Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, & Prevention

Arthritis is among the most common conditions affecting people all over the world. A striking characteristic is usually the inflammation, stiffness, and pain involving joints. Here we will discuss what arthritis is, common symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, as well as ways to prevent it.

What is Arthritis?

Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the major symptoms of arthritis, which means a joint is affected by this disorder. In the long run, the joint is moving less and causes the quality of life to go lower. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most typical are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. People get arthritis, so to speak, at any age, but it happens mostly in older adults.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on its type, but here are some common symptoms of Arthritis, including:

• Joint Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Decreased Range of Motion
• Fatigue

Common Causes of Arthritis

Some of the most common causes of arthritis are:

• Wear and Tear: The absence of cartilage means that the cushioning over the joint is degraded, resulting in indicators for osteoarthritis.
• Autoimmune Reactions: The immune system attacks healthy joint tissue in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Uric Acid Build-Up: the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.
• Infections
• Genes: Inherited family history may lead to an individual being predisposed to arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

The two main types of arthritis—osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis

The most prevalent type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is caused by deterioration of the cartilage, which is the firm, slippery layer that covers the ends of bones where they unite to form a joint. The ends of the bones are cushioned by cartilage, which permits almost frictionless joint motion. However, if cartilage is sufficiently damaged, bone may grind against bone, causing pain and limited mobility. A joint injury or infection may accelerate this wear and tear, or it may develop over many years.

The connective tissues that hold the joint together and connect muscle to bone deteriorate, and the bones change as a result of osteoarthritis. The lining of a joint may swell and become inflamed if the cartilage is seriously injured.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The lining of the joint capsule, a strong membrane that surrounds every joint component, is attacked by the body’s immune system in rheumatoid arthritis. The synovial membrane, the lining, swells and becomes inflammatory. Eventually, the disease process may cause the joint’s bones and cartilage to be destroyed.

There are also other types of arthritis, including:

Gout

Uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms crystals in the articular cavities, almost always in the big toe; this is how gout manifests.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

This type of arthritis predominantly causes inflammation and pain in the spine, which may lead to chronic pain and stiffness.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This condition associated with psoriasis brings forth joint pains, accompanied by skin symptoms and stiffness and swelling.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis where children below 16 years present symptoms of arthritis pain, stiffness in joints, and tiredness.

Arthritis Risk Factors

There are several arthritis risk factors that can increase the risk of arthritis:

Family History

The condition is inherited so that if one or both parents or a sibling of the person has arthritis, the individual has a high risk of acquiring the condition. Genes, however, play dominant roles in conditions like that of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Age

Most of the arthritides are age-dependent, with increased chances of occurrence as individuals grow older. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are specifically related. 

Your Sex

Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women, while men are more invaded by gout.

Obesity

Increased body weight has additional pressure on the weight-bearing joints, thereby increasing the likelihood of arthritis in the knees, hips, and spine.

Previous Joint Injury

All major injuries to joints, be it sports, accidents, or repetitive stress, indirectly lead to arthritis later on in life. 

Treatment and Management

Most importantly, it is a person-centered approach toward treating arthritis and adjusted according to the individual condition, symptoms, and lifestyle. It usually involves reducing pain, improving joint function, and eventually enhancing the quality of life among patients. Below is the in-depth explication of each treatment option: 

Medications

Medications are usually the first-line treatment for arthritis symptoms. There are different types of medicines depending on the condition and severity of arthritis.

Pain Relievers (Analgesics): Analgesics-Pain relievers are over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and prescription-strength drugs. It neither cures nor covers up the swelling but lessens the pain caused by the joints.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen and naproxen are among those that relieve pain and inflammation and can be used as topical applications.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These are often prescribed for autoimmune arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. They include methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, which change the immune reaction, thus slowing down disease progress.

Biologic Response Modifiers: For more advanced DMARD types, biologics, such as infliximab and etanercept, infuse certain immune pathways in the body that result in inflammation. 

Steroids (Corticosteroids): Such drugs, such as prednisone, palliate the signs of inflammation and slow the deterioration of joints. Steroids are often able to help manage symptoms in patients for short periods.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of the treatment of arthritis. Strengthening those muscles around affected joints, as well as the flexibility and mobility of joints, should be emphasized.

• Customized Exercise Plans.
• Stretching and Range-of-Motion Exercises
• Hydrotherapy

Lifestyle Modifications

You need to make some lifestyle changes to manage arthritis effectively. You have to maintain a healthy weight, which reduces the stress on your joints. Make some changes in your dietary plan. Eat healthy only. Eat antiinflammatory foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. And try to avoid processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats. Do not engage yourself in repetitive stress or poor posture. 

Assistive Devices

We can improve your daily functionality by using some assistive devices, like Braces and Splints. This will help you align your affected joints. Orthotics is also a device that is inserted in the show and helps distribute weight. Canes and Walkers also enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls. 

Surgery

Sometimes even all these means would fail, and then surgery may be forgotten. 

Joint Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty): This is usually performed on knees and hips: that is, when the damaged joint is replaced by artificial ones. 

Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): It is used on smaller joints; for example, using this procedure, a wrist or ankle joint will be fused together permanently to get rid of pain. 

Synovectomy: In rheumatoid arthritis, synovectomy may be an effective treatment because it removes the inflamed membrane around the joint.

Prevention

While arthritis cannot always be avoided, you can take the following measures to reduce and prevent your chances of developing arthritis: 

• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Engage in regular, low-impact exercise, such as swimming or walking. 
• Avoid repetitive stress and have proper posture so that the joints are prevented from repetitive strain.
• Eat a balanced diet rich with omega-3s, antioxidants, and calcium. 
• Manage other medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a condition that can become quite complicated, and sometimes very early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent severe complications. If one knows the various symptoms, causes, and treatments, he can empower himself in taking control of joint health. If you or someone you know is suffering from recurring joint pain or stiffness, it is advisable to get in touch with a health professional for a specific treatment plan. At Dr. Geetanjali Physioworks, personalized care is ensured to lead you toward an active and pain-free life.

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