What is Arthritis Causes Symptoms and Treatment?:- Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and affects one or more joints. There are many different types of arthritis and there are causes and treatment methods according to the type. The two most common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis (RA-RA) and osteoarthritis (OA-OA). The symptoms of arthritis are not constant and tend to develop over time. It is not possible for anyone to say whether arthritis will occur or not at this time.
Arthritis is experienced mostly by adults who are over the age of 65, however, there are chances that young adults, children and adolescents may experience the same. Women are more likely to experience arthritis than men. Nowadays, due to the difference in work pressure and activities, even young women are facing the problem of arthritis. Despite the fact that types of arthritis exist, symptoms are most likely to be stiffness, swelling, warmth, pain, and redness in the joints.
What are the early symptoms of arthritis?
Persistent joint pain and stiffness are two of the most common symptoms in determining whether a person has arthritis. The range of motion may also decrease and the person may experience redness around the joints. Most people usually notice symptoms in the morning. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation caused by activities in the immune system can make a person feel tired or lose their appetite.
There is a possibility that the number of red blood cells in a person is low, due to which he becomes anemic. If it is not treated properly, one can suffer from deformity of the joints. For osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common forms, it can be caused by infection or injury to the joints that can lead to the breakdown of cartilage tissue. It may also be due to a family history of such diseases.
How does arthritis pain feel?
Pain is the first symptom of arthritis, which is called ARTHRALGIA. The pain is usually dull in nature but sometimes feels like a burning sensation. The pain starts due to some factors like climbing a large number of stairs, gardening regularly etc. It usually starts in the morning, with pain.
What are the causes of arthritis?
Cartilage is a strong yet flexible connective tissue that is present in the joint and it protects it by applying pressure and shock every time it is applied.
- If the normal amount of cartilage tissue is not present or is reduced, then the person is more likely to develop any type of arthritis. Even some simple conditions (injuries) can cause osteoarthritis.
- It may also be due to similar medical history of family members.
- Another common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis which is mostly treated as an autoimmune disorder.
- If the body’s immune system attacks the tissues present in the body, a person may experience rheumatoid arthritis.
- This attack disrupts the processing of soft tissue in the body, creating a fluid that further nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints.
- The latter type can potentially destroy the joint and eventually lead to the loss of both bones and cartilage.
*The exact reasons for this are not yet known.
Types of Arthritis
OSTEOARTHRITIS: This is the most common type of arthritis. Injury or aging is usually the cause of osteoarthritis.
AUTOIMMUNE ARTHRITIS: This is suddenly caused by the immune system attacking the functional cells in the body. The most common type of this arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.
INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS: It spreads from a different part of the body, to the joints.
JUVENILE ARTHRITIS: It occurs in children.
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: People suffering from psoriasis are affected by it.
GOUT: When there is an excess of uric acid in the body, it leads to gout. It usually originates from the toes. Arthritis cannot be cured but there are many treatments available that can successfully reduce the pain.
What are the 3 types of arthritis?
Several types of arthritis exist, with three of the most common affecting individuals all over the world.
- The first type is osteoarthritis, which is the most common form and the older age group is commonly affected.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is the second, which is an autoimmune disease.
- While psoriatic arthritis is the third type that affects the skin and joints.
How do you prevent arthritis from progressing?
If a person is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, they should be concerned about the progressive nature of the disease.
- For any type of arthritis, if the person is able to detect it at an early stage, they can try to make some lifestyle changes to reduce the impact.
- According to most experts, obesity may be an important contributing factor in the progression of arthritis. One must ensure that the damaged joint is not over-emphasised, which can damage the structural integrity of the joint. If a person is able to lose at least five percent of body weight, it will make a big difference.
- By giving some extra time to exercise, some regular activities can be changed. If the person is more interested in impact sports, they may need to consult a doctor before proceeding as it can cause more damage to the joints.
- Similarly, one must follow the list of medicines prescribed by the doctor.
What tests are used to diagnose arthritis?
Arthritis is best diagnosed with the help of a doctor. They will do a physical exam to confirm the presence of arthritis and this test evaluates the presence of fluid around the joints and the movement of the joints. If they are severe symptoms with which the person is able to figure out that it is mostly arthritis, it is wise to make an appointment with a RHEUMATOLOGIST well in advance. This can help in faster diagnosis and treatment. To understand the type of arthritis a person is suffering from, first the level of inflammation will be extracted and analyzed. The blood test will focus on the presence of specific types of antibodies.
Can arthritis be treated?
The main aim of treatment is to ensure that the person has less amount of joint pain and to prevent any further damage to the joints. Some people may use a heating pad or ice pack to reduce pain, and some may use mobility assistance devices depending on the intensity of the pain. However, it depends on the person who is suffering from Arthritis and other factors like their age, bone strength etc.
Doctors may also prescribe a combination of treatment methods to patients, for better results. Some physicians may prescribe medications such as analgesics and other anti-inflammatory drugs according to the patient’s condition. Physical therapy and surgery are advised by the doctors according to the intensity of the pain.
Here are some non-surgical treatments for arthritis:
Lifestyle changes – Certain daily habits and life changes can reduce the spread of disease and also help with pain.
Minimizing activities that make the condition worse.
Instead of high-impact activities, do activities that have less impact on the ankles and feet.
Reducing weight, to reduce the effect of weight on joints, increase joint function and decrease pain.
Physical therapy – Some exercises help increase flexibility and range of motion. The muscles of the ankle and foot can also be built up.
A physiotherapist or doctor can create a customized exercise regimen to meet your lifestyle and needs. Even though physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, sometimes it can have the opposite effect due to friction on the joints. If this happens, there is a need to seek an alternative treatment and you should consult your doctor immediately.
Assistive devices – walking with a cane or wearing braces can improve mobility. Custom made shoes for arthritis also reduce pain.
Medications – Pain relievers such as naproxen and ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation. Cortisone injections can relieve pain and help manage inflammation. However, these are not permanent. The surgery helps with the pain and makes life functional again. However, it can take up to 9 months for full recovery.
Can arthritis be treated naturally?
Since there is no specific treatment that can completely cure arthritis, people turn to natural remedies to reduce the pain. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis progressing and can significantly reduce symptoms if problems occur in their early stages. A healthy diet is an important part of treatment.
The diet should be full of antioxidants which will help the person to further reduce the inflammation. Fried foods, processed foods and other dairy products should be avoided in the diet. A gluten-free diet can improve symptoms and progression of the disease. Regular exercise will be helpful in keeping the joints flexible.
What to eat and what types of food should be avoided in arthritis?
Although a proper diet can be a way of treating arthritis, there are some foods that cannot be included in the consumption for people suffering from arthritis pain. Considering the fact that inflammation is the primary cause of arthritis, relevant medications that reduce inflammation and pain should be taken.
There is no such specific diet to follow, so one should consult a dietitian or doctor to discuss the food intake. Anti-inflammatory foods should be included in the diet and foods such as fried and processed foods, salt and preservatives, sugary foods, dairy products, alcohol and tobacco should be strictly avoided. On the other hand, garlic, berries, broccoli, fatty fish, ginger, spinach and other fresh fruits and vegetables can help maintain healthy joints.
Is it good to drink lemon water for arthritis?
Lemon, due to its medicinal properties, has a proven effect on certain health conditions, including arthritis. Ascorbic acid i.e. Vitamin-C and the antioxidants present in it help in fighting inflammation. In addition, it promotes collagen synthesis and tendon repair, maintains the immune system, and most importantly, helps the body get rid of free radicals, a major source of disease.
What should I eat if I have arthritis?
Although foods have no direct effect, they play an important role in reducing the severity of arthritis symptoms. Some of them include fatty fish, garlic, ginger, broccoli, walnuts, berries, spinach, olive oil, grapefruit and tart cherry juice.
Being rich in antioxidants, they help relieve pain with their anti-inflammatory action, while some rich in vitamin D help maintain calcium levels in the body.
