ARTHRITIS

Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Definition of Arthritis

Arthritis is more of an inflammation of the joints and affects one or multiple joints. There are several different types of arthritis and causes and treatment methods according to the type. The two most common types of Arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). The symptoms of Arthritis are not constant and it develops over time. It is not possible for anyone to say if Arthritis will occur at this point in time.

Arthritis is experienced mostly by adults who are over the age of 65, however, there are also possibilities that young adults, children, and teens might experience the same as well. As compared to men, women experience arthritis quickly. Nowadays, considering the work pressure and difference in activities, women who are younger are also experiencing arthritis. Regardless of the fact that there under types of Arthritis present, the symptoms are most likely to be stiffness, swelling, warmth, pain, and redness in the joints.

Early Signs of Arthritis

Constant joint pain and stiffness are the two most common symptoms to understand if a person has arthritis. The range of motion can also decrease and the person might experience redness around the joints. Most people tend to notice the symptoms usually in the morning. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the person might feel tired or have a loss of appetite because of the inflammation caused by the activities in the immune system.

There are chances that the person has a low red blood cell count making them anaemic. If it is not treated properly, then the person might end up with joint deformity.

Causes of Arthritis

Cartilage is a strong yet flexible connective tissue present in the joint and it protects the same by having the pressure observed and creating a shock every time stress is put upon. If the Normal amount of cartilage tissue is not present or has been decreased then there are high chances of the person being prone to any form of arthritis. Even some normal wear and Tear might cause osteoarthritis. This can also occur due to the similar medical history of the family members. Another common form of Arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis which is mostly considered an autoimmune disorder.

Types of Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis – It is the most prevalent kind of arthritis. An injury or ageing is usually the cause of osteoarthritis.
• Autoimmune arthritis – It happens due to the immune system attacking functional cells in the body by accident. The commonest type of this arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.
• Infectious arthritis – It spreads to the joint from a different body part.
• Juvenile arthritis – It takes place in children.
• Psoriatic arthritis – People with psoriasis are affected by this.
• Gout – When there is an excess build-up of uric acid within the body, it leads to gout. It generally originates from the toes. Arthritis can’t be cured but several treatments are available that may successfully alleviate the pain.

How Do You Stop Arthritis From Progressing?

If a person is diagnosed with osteoarthritis they should be worried about the progressive nature of the disease. For any type of arthritis, if the person is being able to detect it in the earlier stages, then they can try some changes in Lifestyle to reduce the impact. According to most experts, obesity might be a significant contributing factor to the progression of arthritis. The person must make sure that not much stress is placed on the damage to the joint that might deteriorate the structural integrity of the joint. There could be a dramatic release if the person is able to lose at least five per cent of the body weight.

What Tests are done to Diagnose to Arthritis?

Arthritis diagnosis is best done with the help of a doctor. They will perform a physical examination to make sure of the presence of arthritis and this examination evaluates the presence of fluid around the joints and the motion of joints. If they are severe symptoms with which the person is able to figure out it is mostly arthritis, then it is wise to get an appointment with the Rheumatologist already. This might help in faster diagnosis and treatment. The inflammation levels will first be extracted and analyzed to understand the type of Arthritis the person is suffering from. The blood test will be focusing on the presence of specific types of antibodies.

Can Arthritis be Treated?

The major aim of the treatment is to make sure that the person has a reduced amount of pain in the joints and to prevent any further damage in the joints. Some people might use heating pads or Ice packs to reduce the pain and some use mobility assistance devices according to the intensity of the pain. However, it is dependent on the person who is suffering from arthritis and other factors like their age, bone strength and so on.

Here are some non-surgical treatments of Arthritis

• Changes in lifestyle – Certain daily habits and changes in life can reduce the spread of the disease and help with the pain as well.
• Reducing activities that make the condition worse.
• Changing to activities that reduce the impact on the ankles and feet, instead of the high impact ones.
• Weight loss to decrease the impact on joints for the increase in function and pain reduction.
• Physical therapy – Certain exercises help increase the range of flexibility and motion. The ankle and feet muscles can be built up as well.
• A physiotherapist or a doctor can create a customised exercise regime to meet your lifestyle and needs.
•  Assistive devices – Walking with a cane or wearing braces might improve mobility. Custom made shoes for arthritis, reduce pain as well.
• Medications – Painkillers like naproxen and ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling. Cortisone injections may relieve pain and help manage inflammation. These, however, aren’t permanent. Surgery helps with the pain and makes life functional again. It may however take up to 9 months for a full recovery.

Food to Eat or Avoid in Arthritis

Though a proper diet could be a treatment method to help with arthritis, there are certain foods that cannot be included in the intake for people who suffer from the pain of arthritis. Considering the fact that inflammation is the primary cause of arthritis, relevant medications that reduce inflammation and pain must be taken.