Arthritis

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Arthritis

Overview

Arthritis is one of the most common forms of pain and inflammation in the joints, which can cause stiffness and immobility. This condition affects millions worldwide and, ranges from slight discomfort to severe disability depending on the type and progression of the disease is considered. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, which results from the wear and tear of the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition that affects the lining of the joints.

 

Types of Arthritis:

The various types of arthritis can be broadly categorized based on the underlying cause:

  1. Degenerative Arthritis: This type, also known as osteoarthritis, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage over time. This wear and tear can be due to ageing, previous injuries, or repetitive stress on the joints.
  2. Inflammatory Arthritis: These types, like rheumatoid arthritis, involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the synovial membrane, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage.
  3. Post-traumatic Arthritis: This type can develop after a joint injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, that damages the joint structure and increases the risk of future degeneration.
  4. Infectious Arthritis: This rare type occurs when a bacterial or viral infection invades the joint, causing inflammation and pain.
  5. Crystal Deposition Arthritis: Certain crystals, like uric acid crystals in gout, can accumulate in the joint, causing sudden and severe pain and inflammation.

Symptoms

  1. The symptoms of arthritis vary with the type of arthritis but include among many:
  2. Sudden pain or tenderness of the joints. The pain is usually accompanied by aching, especially after rest or activity.
  3. Stiffness in particular in the morning. Immobility of the affected joint is experienced particularly in the morning and sometimes when it has been inactive for some time.
  4. Swelling is caused by inflammation of the joint, which makes it appear larger than it should
  5. Redness of the skin around the affected joint. The skin may feel warm to the touch.
  6. Fatigue and generalized malaise are notable in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

When to see a doctor?

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

  1. Joint pain that lasts for more than weeks.
  2. Swelling or stiffness of the joint that will make movement or use impossible.
  3. Difficulty in performing basic activities due to joint pain or stiffness.
  4. There is no improvement in your condition with over-the-counter pain medications, or you are suffering from some side effects.
  5. If you experience unusual joint deformities or chronic fatigue in multiple joints.

Early treatment by an orthopaedic doctor could help control the condition and prevent more damage to the joints.

Causes

Arthritis arises for different reasons according to the type. The main causes are:

  1. Wear and tear: Osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual degeneration of joint cartilage due to repeated use or ageing.
  2. Autoimmune diseases: In the condition of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues in the joints.
  3. Infection: Some types of bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation in the joints.
  4. Genetics: If there is a family history of arthritis, then the risk of developing the condition increases.
  5. Injury: Past injuries to a joint can cause arthritis even after years have passed.

To initiate the appropriate treatment for the condition of arthritis, understanding the causative factor behind the condition is very essential.

Risk Factors

Many factors increase one’s risk of getting arthritis:

 

  1. Age: Most types of arthritis bring greater risks with advancement in years.
  2. Gender: Women are more likely to be affected by rheumatoid arthritis whereas the risk of gout is found more prevalent among males.
  3. Family history: A genetic predisposition may elevate your chances of suffering from certain types of arthritis.
  4. Joint injuries: One may also become prone to arthritis after he suffers some joint injuries during sports or accidents.
  5. Overweight: Extra pounds put added pressure on the joints, particularly on the knees, hips, and spine, placing susceptibility to onset arthritis.
  6. Occupation: Some employment tasks are given to cause wear and tear on the joints due to excessive movement and heavy lifting.

Managing the aforementioned risk factors in any way possible improves one’s opportunity of avoiding or delaying the development of arthritis.

Prevention

While some forms of arthritis cannot be prevented as they are genetic, there are several ways to reduce or slow the progression of osteoarthritis, including:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight: This is an easy way to help reduce joint strain on areas like the knees, and can altogether prevent arthritis.
  2. Staying physically active keeps muscles surrounding the joints strengthened, which makes the joints move much more steadily and become more mobile.
  3. Avoid repetitive motions. Refrain from practising high-impact activities that can gradually wear away the cartilage in the joints.
  4. One’s diet should be healthy with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and antioxidants for the overall health of the joints.
  5. One should lift or perform using proper techniques so that he does not injure the joint.
  6. Getting early medical care if there is pain in the joints avoids the progression of arthritis.

 

By following these preventive measures, one can maintain better joint health and reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis.