major work-related tasks. As a result, arthritis has become one of the leading causes of disability among Canadians.
First Steps
Once you have realized that you may be developing arthritis, the first thing to do is to obtain an official diagnosis, along with a treatment plan. The sooner you start your treatment, the better are your chances of finding pain relief through reduction of the inflammation and preventing a further worsening of your symptoms.
Furthermore, your disability plan, if you have one, will also require you to provide proof of a professional diagnosis and medical treatment, otherwise, you will not be able to receive acceptance of your application for disability benefits.
Types of Arthritis
Among all types of arthritis, the commonly shared symptoms are inflammation and pain. However, when people think of arthritis, they will generally think of either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, since those are the two most widespread types.
The cause for osteoarthritis is worn down cartilage at the patient’s joints, which is generally caused by certain repeated movements. This is completely different from rheumatoid arthritis, which stems from the patient’s very own immune system having begun to attack the tissue lining their joints. As the tissue is under attack, inflammation occurs as the lacking tissue now leaves the joint unprotected.
Statistically, biological females are at a significantly increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as opposed to biological males. The age of diagnosis commonly falls between twenty-five and fifty, with no chance of being cured. However, treatment does significantly heighten the chances of remission. To be compensated for your injuries and treatment, you can seek the services of a personal injury lawyer in Sault Ste Marie. You might be eligible for worker’s compensation, as per your company policy.
The Symptoms of Arthritis
Without the protective cartilage, movement of the patient’s joints will force their bones to come into contact and scrape against each other. This will result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility, as well as a general stiffness of the joint. Due to the pain, sleeping uninterrupted is also often a problem for patients, which has made chronic fatigue another common symptom.
It should be noted that arthritis can befall any part of the body that has a joint, including the spine, hips, fingers, shoulders, wrists, and knees. Furthermore, there are also symptoms that are specifically connected and unique to a certain type of arthritis and will thus help with the diagnosis. It is important to have your medical records accessed by the lawyer so that you can be compensated.