What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can happen to one or more joints at the same time. There are about 100 different varieties of arthritis, each with its own set of reasons, which can range from wear and tear to infections and underlying disorders. Many people suffer from arthritis of the joints, including arthritis of the feet and ankles as well as arthritis of the knees and shoulders. In order to cope with the discomfort and agony of arthritis, medicines, physiotherapy, and even surgery may be necessary.
What are the possible reasons for joint pain?
The most prevalent cause of joint pain is arthritis. It primarily affects wrists, hands, hips, and knees. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is more common among the elderly. Women are more likely than men to be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, which can be crippling. It causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the joints, resulting in acute pain.
What are the different types of arthritis?
The following are the various forms of arthritis:
1. Osteoarthritis: One of the two most frequent kinds of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It happens when the cartilage that functions as a protective cushion at the ends of the bones deteriorates. This occurs over time. Although this can cause damage to any joint, it is most typically seen in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects more than just the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can harm many different body systems, including the skin, lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and heart.
3. Juvenile arthritis: Juvenile arthritis is an inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation or swelling of the synovium (the soft tissue that borders the entire inner surface of the joint) in children aged 16 and under.
4. Spondyloarthropathies: Spondyloarthropathies, often known as spondyloarthritis, are a group of inflammatory rheumatic disorders that include ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. The start of this condition is characterized by joint discomfort and inflammation, which may occasionally impact the spine.
5. Gout: It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream. When an excessive amount of uric acid crystallises in the joints, it causes pain and inflammation.
6. Infectious and reactive arthritis: It happens as a result of a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
7. Psoriatic arthritis: It is a kind of arthritis that affects persons who have psoriasis, a skin ailment characterized by red patches topped with silvery scales.
Symptoms:
Among the symptoms are:
- Joints that are warm, painful, and swollen
- Stiffness in joints that gets worse when you don’t move around for a long time.
- Weight loss, exhaustion, fatigue.
Lupus
Gout
Infections such as mumps, influenza, and hepatitis Cancer
Tendinitis
Possible risk factors for Arthritis
The following are some of the risk factors for arthritis:
- The age factor: Age raises the likelihood of getting numerous types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (the most prevalent type).
- Genetics: Most kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis, are hereditary (inherited).
- Gender: Females are more likely to get most kinds of arthritis. Gout and ankylosing spondylitis, for example, are more common among men.
- Obesity and overweight: Excess weight predisposes to several types of arthritis by causing additional wear and tear on the joints.
- Immune system dysfunction — When a person’s immune system is dysfunctional, it can target the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and perhaps leading to arthritis.
- Injuries: Joints that have been injured are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
- Infection: A variety of infections can infiltrate the joints and cause arthritis.
- Occupation: Jobs that require repetitive movements can predispose to osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal problems.
What preventative measures may be taken to reduce the risk of arthritis?
Please keep in mind that chronic joint discomfort cannot be cured. However, with a few basic home treatments, you can manage the discomfort to a certain extent and keep it manageable.
People who have a healthy lifestyle are less likely to suffer from the illness.
Precautions include the following:
- Weight control: Losing extra weight can lessen the weight placed on the joints, lowering the chance of getting arthritis.
- Exercising: Exercising improves strength and flexibility, lowers joint pain, and aids with tiredness management.
- Prevent injuries: Injuries are a leading cause of arthritis. Avoid strenuous physical activity and anything that could result in a joint injury.
- Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications can be beneficial.
- Stretching aids in increasing joint mobility.
- If the discomfort is not caused by arthritis, a massage, a hot bath, and plenty of rest may be beneficial.
When Should Arthritis Patients Seek Medical Help?
If you experience joint discomfort, swelling, stiffness, redness, loss of mobility, or deformity, you should seek medical attention.
Minor joint complaints that linger undiagnosed for more than a week should be investigated.
It is critical for many types of arthritis patients to get an early evaluation because it is apparent that this can both avoid damage and disability as well as make appropriate therapy easier.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
- Arthroscopy
- A CT scan
- MRI \ Ultrasound \ X-ray
- A blood sample is taken for testing.
- Fluid analysis
At Galaxy Multispeciality Hospitals, we provide the best diagnostic facilities and technologies to our patients so that we can treat diseases as smoothly and quickly as feasible.
How is Arthritis treated?
Treatment for arthritis may alleviate pain and stiffness, but the condition may develop in some cases and correct joint damage in others, depending on the kind.
- Medications: Medications can provide relief to people in the early stages. To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, they are frequently given painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs). Biologic response modifiers are the most recent class of arthritis medications.
- Therapy: Therapy consists of physical exercises designed to increase joint flexibility and mobility.
- Surgery: In severe cases where the discomfort is excruciating, surgery is often undertaken. Doctors restore torn cartilage or smooth a joint where the surface has become roughened as a result of surgery.
At Galaxy Multispeciality Hospital, we provide proper treatment and diagnosis for patients suffering from severe cases of arthritis and have assisted our patients in recovering quickly by administering a variety of treatments.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment with one of our expert healthcare professionals.