Unpacking
The Relationship Between Joint Pain and Gender with Regard to Arthritis
The
prevalence of arthritis, a "common household disorder of old age,"
has increased alarmingly in terms of both the number of cases and the range of
age groups afflicted. In India, the prevalence of arthritis is higher than that
of AIDS, cancer, or diabetes, according to a study by SRL Diagnostics.
The
swelling of one or more joints in the body that results in arthritis causes
pain, stiffness, and movement limitations. There are several websites where you
may examine your symptoms and increase our general anxiousness. But it's
crucial to recognise the connection this illness has with women. The severity
of the condition appears to be higher in those born female than in people born
male, according to studies undertaken jointly by the World Health Organization
(WHO), the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Indian affiliate, and the
Arthritis Foundation of India.
Osteoarthritis,
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Gout, Fibromyalgia, Childhood Arthritis, and
Undifferentiated Arthritis are the four main types of arthritis. In layman's
words, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage at
the ends of our bones to deteriorate, while rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an
autoimmune illness characterised by chronic inflammation.
In
this essay, we will mostly discuss RA and osteoarthritis, the reasons why these
conditions affect people born to women more than other people, and methods for
reducing the symptoms of, if not completely preventing, the onset of these
conditions.
Hormonal changes and childbirth
Women
are known to experience a variety of chronic health problems after a certain
age. Joint pain sensations are frequently linked to the beginning of menopause.
After menopause, osteoarthritis has been seen to occur more frequently in the
hands and knees. The association between oestrogen and tissue activity is
increasingly supported by research. Dr Shital Punjabi, a gynaecologist with 25
years of experience in practice, asserts that both oestrogen and androgen have
anti-inflammatory qualities. Therefore, RA symptoms may manifest or worsen when
oestrogen levels fall during menopause.
Women
are given caregiving obligations in the home due to gendered societal
conditioning. They disregard their own wants and health because of the implicit
sacrifice. The caretaker receives the bottom scrapings while the cream is
distributed to the remainder. Wear and tear is also a direct cause of
arthritis. There is a significant amount of invisible, taxing, and repetitive
physical labour involved in the "traditional" position of Indian
women in the home. Women must be aware of their individual requirements and
monitor symptoms.
The
subtle yet terrifying spectre of PCOS and PCOD is known to today's menstruators
(Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Polycystic Ovary Disorder). A hormonal imbalance
known as PCOS is mostly brought on by the ovaries' excessive androgen
production. Patients with PCOS and PCOD are more likely to experience
joint-related symptoms due to the hormones' role in osteoarthritis and RA. PCOS
causes both hormonal and metabolic problems, frequently leading to
hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and irregular thyroid function. These
frequently result in weight gain and ultimately obesity. Weight raises the
likelihood that osteoarthritis symptoms will worsen.
For
those who choose to have children, it's crucial to understand how delivery
might lead to sacroiliac joint problems. The sacroiliac joint, which joins the
lower spine and pelvis, is an important region for childbirth. As the apparatus
loosens to allow for greater mobility during pregnancy, the likelihood of SI
joint problems rises. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that postpartum
effects on women with active RA symptoms are exacerbated. Because early
treatment will avert issues in the future, new moms must be prepared to
recognise any flare-up or new symptoms.
Consequences for women's health, gender roles, and nutrition
Contrary
to popular belief, arthritis is not directly caused by a calcium deficit. It is
without a doubt the cause of osteoporosis. However, a calcium and vitamin
shortage can cause weakness and weariness. An autoimmune condition called
rheumatoid arthritis is caused by both genetic and environmental causes. Folic
acid, vitamin (C, D, B6, B12, and E), calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium
deficits are the most frequently observed in RA patients.
Ironically,
cis-gendered men make up a large portion of the orthopaedic practise
population. The scales are horribly tipped because a sizable portion of
sufferers are individuals who were given women at birth. Stereotypes and
gendered social conditioning are more likely to be perpetuated in this
environment. In the diagnosis of an illness or the meticulously planned
allopathic treatment, the variation in gender experience may seem insignificant.
However, more women doctors in this sector will aid in quicker and earlier
diagnosis for a nation that is just emerging from its Victorian moralities and
is still firmly entrenched in the paradigm of patriarchal categorizations.
With
the aid of dietary restrictions and supplements, patients with early symptoms
can control the disease's progression. Aditee Raizada, a clinical dietitian,
affirms that "many Indian women are undernourished. Women are more prone
than males to get RA for this reason, on average. Nuts, milk products, fruits,
and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can all be beneficial, says Aditee.
Women
are given caregiving obligations in the home due to gendered societal
conditioning. They disregard their own wants and health because of the implicit
sacrifice. The caretaker receives the bottom scrapings while the cream is
distributed to the remainder. Wear and tear is also a direct cause of
arthritis.
There
is a significant amount of unseen, demanding, and repetitive physical labour involved
in the "traditional" position of women in Indian households. In the
Hindi-speaking region, RA is also called "gathiya," and it affects
women at a younger age than it does men. However, not all joint discomfort is
due to arthritis. Women should be aware of their own demands and keep track of
their symptoms.
Ironically,
cis-gendered men make up a large portion of the orthopaedic practise
population. The scales are horribly tipped because a sizable portion of
sufferers are individuals who were given women at birth. Stereotypes and
gendered social conditioning are more likely to be perpetuated in this
environment.
In
the diagnosis of an illness or the meticulously planned allopathic treatment,
the variation in gender experience may seem insignificant. However, more women
doctors in this sector will aid in quicker and earlier diagnosis for a nation
that is just emerging from its Victorian moralities and is still firmly
entrenched in the paradigm of patriarchal categorizations.
It's
critical to understand how different bone architecture, movement patterns, and
hormone distribution affect how different bodies are built. Additionally,
because of how society perceives gender roles, those who are born with the
gender assigned to them experience conditioning and mistreatment. Thanks to
whatever scant study findings are available to us, we must be knowledgeable.
The symptoms and early stages of arthritis can be treated and even reversed
with care, even if it may be an afterthought for young people or a resignation
after retirement.
Furthermore,
it is past time to realise the negative effects on women's health that gender
roles in the home, particularly those involving physical labour, have.