Arthritis

Types of arthritis vary depending on the cause of inflammation. Some arthritis develops as a result of injury or trauma which can result in extreme discomfort and joint pain. Arthritis types include the following:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Metabolic Arthritis (Gout)
• Infectious Arthritis

Common arthritis symptoms involve joint pain and discomfort depending on the type of arthritis. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. While joint pains are common signs of arthritis, they may not always indicate the disease. Possible arthritis symptoms include the following:

• Pain and discomfort around the joints.
• Redness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion

Arthritis may arise as a result of wear and tear or may occur due to inflammation. Arthritis causes vary from one person to another according to the type. Some people develop chronic joint pain due to arthritis as they age while some people may develop arthritis at a young age.

There are several risk factors like age, gender, and family history that can increase the probability of arthritis in people. Other causes of arthritis include:

• A joint injury can lead to degenerative arthritis.
• An abnormal metabolism can cause gout and CPPD.
• Infection in the joints can trigger arthritis symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

While most joint pains can mimic arthritis symptoms, it is not mandatory to visit the doctor. Some joint pains resolve on their own and do not require any treatment. However, seek medical attention in case you are experiencing the following:

• Immense pain and stiffness in the joints.
• Extreme difficulty carrying out daily tasks.
• Pain and discomfort do not decrease with time.

The doctor examines your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth and determines the cause of pain. Arthritis diagnosis involves a physical examination where the doctor will check how well you can move your joints. The primary objective of the diagnosis is to distinguish arthritis symptoms from cramps, sprains, fractures, etc. Therefore, the doctor may recommend diagnostic tests like:

• Laboratory Tests:
  • Blood Test
  • Urine Test
  • Joint Fluid Test
• Imaging Tests:
  • X-rays
  • CT Scan
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound

Arthritis treatment aims at relieving symptoms of joint pain, reducing damage, and improving joint function. Effective treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the primary cause of arthritis. A range of strategies can help recover from arthritis or prevent further damage. Arthritis treatment involves the following:

• Medications: A range of medications can be used to manage mild to moderate symptoms of arthritis. Orthopedic doctors recommend several medicines that can treat inflammation and infections. Arthritis treatment includes a range of medicines like:
  • Analgesics
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Counterirritants
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • Biologics
  • Corticosteroids
• Therapies: Doctors often recommend a course of therapies to help patients with arthritis increase their range of motion and reduce immobility. These therapies involve specific exercises tailored to individual needs to carry out everyday tasks and prevent the joints from further damage. Therapies like acupuncture, yoga & tai chi, massages, etc. prove to be effective alternatives for arthritis treatment. Different forms of therapies include:
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
• Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle changes aim to reduce the risk of severity and prevent the joint from damaging further. Doctors recommend a balanced diet and appropriate exercise to reduce arthritis symptoms. Additionally, certain food items can provide the nutritional value required for healthy joints. Here are some foods that are good for joint health:
  • Beans
  • Fish
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Nuts & Seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Olive oil
• Surgery: Surgical intervention for arthritis treatment becomes inevitable when the conventional methods are ineffective. Depending on the type of arthritis and the joint condition, the doctor recommends surgery to relieve pain and discomfort. Surgical procedures for arthritis treatment include the following:
  • Synovectomy
  • Total joint replacement (TJR)
  • Osteotomy
  • Joint fusion

Arthritis prevention aims at reducing the risks that can cause chronic joint pain. Joint injuries are common causes of arthritis. They can be prevented individually by wearing proper protective gear while playing sports or engaging in adventure activities or using safety measures while riding a vehicle. Here are some measures that help relieve joint pains and prevent arthritis:

• Maintaining weight
• Controlling blood sugar level
• Minimal exercises and stretching techniques.
• Quit smoking or consuming alcohol.
• Avoid processed foods that contain sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Regular health checkups with the doctor to avoid any complications.