Arthritis – What do you need to know?

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common ailment that impacts the joints. It can induce pain and swelling, making movement and staying active difficult. It can affect a single joint or several joints. This condition is dominant in the hands, feet, knees, hips, and lower back.

There are several distinct types of arthritis, each with its own set of causes and possible treatments. Two common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. While arthritis most commonly affects older people, men, women, and kids of any age can be impacted.

Types of arthritis

The umbrella word “arthritis” covers more than 100 distinct joint disorders. Typical forms of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis – The most prevalent type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, affects millions of individuals worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that surrounds and supports the ends of the bones deteriorates over time. Although osteoarthritis can harm any joint, it most frequently affects the knees, hands, hips, and spine joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – It is an autoimmune illness that develops when your immune system unintentionally targets the tissues in your own body. This condition damages the lining of your joints, resulting in a painful swelling that may eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.

Gout – Gout is a prevalent and complicated form of arthritis. It is characterized by frequent immense toe pain and sudden, acute bouts of swelling, redness, and soreness in one or more joints.

Psoriatic Arthritis – Psoriatic arthritis can develop in certain people with psoriasis, a disorder that causes red spots on the skin surrounded by silvery scales. The common signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include swelling, tightness, and joint discomfort.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – The most prevalent type of arthritis in children below 16 years of age is juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis include stiffness, inflammation, and chronic joint discomfort.

Symptoms

Different arthritis types cause various symptoms. They can vary significantly in severity between individuals. Joint soreness may be intermittent or persistent. Typical signs include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion
• Inflammation

Causes

The majority of arthritic conditions are considered to be caused by immune system flaws that lead to the body attacking its own joint tissues. This might run in the family genetically. Metabolic disorders like gout may bring on other types of arthritis.

It’s possible to get arthritis if you:

• Have a history of arthritis in your family.
• Have specific viral infections or autoimmune disorders.
• Have a profession or participate in a sports activity that repeatedly strains your joints.
• Have any previous injury or impairment to a joint.

Diagnosis

In order to determine the degree of movement in the joints and check for fluid around the joints, hot joints, or red joints, the specialist will perform a physical examination.

The doctor can identify the type of arthritis you have by measuring your blood inflammation throughout the body and examining any joint fluids, if present, and performing an analysis.

Another typical diagnostic procedure is a blood test that looks for a particular class of antibodies.

X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are among the imaging procedures that doctors routinely use to provide an image of your bones and cartilage. By performing these scans, they can eliminate other possible causes of your issues, such as broken bones.

Treatment

Treatments for arthritis primarily aim to lessen symptoms and enhance the quality of life. The type of arthritis you have, the joints it has impacted, and your symptoms will determine the best course of action.

In general, a mix of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements is used to treat arthritis. Some common treatment methods include occupational therapy and physical therapy, a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and, if necessary, hot and cold compresses, as well as mobility aids like canes or walkers.

Enhancing the functionality of your joints is also crucial. In order to get the best outcomes, your doctor might suggest combining several different types of treatment. Surgery might be required in extreme circumstances to replace or repair damaged joints.

Lifestyle changes

Specific lifestyle changes may help you deal with this condition. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers the risk of developing arthritis and can ease symptoms. A nutrient-rich diet is essential for shedding extra pounds. Inflammation can be reduced by choosing a diet high in antioxidants, such as vegetables and fresh fruits. Other foods that lower inflammation include fish and nuts.

It would help if you frequently exercise to keep your joints flexible. While it’s necessary to be active, it’s also crucial to pay attention to your body when it signals a need for rest and refrain from overworking yourself.

Why choose 7DMC?

From the initial consultation to the final diagnosis and treatment and beyond, we at 7DMC are committed to providing exceptional service. Our multidisciplinary team of skilled specialists, nurses, and therapists is available to provide you with individualized management and treatment of your disease and respond to any questions you may have.

Highly skilled practitioners in our state-of-the-art orthopedic clinic will do a detailed diagnosis using laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasound to detect arthritis issues at an early stage. Early intervention in the therapy process would help to lessen potential long-term consequences.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a condition that impacts the joints. There are numerous varieties of arthritis, and each one can be painful and limit mobility. Arthritis can be treated in a number of ways, from physical or occupational therapy to joint surgery.

Your healthcare professional can assist you in identifying the best therapy options to lessen symptoms. Most people can successfully manage this condition with medication and specific lifestyle adjustments.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/arthritis#what-is

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis