What Is Stress Arthritis?

Everyone has stress to a certain degree. Some people are able to deal with it more effectively than others. If you have arthritis and are also under ongoing stress, this is going to increase the likelihood that you may be stricken by other illnesses, including mental health problems and heart disease, according to the University of Washington School of Medicine. Arthritis can compromise your overall health.

Arthritis is Made Worse By Stress

• The pain that goes along with arthritis is exacerbated by stress, stress being defined as your mind and body's reaction to pressures and tensions.
  Arthritis affects a person's lifestyle due the constant pain, which limits their mobility as well as the side effects of the arthritis drugs they are taking. This can cause more stress.

More Susceptible to Stress

• HealthCentral.com notes that people suffering from chronic pain, which arthritis can cause, are apt to experience stress more significantly than the non-arthritic population. Pain combined with stress can lead to depression as well as to anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Features

• When you are stressed, your muscles tense, and this increases your pain. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones called cortisol, which increases your rate of breathing and your heartbeat, blood pressure and muscle tension.

Increased Sensitivity

• Stress can cause increased sensitivity to pain. It's a vicious cycle.

Additional Outcomes

• If you are stressed, depressed and in constant pain, this can result in weight gain, fatigue and a weakened immune system, which makes you susceptible to other illnesses.