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.